Name: Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2/3 cup diced dill pickles; 1/4 cup minced red onion; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried chives; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; Croissants, toast, or crackers

I absolutely love sharing this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe because it combines so many flavors and textures that just sing together. Whenever I need a quick, satisfying meal that feels homemade but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen, this is my go-to. The tangy dill pickles mixed with creamy Greek yogurt and mayo, plus the subtle onion crunch and fresh herbs, make every bite a delight. It’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or even on its own as a light lunch that leaves you feeling nourished and happy.

Why You'll Love This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

What really drew me to this chicken salad is the fantastic flavor balance. The dill pickles bring a bright tanginess that cuts through the creaminess of the Greek yogurt and mayo, giving it a lively zip that I just can’t get enough of. Adding sweet pickle relish and a hint of Dijon mustard layers in subtle sweetness and a little heat, while the dried dill and chives echo the flavors of the pickles perfectly. It’s got that unique savory punch that makes it stand out from your regular chicken salad options.

On top of flavor, I love how quick and simple it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients that I usually have on hand, it comes together in about 10 minutes. That means I can whip it up on busy weekdays or when I need a last-minute crowd-pleaser. I especially appreciate how versatile it is — it makes a fantastic sandwich filling, a cracker topper for parties, or a fresh salad served chilled on a hot day.

Ultimately, this recipe shines because it’s not just easy and tasty; it satisfies cravings and feels like a little culinary treat. Whenever I serve it, friends and family always want to know my secret. It’s that perfect blend of familiar comfort food and bold flavor excitement that sets this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe apart in my recipe collection.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of a spoonful of creamy chicken salad held above a white square bowl. The salad consists of shredded white chicken mixed with small pieces of purple-red onion, bits of green celery, and fresh green dill herbs, all coated in a thick, creamy dressing speckled with black pepper. In the background, the bowl is filled with more of the chicken salad and topped with several round light green pickle slices. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a key role in creating the delicious final dish. The shredded chicken provides hearty protein, while the dill pickles add crunch and zest. The combination of Greek yogurt and mayo gives just the right amount of creamy texture without feeling too heavy. Fresh herbs and spices round everything out with layers of flavor and color that really bring the salad to life.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Shredded cooked chicken: The main protein, I prefer using tender, white meat for a light texture.
Diced dill pickles: Add tangy crunch that makes this salad really stand out.
Minced red onion: For a subtle sharpness and color contrast.
Plain Greek yogurt: A healthier creamy base that adds smoothness without heaviness.
Mayo: Balances the yogurt with richness for the perfect creamy consistency.
Sweet pickle relish: Brings a touch of sweetness and additional pickle flavor.
Fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of green color to brighten the dish.
Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a subtle bite to elevate the flavor.
Dried chives: Bring an oniony note without overpowering the mix.
Dried dill: Enhances the dill flavor to tie all the ingredients together.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of shredded cooked chicken with ⅔ cup of diced dill pickles and ¼ cup minced red onion. Mix gently so the ingredients start to blend but the chicken remains fluffy.

Step 2: In a small separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayo, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried chives, and ½ teaspoon dried dill until smooth and well combined. This dressing is the flavor powerhouse for your salad.

Step 3: Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color. Stir everything thoroughly but gently, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated without turning mushy.

Step 4: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. I sometimes add a bit more dill or relish for extra punch, depending on my mood. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve chilled with croissants, toast, or crackers for a delightful meal or snack. It’s also delicious as a filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed tomatoes if you want a lighter option.

Servings and Timing

This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe makes approximately 4 servings, perfect for a small family meal or a gathering with friends. Prep time is just 10 minutes since it uses pre-cooked chicken, which means you can get it on the table super fast. There’s no actual cooking involved, so the cook time is zero, but I recommend chilling the salad for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors come together beautifully. The total time from start to serving is just about 25 minutes, brilliant when you want something tasty and fuss-free.

How to Serve This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

A flaky, golden-brown croissant is sliced open and filled with a creamy chicken salad that spills out slightly from the bottom. The salad is a mix of white shredded chicken, chopped red onions, light green celery pieces, and small chunks of yellow pineapple, all coated in a rich white mayonnaise dressing with specks of black pepper on top. A small green herb sprig, likely dill, rests on the salad, adding a fresh touch. The sandwich sits on a smooth, white plate that contrasts with the dark black serving dish beneath, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this chicken salad in all kinds of creative ways. One of my favorite methods is making a hearty sandwich on buttery croissants — the flaky, rich bread pairs perfectly with the tangy, creamy salad. Alternatively, spooning it onto crisp toast or crackers offers a light appetizer that never fails to impress guests. I often garnish the top with a few fresh parsley sprigs or a light sprinkle of extra dill to make it look as fresh as it tastes.

To complement the flavors, I like simple side dishes such as a fresh green salad, crunchy veggie sticks, or even a bowl of tomato soup. If I'm serving it at a summer picnic or party, chilled cucumber slices and sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc are my go-to drink pairings. For weeknight dinners, a glass of iced tea or lemonade feels just right and keeps the meal refreshing.

Serving temperature is key — I find that this salad shines best straight from the fridge, where the coolness highlights the sharpness of the pickles and freshness of the herbs. Portion-wise, it’s filling but light, so a generous scoop per person with some crunchy sides makes for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer something a little lighter or want to reduce dairy, swapping the mayo for extra Greek yogurt works beautifully and keeps the creaminess intact. For those who want a bit more zing, a splash of pickle juice or a finely chopped jalapeño can add a delightful kick.

If you’re cooking for friends with dietary needs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by replacing the chicken with chickpeas and using vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives. For me, experimenting with different herbs like tarragon or dill weed instead of dried dill sometimes creates a fun twist on the classic.

I’ve also tried baking the chicken fresh and shredding it myself, which adds a nice juicy texture. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut too. For a different cooking method, lightly warming the final salad before serving creates a comforting take, especially good in colder months.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness. A glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight seal works best. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. I make sure to keep it chilled and sealed tightly to prevent any odors from seeping in and to preserve the texture of the pickles and herbs.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken salad isn’t my first choice because the pickles and yogurt don’t always freeze well, often altering texture and flavor after thawing. However, if you want to freeze, I recommend storing the chicken separately from the dressing. Freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months and keep the dressing refrigerated. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before mixing with fresh dressing for best results.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you do want to warm it slightly, I suggest removing the pickles and herbs before gently heating the chicken and dressing mixture in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add the fresh ingredients back after warming. Avoid high heat as it can cause the yogurt to separate and the pickles to lose crunch.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred the meat and it’s ready to mix with the other ingredients.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. I make a batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. Just keep it in the fridge and stir gently before serving.

Can I substitute regular pickles for dill pickles?

You can, but the flavor will be noticeably sweeter and less tangy. I recommend sticking with dill pickles or a mix of dill and sweet relish for the best balance.

What can I serve with this chicken salad for a complete meal?

It pairs wonderfully with fresh greens, crusty bread, or even simple vegetable sides like carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes for a fresh, balanced meal.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the chicken for mashed chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free yogurt alternatives. The pickles and spices remain the same, so you still get great flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that’s bursting with tangy, creamy goodness, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, easy enough for a weekday but special enough to impress. Trust me, once you give it a go, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!