Calling all pickle lovers! This high protein dill pickle chicken salad recipe was made for you! A combination of tender chicken, crunchy pickles, and a delicious savory dressing make this meal-prep lunch one you’ll come back to again and again.

dill pickle chicken salad sandwiches stacked next to a jar of pickles

More times than I’d like to admit, it feels like lunch just sneaks up on me. Every day. Like, “who could have predicted that AGAIN I’d have to come up with a lunch idea!?”

Ugh. That’s where easy lunches like this delicious dill pickle chicken salad recipe come in. There’s SO much to love about this easy chicken salad recipe, from a simple ingredient list, to quick prep, to the fact that it easily keeps in the fridge for a few days. (Meal prep lunch for the win!)

It’s a GREAT recipe for pickle lovers like me, or when you need a little change of pace from egg salad or your classic chicken salad recipe. Here’s all you need to get started…

ingredients for dill pickle chicken salad

Simple Ingredients To Start

Chicken. I usually make this chicken salad with rotisserie chicken breast for ease, but feel free to use a mix of white & dark meat, poached chicken, roasted chicken, or chicken thighs instead.
Dill Pickles. Use pickles you’re happy eating!I love crunchy dill pickles here. Feel free to use spicy dill pickles for some zing, or a mix of dill and bread and butter pickles, if you prefer. (I find all bread and butter or sweet pickles to be too sweet.)
Plain Greek Yogurt (or Not!). For extra protein, I like using a mix of low-fat plain greek yogurt (like 2% Fage or chobani) and mayonnaise. But, if you’re dairy-free, paleo, or Whole30, you can just use additional mayo here!
Mayo. Then, you’ll use some mayonnaise. Use paleo/whole30 approved mayo (like Primal Kitchen), as needed!
Dill Pickle Juice. Then, you’ll need some pickle brine–the tangy pickle juice that comes in the pickle jar–as our secret ingredient! It mimics the brightness that fresh lemon juice adds to classic chicken salad, while adding more of that delicious dill pickle flavor.
Green Onion or Red Onion. For milder onion flavor (my preference), you’ll use sliced green onions. For a sharper onion flavor, feel free to use diced red onions instead!
Dill. I love using fresh dill for vibrance and flavor, but dried dill will also work here in a pinch!
Garlic Powder. A little garlic powder is a must to add some savory flavor!
Salt & Black Pepper. Simple, but they really tie this pickle chicken salad recipe together! If it seems like something is missing, you likely just need some extra seasoning.

How To Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad, Step By Step

As always, you can find the full recipe with ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and tips in the recipe card below.

making dill pickle chicken salad, step by step

Prep. If you haven’t already, shred the chicken, dice the pickles, and slice the green onion.
Combine. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced pickles, Greek yogurt, mayo, 2 Tablespoons pickle juice, the green onion, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir with a fork until well blended and evenly combined.
Taste & Adjust. Before serving, taste and add extra pickle juice, salt, pepper, onion, or dill to taste.
Serve & Store. Enjoy right away on lettuce leaves, in sandwiches, or served with crackers, bell pepper slices, or cucumber slices. Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge 3-4 days. (This salad doesn’t freeze well.)

pickle chicken salad sandwiches next to dill pickle chips

Serving Ideas To Try

Another thing to love about this easy dill pickle chicken salad recipe is that there are so many ways to serve it besides just on bread! Here are a few different ways to try:

In Sandwiches. Obviously, we’re starting here. Serve this chicken salad between two slices of your favorite bread. Add a lettuce leaf, a few extra pickle slices, and maybe a tomato slice or two, if you like!
In Lettuce Cups. My go-to! To keep this lower carb, feel free to spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves to make chicken salad lettuce wraps.
With Veggies. Cucumber slices, bell peppers, and jicama slices can all be delicious serving vessels for pickle chicken salad! A great option for some extra crunch!
On Croissants. We love Schar gluten-free croissants!
In Wraps. Swap the bread for a tortilla, gluten-free wrap, or low carb wrap! Whichever suits your needs.
On a Bed of Greens. Spoon this chicken salad over lettuce to make a quick salad. No extra dressing necessary!
With Crackers. Or, scoop this dill chicken salad up onto your favorite crackers. We love Simple Mills gluten-free pita crackers, or Schar Table Crackers (gluten-free Saltines) or Entertainment crackers (like gluten-free Ritz), but all kinds of crackers work here!

FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Pickle Chicken Salad

Need Some Chicken? If you don’t have rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken on hand, you can poach chicken, or make Instant Pot shredded chicken. Both work great in this healthy dill pickle chicken salad!

Extra Mix-Ins. Feel free to add 1 stalk finely diced celery for extra crunch, or swap the green onion for 1/4 cup finely minced red onion. Feel free to add a dollop of dijon mustard or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce for a little umami! They’re all wonderful additions, if you want some variety.

Paleo & Whole30 Notes. If you’re dairy-free or eating Paleo or Whole30, you can swap the yogurt for more mayonnaise. Use paleo/Whole30 mayo (like Primal Kitchen!) as needed!

Recipe Card

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