Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe with 20g Protein Bliss

Oh my gosh, you have to try this Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad! I stumbled onto this combo completely by accident last summer when I was desperately rummaging through my fridge for lunch ideas. There was leftover rotisserie chicken, half a jar of pickles staring at me, and – bam! – inspiration struck. The first bite was pure magic – that perfect tang from the pickles mixed with the creamy dressing and all that wonderful crunch from the celery and onions. Now it’s my go-to for picnics, quick lunches, and those “I need something satisfying NOW” moments. Trust me, once you taste that pickle-y goodness mixed with tender chicken, you’ll be hooked just like I was!

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new obsession:

• Crazy easy – Throw it together in 10 minutes flat (perfect for when hunger strikes NOW)
• That addictive crunch – Every bite has that satisfying snap from pickles and celery
• Protein powerhouse – Packed with 20g protein per serving to keep you full for hours
• Meal prep dream – Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld in the fridge
• Customizable tang – Add more pickles if you’re a brine lover like me (no judgment!)

Honestly, I make a double batch every Sunday – it disappears faster than I can say “pass the pickles!”

Ingredients for Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this addictive salad – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have! The magic is in how these basic ingredients come together:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great here – saves so much time!)
• 1/2 cup diced dill pickles (about 3 medium pickles – don’t drain all the juice!)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I use full-fat for creaminess, but light works too)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat adds tang without heaviness)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (trust me, it makes all the difference)
• 1/4 cup each diced celery and red onion (for that perfect crunch)
• 1/2 tsp each garlic and onion powder (the flavor boosters)
• 1/4 tsp each salt and black pepper (adjust to your taste)

Quick tip: If you’re out of Greek yogurt, sour cream works beautifully too. And for pickle lovers like me – go ahead and add extra pickles! I won’t tell.

How to Make Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Making this Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating it every day. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the most addictive chicken salad ready in no time.

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

First things first – grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your shredded chicken, diced pickles (with a splash of that glorious pickle juice!), celery, and red onion. The key here is to get everything evenly mixed so every bite has that perfect balance of tender chicken and crunchy veggies. I like to use my hands for this part – it’s messy but so satisfying!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Now for the magic sauce! In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Don’t skip the mustard – it gives that extra tang that makes this salad sing! The consistency should be thick but pourable – add a teaspoon of pickle juice if it needs loosening up.

Step 3: Mix and Chill

Here’s where patience comes in (the hardest part for me!). Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until every bit is coated. Now, cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I know, waiting is tough, but trust me – this chill time lets all those flavors get cozy and intensifies that amazing pickle tang. Sometimes I make it the night before because it’s even better the next day!

Pro tip: Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute all those delicious juices. Then dig in – you’ve earned it!

Tips for Perfect Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Want to take your chicken salad game to the next level? Here are my hard-earned secrets:

• Cold chicken only! Room temp chicken makes the dressing too runny – I chill mine overnight
• Pickle power: Taste your pickles first! If they’re extra tangy, go easy on the Dijon
• Crunch boost: Toss in 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for bonus texture
• Dice small: Chop everything bite-sized so you get all flavors in every forkful
• Salt smart: Wait to add final salt until after chilling – pickles bring plenty already

My biggest tip? Make extra – this stuff disappears fast once the pickle lovers in your life get a taste!

Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Oh, the possibilities! This Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is crazy versatile – here’s how I love to serve it:

• Classic sandwich: Piled high on toasted sourdough with crisp lettuce (my weekday go-to)
• Lettuce wraps: Butter lettuce cups for a crunchy, low-carb option
• Cracker stacks: Perfect for parties – top whole grain crackers with a dollop
• Stuffed tomatoes: Hollow out beefsteaks and fill ’em up for a pretty lunch
• Straight from the bowl: No shame in my game – sometimes I just grab a fork!

Pro tip: For picnics, pack the salad separately and assemble on-site to keep bread from getting soggy. Happy munching!

Storing and Reheating Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Here’s the beautiful thing about this chicken salad – it gets better as it sits! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh and crunchy for 3-4 days. No reheating needed – I actually think it tastes best cold straight from the fridge. The flavors just keep getting happier together!

Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Variations

Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m feeling creative:

• Turkey twist: Swap chicken for leftover Thanksgiving turkey – so good with cranberries added!
• Vegan version: Use chickpeas instead of chicken and vegan mayo – still crazy crunchy
• Herb explosion: Toss in fresh dill or parsley for a garden-fresh punch
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you like heat
• Greek style: Swap yogurt for tzatziki and add kalamata olives (trust me on this!)

The best part? Every variation keeps that signature pickle crunch we all love. Go wild – I want to hear what you create! You can always share your creations on Pinterest!

Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Nutrition

Here’s the nutritional scoop per serving (about 1/2 cup) – but remember, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients. My version clocks in at roughly 220 calories with 20g protein, 6g carbs, and 12g fat. Not bad for something this deliciously addictive! Always check your specific brands for the most accurate counts, especially if you tweak the recipe like I often do.

FAQs About Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?
Oh honey, that’s a hard no from me! Sweet pickles will give you a totally different (and honestly, kinda weird) flavor profile. Stick with dill for that perfect tangy crunch. That said, if you’re feeling adventurous, try half dill and half bread-and-butter pickles – but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh and crunchy for 3-4 days max in an airtight container. The pickles start losing their snap after that, and nobody wants soggy chicken salad. Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until the day you eat it for maximum crunch. For more meal prep ideas, check out our general blog!

Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Bless your heart for thinking ahead, but freezing turns the texture all wrong. The mayo separates and the veggies get mushy – trust me, I’ve made this mistake so you don’t have to! It’s so quick to make fresh, just whip up a new batch when the craving hits. If you are looking for recipes that freeze well, perhaps try our cabbage salad for winter!

Try this recipe and share your twist in the comments! For visual inspiration on how to store and present these creations, feel free to follow our Pinterest page.

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