Description
A creamy, tangy chicken salad packed with dill pickle flavor and fresh herbs. Quick to prepare, protein-rich, and perfect for sandwiches, bowls, or meal prep throughout the week. A chickpea option makes it easy to enjoy as a vegetarian version as well.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), or 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
(Vegetarian option: 2 cups mashed chickpeas)
1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
¼ cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
2 celery stalks, finely diced
¼ cup minced red onion or green onion
⅓ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
½ teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook and shred the chicken
If using raw chicken breasts, butterfly each breast by slicing horizontally through the middle and separating into two thinner pieces.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add about 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the chicken and cook gently for 7–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the center is no longer pink.
Remove the chicken from the water and let it rest for 5 minutes. Shred into bite-sized pieces using your fingers or two forks. -
Prepare the vegetables
While the chicken cooks, chop the pickles, celery, onion, and fresh dill. -
Mix the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. -
Assemble the salad
Add the shredded chicken (or mashed chickpeas), chopped pickles, relish (if using), celery, onion, and fresh dill to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. -
Chill and serve
For best flavor, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Using both fresh and dried dill creates a deeper, more classic pickle flavor.
- Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly and saves time.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts just before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt or increase the mayonnaise slightly.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min