Calling all pickle lovers, this is the chicken salad recipe for you! Our easy and delicious Dill Pickle Chicken Salad comes together so quickly in one bowl. It tastes like dill pickles, which are briny and salty, and has a crunchy texture and flavor from the finely chopped celery and red onion. This is a great way to make high-protein chicken salad for lunches ahead of time, and you’ll want to make it again and again.
You’re not the only one who has stood in front of their fridge, half-made chicken salad, wondering which jar of pickles to grab. I’ve spent years trying out different kinds of pickles because I’m crazy about making the best chicken salad recipes. Today, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about picking the best pickles for your chicken salad.
The Pickle Predicament: Sweet vs. Dill Debate
Forget the long story. There are two main types of pickles that go well with chicken salad: sweet pickles and dill pickles. Both have die-hard fans, and they can make your chicken salad sing in very different ways.
Sweet Pickle Options
Sweet pickles add a pleasant contrast to the savory chicken and creamy mayo base. They’re particularly good if you prefer a chicken salad that leans slightly toward the sweeter side.
- Sweet pickle relish – Pre-chopped for convenience
- Bread and butter pickles – Offer sweetness with mild spices
- Sweet gherkins – Smaller, crunchier option
Sweet pickles work exceptionally well if your chicken salad includes other sweet elements like grapes or apples
Dill Pickle Options
Dill pickles bring a tangy, savory kick that many chicken salad lovers can’t live without. They cut through the richness of mayo and add a bright note that keeps each bite interesting.
- Classic dill pickles – The standard tangy option
- Garlic dill pickles – Extra flavor dimension
- Baby dills – Tender texture, milder flavor
The dill pickle camp has grown substantially in recent years with recipes like “Dill Pickle Chicken Salad” becoming increasingly popular.
Beyond Basic Pickles: Other Options to Consider
While sweet and dill pickles dominate the chicken salad world, don’t be afraid to think outside the jar:
- Cornichons – Tiny French pickles with a sophisticated tang
- Half-sour pickles – Less vinegary, more cucumber-like
- Pickle juice – Yes, just the juice! A splash can brighten the dressing
I once tried using spicy pickles in my chicken salad and nearly blew my husband’s head off – lesson learned about moderation with specialty pickles!
The Perfect Preparation Method
How you prepare your pickles matters almost as much as which type you choose:
Dice Size Matters
For the best texture and flavor distribution, aim for a fine to medium dice. This ensures you get pickle flavor in each bite without overwhelming chunks.
Pro Tip: For relish-like consistency without buying relish, pulse whole pickles in a food processor with short pulses. Don't over-process into mush!Draining is Essential
Pickles should always be well drained before being added to chicken salad. It’s not good for the taste if you add too much pickle juice to your salad. After letting them drain, I like to pat them dry with paper towels.
Quantity Guidelines: Finding the Right Balance
Even the perfect pickle can ruin chicken salad if used incorrectly. Here’s a good starting point:
| Amount of Chicken | Recommended Pickle Amount |
|---|---|
| 2 cups chicken | 1/4 cup diced pickles/relish |
| 4 cups chicken | 1/2 cup diced pickles/relish |
| 6 cups chicken | 3/4 cup diced pickles/relish |
Remember, these are just guidelines! Adjust to your personal preference. I usually start with a bit less and add more after tasting.
Popular Chicken Salad & Pickle Combinations
Classic Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
This recipe has gained huge popularity in recent years. The tangy dill pickles complement chicken perfectly.
Key ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Finely diced dill pickles
- Pickle juice (just a splash!)
- Celery for crunch
- Red onion for bite
- Fresh or dried dill
Southern-Style Sweet Pickle Chicken Salad
This traditional version relies on the sweetness of pickle relish to balance the savory elements.
Key ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet pickle relish
- Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
- Celery
- Red onion
Common Pickle Problems & Solutions
Problem: My chicken salad is too sweet from the pickles
Solution: Add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of dijon mustard to balance
Problem: The pickle flavor is overwhelming
Solution: To thin it out, add more chicken or mayo, or mix in more neutral things like celery.
Problem: The pickles made my salad watery
Solution: Next time, drain pickles thoroughly and pat dry before adding
Alternatives for Pickle Haters
Not everyone loves pickles (shocking, I know). If you’re looking for that tangy element without using pickles, try:
- Capers – Smaller burst of brininess
- Green olives – Different but still adds that salty bite
- Lemon juice – Just a touch for brightness
- Vinegar – A very small amount can add tang
Storing Chicken Salad with Pickles
Chicken salad with pickles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pickle flavor will intensify slightly over time, which most pickle lovers appreciate!
Freezing chicken salad with pickles is NOT recommended – the mayo will separate and the pickles will lose their crunch.
What the Experts Say
According to recipe developers at The Real Food Dietitians, “Dill pickles add a briny salty flavor and great crunch to chicken salad.” This is particularly true when combined with fresh dill herb.
Chef Robyn Stone of Add a Pinch notes in her pickle chicken salad recipe that pickles provide “such a nice tang” to chicken salad, making it a refreshing meal option.
My Personal Pickle Philosophy
After years of experimentation, I’ve settled on a hybrid approach. I use about 2 tablespoons of finely diced dill pickles PLUS 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish in my standard chicken salad recipe. The combination gives me both the tang I crave and a hint of sweetness that rounds everything out.
But here’s the most important thing I’ve learned: there’s no “correct” pickle for chicken salad. The best pickle is the one YOU enjoy most.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re team dill, team sweet, or somewhere in between, adding pickles to chicken salad creates that perfect balance of flavors that makes this dish so beloved. Experiment, taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to mix things up!
Not sure what to serve with your pickle-perfect chicken salad? Check out my post on “The 10 Best Sides for Chicken Salad” coming next week!
3 Ways To Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Here are some of our favorite ways to serving this chicken salad:
- As a chicken salad sandwich on sourdough bread, a croissant, or a tortilla with thinly sliced radishes, microgreens, alfalfa sprouts, and a squeeze of lemon.
- To make a low-carb chicken salad, put it on top of fresh spinach, arugula, or other crunchy lettuce greens.
- If you want to dip crackers or vegetables like cucumber slices or mini sweet pepper halves,
The Best Chicken Salad With Pickles
Chicken salad is a great way to use up cooked chicken that you don’t want to throw away. It’s also a tasty and healthy meal. In case you haven’t noticed, we eat a lot of chicken salad around here (have you tried our Curry Chicken Salad, Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, or our Mandarin Chicken Salad yet)? We love a satisfying high-protein lunch and know you do too. This chicken salad is special because it features the dill pickle flavors that so many love. If you want to know more about the interesting history of dill pickles, read on. Did you know that Cleopatra used them to keep herself looking beautiful?
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
FAQ
What kind of pickles do you put on a chicken sandwich?
Pointedly low-fuss and remarkably moist, this recipe gets its verve from pickles used two ways: Dill pickle brine seasons and moistens the chicken from the inside-out, while chopped pickles add zip to the coleslaw.
Can you put pickle in chicken salad?
Easy ingredients that pack a big flavor punch make this chicken salad so satisfying! Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare it: cooked chopped or shredded chicken (rotisserie makes it fast!) dill pickles.
Does chicken salad chick have pickles?
Our signature meals provide a perfect meal and include a pickle & cookie on every plate.
What kind of pickle juice do you use for chicken?
It’s important that you use the juice from a jar of dill pickles. Other pickle varieties, like bread & butter, is just too sweet with a much different flavor profile than dill pickles. Red Pepper Flakes: You can add these if you want to make the marinade the right amount of spicy.