Name: Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken; 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 1 ½ cups chopped dill pickles; ¼ cup chopped scallions; 1 tablespoon sweet relish; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; Croissants or bread

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a lunch that’s bursting with flavor and has just the right amount of tang, you’re going to love this Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and tangy pickles, all wrapped up in a creamy, slightly zesty dressing that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, serving it at a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to a flavorful sandwich, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with nine small white and clear bowls arranged in a loose circle. At the top center is a large clear bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken, light brown with some darker seasoning bits. To its right is a small clear bowl containing chopped hard-boiled eggs with yellow yolks and white edges. Below that is a small white bowl filled with chopped green celery. To the left of the celery is another small clear bowl with chopped green onions. Below the chopped onions is a tiny white square dish with green relish in a yellowish liquid. To the left is a small white square dish with light tan seasoning powder. Above it is a small white bowl with pale yellow mayonnaise. Above that is a small white bowl with creamy white sour cream. In the center of the circle, a medium-sized clear bowl holds sliced green pickles. The arrangement is neat and colorful, all displayed on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe truly shine are its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—adding creaminess, crunch, tang, or freshness to elevate the entire dish into something truly special.

2 cups shredded chicken: Tender and juicy, it forms the hearty base of the salad.
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped: Adds rich creaminess and a subtle savory flavor.
1 cup finely chopped celery: Brings a crisp, refreshing crunch to every bite.
1 ½ cups chopped dill pickles: The star ingredient, infusing the salad with a zesty, tangy punch.
¼ cup chopped scallions: Lends a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
1 tablespoon sweet relish: Offers a hint of sweetness to balance the tang.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Enhances the herbal freshness and complements the pickles beautifully.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory depth without overpowering.
½ cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, luscious texture that binds everything together.
¼ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and silkiness for a perfectly smooth dressing.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness to brighten the flavors.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to lift all the flavors.
Croissants and bread for serving: Soft or crusty options to turn this salad into a satisfying sandwich or open-faced treat.

How to Make Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Chicken and Veggies

Start by tossing together the shredded chicken, chopped hard boiled eggs, finely chopped celery, dill pickles, and scallions in a large mixing bowl. This mixture builds the hearty, crunchy base of your salad—each component adding its own texture and flavor dimension.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, blend the sweet relish, fresh dill, garlic powder, mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This creamy dressing will tie all those fresh ingredients together with a perfect balance of tanginess, creaminess, and subtle spice.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Pour the freshly made dressing over the chicken and veggie mix. Then, gently toss everything to coat each morsel evenly. Make sure not to over-mix; you want the textures distinct but harmoniously combined.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This resting period lets the pickles and dressing meld beautifully with the chicken and other ingredients.

Step 5: Time to Serve

Load your Pickle Chicken Salad onto buttery croissants or thick slices of bread. The soft, slightly sweet bread contrasts wonderfully with the tangy, savory filling—creating a sandwich experience that is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains five separate layers of ingredients arranged side by side: shredded light brown chicken with some seasoning on the bottom right, bright green chopped celery above the chicken, chopped bright green onions on the bottom left, sliced green pickles with a yellowish tint on the middle left, and chopped hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks and white pieces on the top left. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe even more inviting, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a few rings of scallion on top. A few dill pickle slices on the side can add a nice visual touch and a crunch you’ll love.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad, kettle-cooked chips, or crunchy pickles for those who want an extra tangy kick. A simple fruit salad or coleslaw can also complement the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Serve this Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe inside crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option or on toasted baguette slices as dainty open-faced sandwiches at your next gathering. It also works great rolled into wraps or stuffed into pita pockets for a handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pickle Chicken Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers even more delicious, but be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing

Because of the mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture of the dressing can separate and become watery once thawed, which may affect the salad’s delightful creaminess.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, allow it to sit out for about 15 minutes after fridge time to take the chill off before serving, but avoid warming it in the microwave or oven to preserve the fresh textures.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut and adds great flavor. Just shred it finely so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

What kind of pickles should I use?

Dill pickles are the classic choice here—they provide that signature tang and crunch that define this salad. Avoid sweet pickles unless you prefer a sweeter taste profile.

Is there a way to make this salad healthier?

You can swap out half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which keeps it creamy and adds a boost of protein and probiotics.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, omit the chicken and eggs and add more crunchy veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers. Using vegan mayo and sour cream alternatives will convert it to vegan-friendly.

What bread works best for serving?

Soft croissants add a buttery touch that pairs beautifully with the tangy salad, but hearty breads like sourdough or whole wheat make for satisfying sandwiches with extra texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, full of flavor, and surprisingly fresh. It’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a quick but impressive meal. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to for lunches, picnics, and casual dinners. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!