This chicken salad is a fun twist with crunchy dill pickles mixed in. It’s creamy, tangy, and super easy to make, perfect for lunch or a picnic!
I love how the dill pickles give it a tasty crunch. You might even find me sneaking extras straight from the jar! Just serve it on bread or crackers for a quick bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped chicken is the base of this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or shredded tofu instead!
Mayonnaise: Traditional for creaminess, but if you’re watching calories, light mayo or avocado can be great substitutes. For a vegan option, use vegan mayo or hummus.
Greek Yogurt: This adds tanginess and creaminess. If you’re not a fan or need a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or omit it altogether.
Dill Pickles: The star of the show! If you don’t have dill pickles, sweet pickles or even relish can work. You could also try adding sliced cucumbers for a fresh crunch.
Red Onion: Adds a nice bite. For a milder taste, soak the chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Flavorful?
The key to a delicious chicken salad is balancing flavor and texture. Mix well and taste before serving. Here’s how:
- Start by combining all ingredients in a large bowl. This helps flavor blend together.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step; letting it chill for 30 minutes really enhances taste.
- When seasoning, start with a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust based on your taste. Remember, you can always add more!
How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for tanginess)
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich rolls or sliders (brioche or your choice)
- Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before you can enjoy your tasty sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Chicken Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it for extra tang), chopped dill pickles, finely chopped red onion, fresh dill, and Dijon mustard. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t forget to taste it and add some salt and pepper according to your preference!
2. Chilling the Mixture:
Once your chicken salad mixture is mixed well, cover the bowl with some plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely, making each bite tasty and refreshing.
3. Assembling the Sandwiches:
When you’re ready to eat, take the sandwich rolls and slice them in half. If you like, place a layer of lettuce leaves on the bottom half of each roll to add some crunch. Now, spoon a generous amount of the dill pickle chicken salad over the lettuce. If you love pickles, you can add extra slices on top of the salad for more flavor! Finally, cap it off with the top half of the roll. Enjoy your deliciously crafted sandwiches right away, or store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Happy eating!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and can save you time. Just shred or chop the meat as you would with freshly cooked chicken. No need for fancy seasonings since rotisserie chicken is already flavorful!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to create a lighter version of the salad. Just keep in mind that it will give the salad a slightly tangier flavor. If you’re not a fan of tang, you can reduce its amount or mix it with a bit of mayonnaise for balance.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad Sandwiches?
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve already assembled the sandwiches, it’s best to store the filling separately from the rolls to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting soggy!
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add other chopped vegetables like celery or bell peppers for extra crunch. Just make sure to keep the ratios balanced to maintain the overall flavor. You can get creative with herbs too—parsley or chives could be delightful additions!
