These Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwiches are a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy pickles, and creamy dressing. Each bite is like a flavor party! 🎉
I love how quick and easy this recipe is to whip up. Perfect for lunch or a picnic, just scoop it onto your favorite bread, and you’re ready to enjoy! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Leftover grilled or baked chicken also works well. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try chickpeas or shredded tofu instead!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the salad. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute it with a mix of Greek yogurt and mustard. You could also use avocado for a creamy feel.
Greek Yogurt: This is optional, but it adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess. If you want to skip it, you can increase the mayo or use more mustard for flavor. Plant-based yogurt can be a great alternative too.
Dill Pickles: Dill pickles are essential for that punchy flavor. If you’re out of dill pickles, sweet pickles can be used, but they will change the overall taste. Also, consider using relishes or even pickled jalapeños for a kick!
Dijon Mustard: This provides a nice tang. Yellow mustard can be used instead if that’s what you have, but Dijon adds a special depth. If you’re in a pinch, a little bit of vinegar can replace it.
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor Blend in My Chicken Salad?
To make a flavorful chicken salad, it’s key to mix the ingredients evenly. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Start by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl. It helps to add the mayo and yogurt first before gradually incorporating the other ingredients.
- Use a spatula to gently fold the chicken into the mixture. This keeps the chicken pieces intact.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking! It’s important to let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together.
Feel free to tweak the seasoning and add more dill or mustard according to your taste. Enjoy making it your own!
How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or rolls
- Extra dill pickles for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have flavorful dill pickle chicken salad sandwiches ready to enjoy! Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Chicken Salad:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the shredded or diced chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), finely chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, and red onion. Add in the Dijon mustard and dried dill. Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure all the chicken is coated with the creamy mixture!
2. Seasoning and Refrigerating:
Once everything is mixed, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Give it another quick stir. Now, cover your chicken salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend together, making it even more delicious!
3. Assembling the Sandwiches:
After the chicken salad has chilled, it’s time to make the sandwiches! If you like, lightly toast your sandwich buns for a bit of crunch. Then, take the bottom half of each bun and scoop a generous portion of your dill pickle chicken salad onto it—don’t be shy! For an extra tasty touch, you can add some sliced dill pickles on top. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich. They are now ready to serve! Enjoy your delightful, crunchy, and creamy sandwiches or store them in the refrigerator for later. Yum!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad. Just shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. It adds a great flavor and saves you time!
How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?
To lighten up the salad, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt or use a lighter version of either. Additionally, adding more chopped veggies like celery or bell peppers can boost the nutrition without adding many calories.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’ve already assembled the sandwiches, they’re best eaten the same day to keep the buns from getting soggy; however, you can store the salad itself and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Substitute the Greek Yogurt?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt or don’t have it on hand, you can replace it with more mayonnaise, sour cream, or even an avocado mash for a creamy texture. Each option will slightly change the flavor, so choose what suits your taste best!
