If you love dill pickles, this chicken salad is a must. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, crisp celery, and a creamy pickle-brined dressing, it’s bold, tangy, and perfect for quick lunches or easy meal prep.

I’ve teamed up with Duda Farm Fresh Foods to share today’s recipe. I love to use their celery sticks for extra crunch and flavor. Bonus: they’re pre-washed making them perfect for easy meal prep.

There’s nothing I love more for an easy, make-ahead lunch than a batch of chicken or tuna salad. It’s always protein-packed, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile; perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or just scooped straight from the fridge.

This chicken salad with dill pickles is my latest meal prep obsession. It’s loaded with tangy chopped pickles, crisp celery, a little bite from red onion, and tender shredded chicken. I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for ease, but chopped chicken thighs, poached chicken, or any shredded chicken work just as well. Everything gets tossed in a creamy mayo dressing with a splash of pickle brine that takes the flavor over the top.

If you’re planning ahead for the week, try my curried chicken salad or tuna salad with tarragon next.

ingredients needed for dill pickle chicken salad

This chicken salad leans classic, but with a pickle-forward twist. Instead of the usual lemon juice or vinegar, we use dill pickle brine to thin the dressing and layer in that tangy, salty flavor throughout; it’s a pickle lovers dream (at least for this pickle lover 👋)

For the Chicken Salad

shredded chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor, but any cooked chicken works here. Try poached chicken breasts for a lighter option or chopped chicken thighs for something a little richer.
celery: Dandy® celery adds that classic crunch. Slice it thin so you get texture without overpowering bites.
red onion: I’m not usually a big raw onion person, but finely diced red onion adds just the right sharp bite to balance the creamy dressing and tangy pickles. I’ve also made this with shallots for a milder bite, if that’s more your thing.
dill pickles: the star of the show. Go for classic dill pickles for that bold, briny flavor. If you like a little heat, spicy dill pickles are great here too.
dried spices: garlic powder and dried dill. This combo adds a simple, savory boost with that classic herby, pickle flavor.

For the Mayo Dressing

mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand here – this is the base of the dressing. You can also do half mayo, half Greek yogurt if you want to lighten it up a bit.
dill pickle juice: This is what sets this chicken salad apart. It loosens the dressing while adding that signature tangy, briny flavor.
Salt + pepper: to taste. Start with a pinch, and adjust at the end; pickles and pickle juice will already bring some saltiness.

Can I use canned chicken instead?

You can, but rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken will give you the best flavor and texture. If using canned chicken, drain it well and break it up before mixing.

Can I make this chicken salad lighter?

You can swap part of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. It will still be creamy with a slightly tangier flavor.

How to Store + Make Ahead

This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better after it sits for a bit.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the dressing may loosen slightly from the pickle juice—just give it a quick stir before serving.
If you’re making it ahead, you can prep it a few hours in advance or even the night before for the best flavor. If needed, stir in an extra spoonful of mayo right before serving to freshen it up.