Ever stood in front of your fridge, chicken salad half-made, wondering which jar of pickles to reach for? You’re not alone! As someone who’s obsessed with perfecting chicken salad recipes, I’ve spent years experimenting with different pickle varieties Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about choosing the perfect pickles for your chicken salad
The Pickle Predicament: Sweet vs. Dill Debate
Let’s cut right to the chase – when it comes to pickles in chicken salad, there are two main contenders: sweet pickles and dill pickles. Both have their devoted fans, and both can make your chicken salad sing in completely 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
Always, ALWAYS drain your pickles well before adding them to chicken salad. Extra pickle juice can make your salad watery and throw off the flavor balance. I like to pat mine dry with paper towels after draining.
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: Add more chicken or mayo to dilute, or mix in more neutral ingredients 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 between slices of sourdough bread, on a croissant, or wrapped in a tortilla along with thinly sliced radishes, microgreens or alfalfa sprouts, and a squeeze of lemon.
- As a classic chicken salad (a low carb option) over fresh spinach, arugula, or other crunchy lettuce greens.
- As a dipper for crackers or veggies, such as mini sweet pepper halves or cucumber slices.
The Best Chicken Salad With Pickles
Who doesn’t love chicken salad? It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken and get a delicious healthy meal at the same time. 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. Did you know dill pickles were one of Cleopatra’s beauty secrets and that they’ve been around for thousands of years? Learn more about the fascinating history of dill pickles.
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 : This is optional if you want to add a bit of heat to the marinade.