High-Protein Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic. Combining tender rotisserie chicken with tangy dill pickles and fresh herbs, it makes a perfect, satisfying meal or snack. It’s easy to prepare and packed with protein.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- ¾ cup roughly chopped dill pickles
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- 1 bunch finely chopped dill (about ⅓ cup)
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo preferred)
- 2 tbsp mustard (1 tbsp grainy, 1 tbsp Dijon preferred)
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- ½-1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely shred or chop 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: In the same bowl, combine ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of mustard, and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Whisk together until smooth.
- Step 3: Add ¾ cup roughly chopped dill pickles, ½ cup finely chopped celery, and 1 bunch finely chopped dill (about ⅓ cup) to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Season with ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to taste, then mix well.
- Step 5: Cover and chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
- You can use only Greek yogurt or only mayonnaise instead of both, adjusting the amount to a total of ⅔ cup based on your dietary preference.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds.
- Try substituting fresh dill with fresh tarragon or parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Serve on whole grain bread, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens for a light meal.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. It’s best enjoyed chilled and should be consumed within this timeframe for optimal freshness and safety.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Just make sure it is shredded or chopped finely to blend well with the other ingredients.
Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned for meals throughout the week. Just keep it chilled and consume within 3 days for the best taste and quality.
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High-Protein Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High-Protein Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a refreshing and tangy twist on classic chicken salad, packed with protein and vibrant flavors from dill pickles, fresh dill, and a zesty lemon-mustard dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or a flavorful sandwich filling, this recipe combines creamy Greek yogurt and avocado oil mayonnaise for a healthier yet indulgent texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
Vegetables and Herbs
- ¾ cup roughly chopped dill pickles
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- 1 bunch finely chopped dill (about ⅓ cup)
Dressing
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo)
- 2 tbsp mustard (1 tbsp grainy mustard, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½–1 tsp salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Finely shred or dice 3 cups of rotisserie chicken to ensure tender, bite-sized pieces that will blend well with the dressing and vegetables.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons of mustard (using 1 tablespoon each of grainy and Dijon mustard). Add the zest and juice of one lemon, then whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Mix in vegetables and herbs: Add ¾ cup of roughly chopped dill pickles to the dressing. Then finely chop ½ cup celery and one bunch (about ⅓ cup) dill, and stir these into the bowl until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad mixture and add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt according to your preference. Mix again gently to distribute the seasoning.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the taste.
Notes
- You can substitute all the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vice versa depending on your dietary preference or to adjust creaminess.
- Use avocado oil mayonnaise for a healthier fat profile and subtle flavor.
- This salad is great served on its own, in sandwiches, or on top of leafy greens for a light meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high-protein chicken salad, dill pickle chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, rotisserie chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad, low fat chicken salad
