Save My sister came over last summer complaining about how heavy everything felt after meals, and we ended up throwing together whatever was in the fridge. The crunch of those pickles against the cold chicken woke up my whole afternoon. Now it's the thing I make when I want something that feels substantial but doesn't weigh me down.
I brought this to a neighborhood potluck last month and watched three different people ask for the recipe before they even finished their first cup. Something about the combination of cool crisp lettuce and that creamy dill dressing makes people feel taken care of.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves you so much time
- 1 cup dill pickles finely chopped: The smaller you chop them the more they distribute throughout every bite
- 1/3 cup red onion finely diced: Soak the diced onion in cold water for ten minutes if you want to tame the bite
- 1/4 cup celery finely diced: This adds that essential crunch that makes chicken salad feel complete
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped: Fresh dill makes such a difference compared to dried
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Real mayonnaise gives the best creamy consistency
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: This lightens everything up while keeping it rich
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice: This is the secret ingredient that ties everything together
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds just the right amount of sharpness
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkle this in slowly and taste as you go
- Salt and black pepper: The pickle juice adds saltiness so go easy at first
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves: Butter lettuce cups hold the filling beautifully and look so elegant on a platter
Instructions
- Mix the chicken and vegetables:
- Combine the shredded chicken chopped pickles red onion celery and fresh dill in a large mixing bowl making sure everything is evenly distributed
- Whisk together the dressing:
- In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise Greek yogurt pickle juice Dijon mustard garlic powder and pepper until completely smooth
- Combine everything:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently until every piece is coated then taste and add salt only if needed
- Prepare the lettuce cups:
- Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves keeping them whole and arrange them on your serving platter
- Assemble and serve:
- Spoon the chicken salad into each lettuce cup right before serving or chill the mixture first for deeper flavor
Save This recipe has become my go to for summer dinners on the patio. There is something about eating with your hands that makes the whole experience feel more relaxed and convivial.
Making It Your Own
I have discovered that the base of this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Sometimes I add chopped apple for sweetness or swap in chopped pickled jalapeños when I want extra heat.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess beautifully. For something non alcoholic sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon is absolutely perfect.
Make Ahead Strategy
The chicken salad actually tastes better the next day so do not hesitate to double the recipe. Keep it stored in an airtight container and it will last for three to four days in the refrigerator.
- Toast some nuts right before serving for an extra layer of crunch
- Try adding chopped hard boiled eggs for even more protein
- If the lettuce seems wilted give the leaves a quick ice bath to perk them up
Save This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel clever for how little effort it requires. Hope it becomes a regular in your rotation too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving to keep the leaves crisp.
- → What's the best lettuce to use?
Butter lettuce or romaine hearts work best as they're sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking. Large leaves are ideal for easy handling and serving.
- → How can I make this creamier?
Simply increase the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to your preference. You can also add extra pickle juice for more tanginess without changing the creamy consistency.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store the chicken salad mixture separately from the lettuce leaves. Keep both refrigerated in separate containers and assemble when ready to eat for the best texture.
- → What proteins can I substitute for chicken?
Turkey, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs work wonderfully as substitutes. You can also combine chicken with these proteins for extra flavor and variety.
- → Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, omit the Greek yogurt and use all mayonnaise for a dairy-free version. Ensure your mayonnaise and other ingredients are dairy-free certified if you have severe allergies.