If you’re looking for a fresh and tangy dish that’s incredibly easy to whip up, you have to try this Dill Pickle Canned Chicken Salad (Low Carb!) Recipe. It combines the satisfying protein punch of canned chicken with the bright, briny zing of dill pickles, balanced by creamy mayonnaise and a hint of mustard. This salad manages to be refreshing and hearty all at once, making it the perfect low carb option for lunch, snack time, or a quick dinner. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become your new go-to for a flavorful, no-fuss meal that feels like a special treat without any heavy lifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two views of a chicken salad mixture in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the bowl contains shredded light pink chicken pieces, diced purple-red onions, chopped light green celery, fresh green dill, creamy white mayonnaise, and yellow mustard arranged in separate piles waiting to be mixed. On the right side, the same ingredients are combined into a creamy salad where the chicken pieces are coated with the dressing and evenly mixed with the onions, celery, and dill, showing a mix of cream, light pink, green, and purple colors all blended together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples but each one plays a vital role, from the crunchy texture of celery to the sharp bite of red onion and the herbal brightness of fresh dill. Together, they create a well-rounded, flavor-packed salad that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Canned Chicken (3 cups, drained and dry): This is the protein powerhouse of the salad, perfect for quick preparations without sacrificing taste.
Dill Pickles (1 cup, chopped): Adds that signature tangy crunch that makes this salad stand out and stay true to its name.
Red Onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Gives a subtle sharpness and vibrant purple color to brighten every bite.
Celery (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Provides a refreshing crunch and balances the creaminess perfectly.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy binder that holds everything together with a rich, smooth texture.
Dijon Mustard (6 tablespoons): Adds a bold, slightly spicy note that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): A gentle acidity that cuts through the richness and ties the flavors brilliantly.
Fresh Dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Infuses the salad with a fragrant, herby essence that screams freshness.
Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Use depending on your pickle’s saltiness to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Dill Pickle Canned Chicken Salad (Low Carb!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by draining and drying 3 cups of canned chicken very well. Getting rid of excess moisture is key to keeping your salad creamy rather than watery. If you prefer, you can substitute canned chicken with cooked, shredded chicken to customize the texture.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Herbs

Finely chop 1 cup of dill pickles, 1/2 cup red onion, 1/2 cup celery, and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill. This step is essential because these ingredients deliver crisp and fresh bursts of flavor that perfectly complement the chicken.

Step 3: Combine the Dressing Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup mayonnaise, 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. These three create a luscious dressing that coats every bite with tangy richness and a slight kick.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Add the drained chicken, chopped pickles, onion, celery, and dill into the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything gently until fully combined. Taste and adjust salt with up to 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt if needed, keeping in mind pickles often add their own saltiness.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Canned Chicken Salad (Low Carb!) Recipe

A clear glass jar filled with a creamy salad showing visible small pieces of yellow, green, and purple ingredients mixed throughout, giving a textured look. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface with a cut purple onion and fresh green lettuce leaves beside it, adding contrast. In the foreground, there is a small amount of the salad on a gold-colored fork, slightly out of focus, enhancing the depth of the image. The background is softly blurred with a simple, neutral gray tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra fresh dill or thinly sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and an extra fresh herbaceous punch. A few dill pickle chips artfully placed right on the salad can also amp up the visual appeal and flavor.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad pairs beautifully with crisp butter lettuce leaves as a low carb wrap option. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a light cucumber salad or roasted vegetables to keep things fresh and balanced without adding unnecessary carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining or a stylish lunch box, scoop the salad into avocado halves, hollowed-out tomatoes, or mini bell peppers. You can also pile it onto crunchy seed crackers or serve in endive leaves for an elegant appetizer that will impress everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Dill Pickle Canned Chicken Salad (Low Carb!) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, during which the flavors actually deepen and meld even better.

Freezing

This particular salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing because mayo-based salads can separate and become watery after thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh within a few days for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled chicken salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Simply give it a good stir straight from the fridge and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors as they were meant to be.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?

Absolutely! Cooked, shredded chicken works perfectly as a substitute. Just make sure it’s fully cooled and dry before mixing to keep the salad from becoming soggy.

Is this recipe really low carb?

Yes, this Dill Pickle Canned Chicken Salad (Low Carb!) Recipe is designed with low carb ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those watching their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying flavorful meals.

Can I adjust the mayonnaise or mustard amounts?

Feel free to tweak the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to suit your taste and desired creaminess. Some prefer it tangier or creamier, so it’s a flexible recipe made for your palate.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but fresh dill truly makes this salad shine with its bright herbal notes. If using dried, start with less—about one teaspoon—and adjust to taste.

Can this salad be made vegan or vegetarian?

To keep it low carb and vegetarian, try substituting canned chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative, and use vegan mayonnaise. The dill pickle flavor will still be the star!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about how simple ingredients come together in the Dill Pickle Canned Chicken Salad (Low Carb!) Recipe to create a dish bursting with fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors. It’s quick to prepare, flavorful beyond expectation, and endlessly adaptable, making it a keep-on-hand favorite for any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your recipe rotation — your taste buds will thank you!

Dill Pickle Canned Chicken Salad (Low Carb!) Recipe