Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Cups

The crunch of dill pickles against tender chicken has become one of those flavor combinations I crave when the weather turns warm. I first whipped this up on a Tuesday afternoon when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a jar of pickles that needed using. Something about the tang and creaminess together just clicked.

Last summer I made these lettuce cups for a friend who swore she hated chicken salad. She took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe. Now whenever we have people over, someone inevitably mentions those dill pickle cups and when Im making them again.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time
• 1 cup dill pickles: Finely chopped so you get that briny crunch in every bite
• 1/3 cup red onion: Adds just enough sharpness to cut through the creaminess
• 1/4 cup celery: Brings that classic chicken salad texture and fresh flavor
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill: Fresh dill makes such a difference compared to dried
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds everything together
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: Lightens things up while adding protein
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice: This is the secret ingredient that makes the dressing sing
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a slight kick
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Subtle background flavor that rounds everything out
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked makes all the difference
• Salt to taste: Remember the pickles and mayo are already salty
• 8 large butter lettuce leaves: Butter lettuce cups hold the filling perfectly

Instructions

Prep the salad base:

Toss the shredded chicken, chopped pickles, diced red onion, celery, and fresh dill in a large bowl until everything looks evenly distributed.

Make the creamy dressing:

Whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.

Bring it all together:

Pour that tangy dressing over your chicken mixture and toss gently until every piece is coated. Take a taste and add more salt if needed.

Set up your cups:

Arrange your butter lettuce leaves on a platter like little waiting boats, ready to be filled.

Assemble and serve:

Spoon the chicken salad into each lettuce cup, piling it high but not so high it spills over the edges.

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My husband now requests this for his work lunches at least twice a month. There is something satisfying about eating with your hands and the contrast of temperatures always feels refreshing.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I add chopped walnuts for extra crunch or swap in diced apples when I want sweetness. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and welcomes whatever you have in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

These lettuce cups work beautifully as appetizers or a light main course. I have found they pair surprisingly well with a crisp white wine or even just sparkling water with plenty of lemon.

Perfect For Summer

When it is too hot to cook, this recipe saves the day. No oven required, minimal prep, and something about the cool crisp components feels like relief on a sweltering evening.

• Keep everything chilled until serving time
• The lettuce stays crisp longer if you pat it dry first
• Extra pickle juice in the dressing prevents dryness

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Hope these bright tangy cups find their way to your table soon.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken salad up to 24 hours in advance and store refrigerated. Assemble in lettuce cups just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.

→ What lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce leaves are ideal due to their cup shape and tender crunch. Romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce also work well for holding the filling.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Simply shred or dice about 2 cups of meat, skipping the cooking step entirely.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Replace the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise. The dressing will still be creamy and flavorful without any dairy ingredients.

→ What can I add for extra crunch?

Chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or even diced bell peppers add wonderful texture. You could also include chopped apples for a sweet contrast.

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

The chicken salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Wait to fill lettuce cups until ready to eat.