If you’re a pickle lover, this Pickle de Gallo Chicken Salad will definitely become a repeat in your lunch or meal prep line-up! It’s tangy, creamy, crunchy, and packed with bright, briny flavor! Think classic chicken salad meets fresh pico de gallo… but with pickles taking the lead.
Healthy Chicken Salad
Although not the most aesthetic meal, Chicken salad is one of my go-to’s for something quick, versatile, easy, and high in protein! When it comes to lunches or in times of needing quick meals, we need something that will keep us full, satisfied, and not thinking about food – which is why this recipe is a win, win! This salad recipe uses simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and makes an incredibly high-protein meal prep. Scoop it onto toast, tuck it into wraps, pile it onto greens, or eat it straight from the bowl with crackers. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and so fun!
Why You’ll Love This Pickle de Gallo Chicken Salad
- High-protein and super filling
- No mayo option: can be made dairy-free, paleo, or Whole30
- Bright, crunchy, and loaded with flavor: Great for pickle lovers (or anyone who likes tangy, punchy flavors)
- Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a quick summer dinner
- Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients & takes under 15 minutes to make
Recipe video
What Is Pickle de Gallo?
Pickle de Gallo is a fun twist on pico de gallo made with dill pickles, onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s crunchy, tangy, salty, and adds a burst of flavor to anything you put it on; AKA a pickle lovers dream come true! Mixed into chicken salad? Chef’s kiss. You can use store-bought pickle de gallo or make your own with chopped pickles, pickle juice, onion, herbs, and tomatoes, however I highly recommend using Grillo’s pickle de gallo. It makes this recipe so easy and it’s perfect!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full measurements/steps! Here’s what goes into this flavorful chicken salad:
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, whatever your favorite is! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly or slow cooker shredded chicken!
- Grillo’s Pickle de Gallo: the star of the show! Most grocery stores carry this (Walmart, whole foods, etc.)
- Greek Yogurt and/or Mayo: Use yogurt for extra protein or mayo for a classic creamy texture. I like to use a mix of both!
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon brightens everything!
- Pickle Juice: For extra tang and moisture.
- Celery: Optional, but adds great crunch.
- Red onion: extra flavor and crunch!
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
- Optional mix-ins: jalapeno’s, red pepper, etc.
How to Make Pickle de Gallo Chicken Salad
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full measurements/steps!
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Shred or cube cooked chicken and add it to a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the Pickle de Gallo
Stir in your pickle de gallo—this is where the magic happens 😉
Step 3: Mix in remaining ingredients
Add in the yogurt and/or mayo, mustard, dill, pickle juice, and seasonings. Stir to coat. Then fold in the celery, onion, and any other additions you’d like!
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Let it sit at least 10 minutes so flavors can meld. Serve however you love your chicken salad!
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- Use cold chicken: Helps the dressing cling and prevents watery texture.
- Don’t skip the pickle juice: A small splash adds flavor and binds everything together.
- Dice ingredients evenly & small: Makes the salad scoopable!
- Taste and adjust: Salt amounts vary depending on your pickles.
Variations
- Spicy Pickle Chicken Salad: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Whole30 or Paleo Version: Use compliant mayo and/or use coconut yogurt.
- Extra Creamy Version: Use half yogurt and half mayo for the perfect mix.
- Dairy-free Chicken Salad: Use dairy-free/vegan mayo or dairy-free greek-style yogurt (I like Culina!)
How to Serve Pickle de Gallo Chicken Salad
This recipe is so versatile! Try it:
- On sourdough bread
- Stuffed into pita or wraps
- Over a bed of mixed greens
- With crackers or chips (I love using Masa chips!)
- On top of cucumber slices
- In lettuce cups
- As a sandwich melt with cheese (unreal!)
It’s great for back-to-school lunches, meal prep, picnics, and quick dinners!
How to Store
This makes a great meal prep, just be sure to stir before serving as some natural separation is normal!
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers
- Do Not Freeze: this chicken salad doesn’t freeze well
More healthy recipes to try
- Chicken hummus bowls
- Whole 30 sloppy joes
- Nourishing one pot yellow rice
- Meal prep breakfast burritos
- Easy cornbread chili casserole
- Healthy chicken broccoli rice casserole
- Crispy chicken snack wraps
- Healthy homemade cheesy gordita crunch
- Dill pickle salsa
- Crispy smashed potato salad
If you try this recipe and love, it’d mean the world to me if you left a star rating & review below and tag me with your creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats! <3
Pickle De Gallo Chicken Salad (Creamy, Crunchy & High Protein)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 container pickle de gallo, drained (But save 2 tbsp of the juice!)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 celery stalks, diced *optional
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/4 cup plain greek or coconut yogurt
- 1-2 tbsp pickle brine
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup avocado oil mayonnaise
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add everything to a large bowl and mix well. Taste & adjust the seasonings as you'd like!
- The best part of chicken salad is making it to YOUR liking, so add more/less mustard, etc.
- Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days! Enjoy!
Video
Notes
How to Serve Pickle de Gallo Chicken Salad
This recipe is so versatile! Try it:- On sourdough bread
- Stuffed into pita or wraps
- Over a bed of mixed greens
- With crackers or chips (I love using Masa chips!)
- On top of cucumber slices
- In lettuce cups
- As a sandwich melt with cheese (unreal!)
