Introduction

Dill pickle chicken salad is a delightful twist on classic chicken salad. With its crisp, tangy flavor from pickles and a light, creamy dressing, it’s a refreshing meal prep staple—especially if you’re following the Weight Watchers (WW) program. What sets this version apart is its balance of taste, texture, and healthfulness, crafted with point-friendly ingredients like fat-free Greek yogurt, lean chicken breast, and crunchy dill pickles.

This WW-friendly recipe is not only low in SmartPoints, but it’s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for lunch, post-workout meals, or light dinners. Whether you’re serving it inside a lettuce wrap, on whole-grain toast, or with fresh veggie dippers, this chicken salad delivers satisfying flavor without sabotaging your wellness goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low in SmartPoints: Each serving is only 1–2 SmartPoints, depending on your WW plan.
  • High in Protein: With lean chicken breast and Greek yogurt, this salad helps keep you full.
  • Quick & Easy: Perfect for meal prep—ready in under 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
  • No Mayo Needed: The creamy texture comes from nonfat Greek yogurt, making it lighter.
  • Versatile: Serve as a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or salad topping.

Ingredients & Measurements

Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious WW Dill Pickle Chicken Salad:

📝 Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded (skinless, boneless)
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise (optional, for added richness – adds ~1 point to the whole recipe)
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped (or use dill pickle relish if sugar-free)
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice (adds extra flavor without extra points)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh dill sprigs, paprika, chopped green onions

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Chicken

Use pre-cooked shredded chicken breast for convenience. Rotisserie chicken (without skin) or leftover grilled chicken works well. If cooking fresh, simply boil or bake 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound total) and shred.

2. Chop the Vegetables and Pickles

Finely dice the celery, red onion, and dill pickles. The smaller the chop, the more evenly the flavors will distribute in each bite. This also improves texture, making it perfect for spreading in wraps or sandwiches.

3. Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and mayonnaise (if using). Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is your low-fat, tangy dressing base.

4. Add Seasonings

Stir in the dried or fresh dill, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Let this mixture sit for a minute or two to let the flavors meld—especially the dill and mustard, which bloom in the yogurt.

5. Combine All Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken, celery, onion, and pickles into the dressing. Mix well until every bite is coated with the flavorful sauce.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more pickle juice for tanginess, more dill for herbal brightness, or a touch more Greek yogurt if you want it creamier.

7. Chill Before Serving

For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dill and pickle flavor to fully absorb into the chicken.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve cold. This chicken salad can be enjoyed in many WW-friendly ways:

  • On top of a bed of greens
  • Stuffed in a lettuce wrap or bell pepper halves
  • With celery sticks or cucumber rounds for dipping
  • On a light whole wheat wrap or slice of low-point bread

Tips for the Best WW Chicken Salad

  • Use homemade chicken breast: You control the seasoning and fat content. Avoid store-bought chicken with added oils or sugar.
  • Customize the tang: Pickle lovers can add more juice or even chopped banana peppers.
  • Add crunch: Finely chopped jicama, water chestnuts, or radishes can add bite without many points.
  • Double batch: This recipe keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge and is ideal for meal prepping lunch.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

This recipe makes 4 servings. Nutritional values are approximate and based on use of nonfat Greek yogurt and without optional mayonnaise.

  • Calories: 130
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: ~500mg (depends on pickles used)

WW SmartPoints (Per Serving)

💙 Blue Plan: 1 point

💚 Green Plan: 2 points

💜 Purple Plan: 1 point

These estimates assume the use of fat-free Greek yogurt, minimal light mayo, and no added oils or sugar. Always double-check in the WW app with your specific brands to be sure.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This chicken salad is meal-prep friendly and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. You can portion it out into meal prep containers with a side of chopped veggies, crackers, or low-carb wraps.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of the yogurt-based dressing can change upon thawing.

Pairing Suggestions

To keep the meal WW-friendly, serve this dill pickle chicken salad with:

  • Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
  • Roasted sweet potato slices
  • A light wrap (like Joseph’s pita or a low-carb tortilla)
  • Over spiralized zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower
  • With a hard-boiled egg for extra protein

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to spice up this basic recipe:

  • Spicy Pickle Chicken Salad: Add chopped jalapeños or hot pickles
  • Avocado Addition: Mash in 1/4 ripe avocado for creamy texture (adds some healthy fat and points)
  • Egg Salad Hybrid: Stir in one chopped hard-boiled egg for extra protein
  • Crunchy Twist: Add slivered almonds or sunflower seeds (in moderation—they do add points)

Final Thoughts

This WW Healthy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that feels indulgent, yet stays fully aligned with your wellness goals. With every bite, you’re getting lean protein, bold pickle flavor, and that creamy texture we all love—without the SmartPoint overload. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring or bland.

Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or need a quick, satisfying dinner, this recipe is a true WW superstar. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your healthy rotation.