This Healthy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a light, flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad, made with a refreshing dill pickle kick. It’s loaded with lean chicken breast, crunchy pickles, and a creamy, lighter dressing that keeps it satisfying without all the heavy calories. Perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a filling snack, this recipe is low in points but big on flavor. It’s fresh, tangy, and a great way to enjoy the classic chicken salad in a healthier, Weight Watchers-friendly way.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (about 2 medium breasts)
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles (use the low-sodium variety for fewer points)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat)
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise (or use 0% fat Greek yogurt for an even lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional, for extra flavor and crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional, for added crunch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or boiling them, and then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. (You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.)
- Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh dill. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the chopped chicken, diced dill pickles, red onion (if using), and celery (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything together until the chicken is well coated.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more dill as needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens, with whole-wheat crackers, or as a sandwich in a whole-grain wrap. It also makes a great dip for veggies or as a topping for a salad.
Weight Watchers SmartPoints (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Blue/Green/Purple: ~2 SmartPoints per serving
- Calories: ~150-180 per serving
- Carbs: ~4g
- Protein: ~26g
- Fat: ~6g
- Fiber: ~1g
This Healthy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a super low-point option that packs a lot of flavor and protein, making it a filling, nutritious meal or snack. It’s easy to make ahead for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite add-ins or toppings.