Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups

Enjoy a refreshing and protein-packed lunch with these Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups. This dish offers a tangy twist on the classic chicken salad, combining tender shredded chicken with crunchy pickles and fresh dill, all nestled inside crisp butter lettuce leaves for a light and flavorful meal that is perfect for low-carb diets.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner, this recipe comes together effortlessly. The creamy dressing, brightened with a splash of pickle juice and Dijon mustard, coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium breasts)
• Salad: 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped; 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/4 cup celery, finely diced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• Dressing: 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or more mayo); 1 tablespoon pickle juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Salt, to taste
• To Serve: 8 large butter lettuce leaves (or romaine hearts)

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, finely chopped dill pickles, red onion, celery, and fresh dill.

Step 2

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 3

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4

Arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter and spoon the chicken salad mixture evenly into each leaf cup.

Step 5

Serve immediately, or for even better results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop before assembling the cups.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an even faster meal, you can substitute the cooked chicken breasts with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat while it is still warm or after it has cooled.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To add extra texture, mix in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or sliced almonds for crunch. For a boost of protein, add chopped hard-boiled eggs. If you need a dairy-free version, simply omit the Greek yogurt and use additional mayonnaise instead.

Serviervorschläge

Pair these refreshing lettuce cups with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon to complement the tangy dill flavors.

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With only 230 calories and 22 grams of protein per serving, these Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups are as nutritious as they are delicious. Enjoy this simple, light, and tangy meal whenever you need a healthy energy boost.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving to keep the leaves crisp and fresh.

→ What type of lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce and romaine hearts are ideal choices as they're sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking. Iceberg lettuce is another option, though it's more delicate. Choose leaves that are naturally cup-shaped for easier assembly.

→ How do I keep the lettuce cups crisp?

Keep your lettuce leaves cold by storing them in the refrigerator until just before serving. If you need to prepare them ahead, wrap them in damp paper towels and keep them chilled. Assemble and serve immediately for optimal crispness.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Omit the Greek yogurt and use all mayonnaise, or substitute with dairy-free mayo and a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The pickle juice and Dijon mustard will still provide plenty of tangy flavor to the salad.

→ What protein additions work well?

Chopped hard-boiled eggs add richness and extra protein. Walnuts or sliced almonds provide crunch and healthy fats. For extra flavor, try adding crumbled crispy bacon or smoked salmon. Each addition complements the dill pickle profile beautifully.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

The chicken salad mixture stores well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prepare it in batches for convenient grab-and-go lunches. Store lettuce leaves separately and assemble when ready to eat for the best texture and freshness.