Citrus-Dill Chicken Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, herb-forward chicken salad with zesty lemon, fresh dill, and crisp vegetables for a light lunch or sandwich filling. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs shredded cooked chicken, mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup minced red onion, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup diced celery.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Step 4: Serve chilled on a bed of 4 cups lettuce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Dill Chicken Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Dill Chicken Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shredded cooked chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Dill Chicken Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Dill Chicken Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Dill Chicken Salad?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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