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Bowl of creamy dill chicken salad with fresh dill and lemon garnish on a wooden table

Dill Chicken Salad for Make-Ahead Lunches

This fresh dill chicken salad is packed with cool garden flavors like celery and cucumber, and it's perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy easy, delicious lunches all week.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 64 servings (about 4 cups)

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (from about 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise full-fat preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 English cucumber seeded and diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion

Method
 

  1. If using raw chicken, poach or bake until cooked through, then let cool. Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the chicken, celery, cucumber, fresh dill, and red onion (if using) to the bowl.
  4. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to let flavors meld.
  7. Serve cold on bread, over greens, or with crackers.