Description
This creamy, flavorful canned chicken salad is quick, easy, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups. With crisp celery, tangy pickles, and a hint of red onion, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. Great for meal prep, lunches, or a light snack, this recipe can be customized with your favorite add-ins like grapes, nuts, or a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (12.5 oz) chicken, drained and shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp pickles or relish, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and prepare the chicken – Open the can, drain excess liquid, and shred the chicken with a fork for a finer texture.
- Chop and prep ingredients – Finely dice the celery, red onion, and pickles for a perfect mix of crunch and flavor.
- Mix the ingredients – In a large bowl, combine chicken, mayo, celery, onion, pickles, mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until well coated.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or mayo as needed.
- Chill and serve – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor. Serve in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or with crackers.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
- Make it Healthier: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a lighter option.
- Add-ins: Try adding grapes, chopped apples, almonds, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over lettuce wraps or stuffed in an avocado instead of bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: canned chicken salad, easy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, low-carb chicken salad, quick lunch ideas