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