Made with flaky canned salmon, crisp celery, mayo or yogurt, fresh herbs and lemon juice, this creamy salad can be spooned over greens, tucked it into a sandwich, made into wraps, or served alongside crackers. Incredibly versatile, this meal comes together in about 5 minutes!
⭐️ Easy Salmon Salad: recipe at a glance
- High-protein, nourishing and satisfying: Depending on the type of canned salmon you choose, each can packs between 30-40 grams of high-quality protein. This salad is rich in healthy fats that support heart and brain health and may help reduce inflammation.
- Quick, no-cooking required: This is a no-cook, pantry-friendly salad that comes together in 5 minutes!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store for 4-5 days in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Customizable: Switch it up and make it your own. Add different veggies, herbs and spices. The possibilities are endless
- Dietary: Pescatarian, naturally gluten-free, low-carb. For an egg-free version, use vegan mayo or yogurt. make it dairy-free by using plant-based yogurt.
✅ Ingredients, Substitutions and Swaps
For the complete list of ingredients and exact quantities, check the printable recipe card below.
- Salmon: Canned salmon may be a humble ingredient but it’s a can is a powerhouse of nutrients. Choose a quality wild-caught brand if possible. The flavor and texture will be better.
- Veggies: Red onion adds beautiful color, texture and mild taste. Celery adds a bit of crunch and freshness. Other veggies you can use are sliced radishes (for a peppery bite), sliced sc and avocado are great additions.
- Herbs: Dill and salmon are best partners (like peanut butter and jelly). Fresh parsley (use flat-leaf aka Italian parsley for best flavor), chives, mint and tarragon are also good herby options.
- Mayonnaise or Yogurt: Makes this salad rich and creamy. For an egg-free option, use vegan mayo. If using plain yogurt choose a plant- based plain yogurt.
- Capers (optional): A classic Mediterranean pairing with fish, capers add a bright, tangy, briny pop that balances the richness of the salmon.
🔎 How to Make Salmon Salad?
Scroll down to the printable recipe card below, for specific instructions.
- Drain & Flake: Drain canned salmon thoroughly and flake with a fork.
- Add Mix-ins: Add finely chopped celery, onions, herbs, capers (if using), and mayo or yogurt
- Fold & Season: Gently fold until just combined. Season to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best canned salmon to buy?
I prefer responsible sourced, wild-caught salmon that is skinless and boneless (for convenience). I also prefer tinned salmon packed in water which preserves the natural flavor of the fish. I usually buy Wild Planet (and they are not paying me to tell you that).
Do I need to remove the skin and bones from canned salmon?
It depends. Both the skin and small pin bones are edible but you can remove them for a smoother texture. For convenience, buy skinless and boneless tinned salmon
🔎 Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Salad: Serve this easy salmon salad over a bed of mixed greens or crispy romaine, add veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, hearts of palms, etc.
- Make a Salmon Salad Sandwich: Scoop it on toasted whole-grain bread or gluten-free bread for a deli-style sandwich.
- Salmon Lettuce Wrap: Wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb lunch.
- Snack or Appetizer: Serve with crackers or cucumber rounds. A healthy snack and a quick appetizer for last minute guests.
- Salmon Bowls: Add it to grain bowls. Quinoa, rice, and farro are great options.
🔎 Make-Ahead and Storing
- To Make-Ahead: Salmon salad is a versatile recipe to meal-prep. It keeps in the fridge, stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
- To Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
💛 Intentional Cooking
Your priorities, your recipe. Learn about Intentional Cooking.
Time and Convenience: This non-cooked recipe takes 5 minutes to make and can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days which makes this endlessly customizable salad a great option to make-ahead and to meal-prep.
Environment : Choosing responsibly sourced or wild-caught canned salmon helps support healthier oceans and more sustainable fishing practices (social justice).
Health and Healing: Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. Nutrients that support heart health, brain function, and inflammation balance. Combined with fresh veggies, herbs and lemon, this simple salad delivers nourishing benefits without relying on ultra processed ingredients.
👀 Take a look at these other salad recipes:
🛒 Essentials you’ll adore for this recipe
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Citrus Juicer – Squeezer
A sturdy, no-frills kitchen essential that extracts maximum juice from lemons and limes while keeping seeds out. Easy to use, easy to clean, and perfect for dressings, marinades, cocktails, and everyday cooking when fresh citrus flavor matters.
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Glass Mixing Bowls
Made of durable tempered glass, these French mixing bowls seem to be indestructible. How do I know? I still have the set given to me as a wedding gift almost 25 years ago (and we have move several times). This stackable set of nine glass bowls come in different sizes. They are microwave, oven, freezer…
Salmon Salad (Quick and Easy)
Ingredients
- 2 (5-6 ounces) cans of salmon, drained
- 1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onions, finely diced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise, or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped , (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the drained salmon, celery, onions and mayonnaise, fresh herbs, lemon juice and capers in a small mixing bowl. Mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper and add additional mayonnaise (or yogurt) if needed, to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Serve it over greens, as a filling for sandwiches, over cucumber rounds, or as a wrap. It’s also tasty served as a snack with crackers or pita chips.
Notes
- What canned salmon to buy? For convenience, I usually buy wild-caught tinned salmon that is skinless and boneless. Although I have never purchased it myself, I heard Costco’s brand is also of great quality
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To make-ahead: Salmon salad is a versatile recipe to meal-prep. It keeps in the fridge, stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
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To store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
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