Simple Canned Chicken Salad

Finding a reliable lunch option that’s both quick to make and satisfying can feel like an endless struggle. Between back-to-back meetings, after-school activities, and those days when you just can’t face another complicated recipe, having a simple go-to meal becomes absolutely essential.

That’s where this canned chicken salad recipe comes in handy: it’s fast, filling, and easy to customize with whatever ingredients you already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance for those especially busy days ahead.

What Kind of Canned Chicken Should I Use?

When shopping for canned chicken, you’ll find several options in your grocery store’s canned meat aisle. While chunk chicken breast is ideal for chicken salad since it gives you nice, meaty pieces that hold their shape when mixed, you can also use shredded canned chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Most major brands like Kirkland, Swanson, or store brands will work just fine – just make sure to drain the chicken well before using. If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for low-sodium varieties, as regular canned chicken can be quite salty. A quick tip: give your canned chicken a gentle flake with a fork before mixing it with other ingredients to help it better absorb the dressing.

Options for Substitutions

This chicken salad recipe is super adaptable and easy to customize with what you have on hand:

• Canned chicken: You can easily swap the canned chicken with 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna if you’re in the mood for a different protein.
• Greek yogurt: Not a fan of Greek yogurt? You can use all mayonnaise instead, or try sour cream for a different tang. Just keep the total amount of creamy ingredients the same (3/4 cup total).
• Celery: If you’re out of celery but still want that crunch, try diced water chestnuts, chopped apple, or diced cucumber. Each will add its own nice texture to the mix.
• Onion: Fresh onion can be replaced with 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion (rehydrated), green onions, or even a shallot for a milder flavor.
• Seasoned salts: Don’t have the specific seasoned salts? Regular salt works fine – just add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder to make up for the flavors. Start with 1/8 teaspoon of each and adjust to taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making chicken salad is not draining the canned chicken thoroughly enough, which can lead to a watery, diluted salad – press the chicken firmly in a strainer to remove all excess liquid. A common error is chopping the vegetables too large, so aim for a fine, uniform dice of both celery and onion to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. To prevent your chicken salad from becoming bland, let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving, as this resting time allows the flavors to develop and meld together properly. For the best texture, avoid over-mixing the ingredients which can make the chicken too mushy – instead, fold everything together gently until just combined, and adjust the seasonings right before serving since cold temperatures can dull the flavors.

What to Serve With Chicken Salad?

This creamy chicken salad is super flexible when it comes to serving options – I love it on toasted whole grain bread with crisp lettuce leaves, or scooped onto a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb lunch. For a fun party spread, serve it with butter crackers, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes so people can make their own little bites. If you’re packing lunch for work or a picnic, try stuffing it into a pita pocket with some fresh spinach leaves, or serve it alongside some fresh fruit and cheese cubes for a simple but filling meal.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This chicken salad stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to give it a quick stir before serving since the mayo and yogurt might separate a bit. Pro tip: the flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge when everything has time to mingle!

Make Ahead: You can prep this chicken salad a day before your gathering or for meal prep. Just keep in mind that the celery might release some water over time, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving. If it seems a bit dry after storing, just stir in a small spoonful of mayo or yogurt to bring back the creamy texture.

Food Safety: Since this recipe contains mayo and yogurt, don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you’re serving it at a picnic or outdoor event, try keeping the bowl nestled in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it cool and safe to eat.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 500-600
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 30-35 g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 g

Ingredients

• 12.5-ounce can of chunk chicken breast, drained
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 large celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon flavored salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon onion seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Use a spoon or spatula to mix until everything is well integrated.

Ensure the mixture is smooth and even throughout.

Step 2: Store or Serve

You can serve the mixture immediately for a fresh taste.

Alternatively, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture if you plan to serve it later.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This allows the flavors to meld and develop more depth.

Step 3: Enjoy Your Dish

There are several delicious ways to enjoy your mixture.

Serve it on top of fresh salad greens for a healthy meal, stuff it into pita bread for a handy lunch, spread it on your favorite crackers for a snack, or use it inside a sandwich.

Each option brings out a slightly different flavor profile, so choose your favorite and enjoy!