Quick Chicken Salad
If you need a quick lunch made from pantry staples, this easy canned chicken salad is a reliable go-to. Made with simple ingredients like canned chicken, celery, onion, and mayo, it’s a high-protein lunch you can throw together in minutes.
When my daughter was just a few weeks old, Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, and we lost power, water, and cell service for nearly two weeks. We were given a few cans of chicken in a food donation box, and months later they turned into this simple recipe I now keep on repeat.
This quick chicken salad recipe is really flexible, so you can use whatever you have on hand. There are lots of ways to enjoy it, and my toddler loves it too. It’s a great lunch to make when the day gets away from you, and you’re both hungry.
Why you’ll love this
- Super quick recipe, ready in minutes!
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- High protein and filling
- Easy to adjust to your taste
- Flexible — use for sandwiches, salads, or snack plates
Ingredients for chicken salad
- Canned chicken breast, drained well
- Celery, finely chopped
- Green onion, finely sliced
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard powder
- Dried dill
- Salt and pepper
Notes
- You can use any type of onion. I’ve tried red and yellow onions, and they both work well. Just make sure to chop it finely.
- You can use prepared mustard if that’s all you have.
How to make chicken salad
Drain the canned chicken breast thoroughly and add it to a mixing bowl along with the chopped celery and green onion.
Stir in mayonnaise until everything is well combined.
Add the mustard powder and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Chill for 15 minutes if desired.
Chicken salad variations
This is an easy chicken salad to customize based on what you have:
- Add chopped apples or grapes for a little sweetness
- Stir in chopped pecans or almonds for crunch
- Swap the mayo for plain Greek yogurt
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried
How to store chicken salad
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Chicken salad doesn’t freeze well because the texture changes after thawing.
What to serve it with
On hectic days, I try to keep lunch balanced and filling, with enough protein and fiber to keep both me and my toddler happy. That way, we avoid any hangry moments!
I usually serve this chicken salad as a chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat or high-fiber bread, like Dave’s Killer Bread. You can also serve it over a green salad.
My toddler’s favorite way to eat it is as part of a snack plate with crackers, carrots, and fruit like berries, apples, or clementines.
Chicken salad FAQs
Can you make chicken salad with canned chicken?
Yes! Canned chicken works really well for chicken salad and makes it much quicker to prepare.
How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
Chicken salad will keep for about 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in chicken salad?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo for a lighter option.
Is chicken salad healthy?
Chicken salad can be a healthy, high-protein lunch, especially when paired with whole-grain bread, vegetables, or fruit.
More easy lunch ideas for moms
If you’re looking for more simple, nourishing meals, here are a few easy lunch ideas that are perfect for busy moms and great for meal prep.
This canned chicken salad is something I come back to on busy days. It’s an easy, high-protein lunch made from simple ingredients that always works.
Quick Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 12.5 oz canned chicken drained well
- 1 stalk celery finely chopped
- 1-2 green onions finely sliced
- 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise to taste
- ¼ tsp ground mustard powder or prepared mustard
- ¼ tsp dried dill
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the canned chicken breast thoroughly and add it to a mixing bowl along with the chopped celery and green onion.
- Stir in mayonnaise until everything is well combined.
- Add the mustard powder and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Chill for 15 minutes if desired.
