Easy Salmon Salad – 5 Minute Recipe

Salmon salad takes about 5 minutes to make with only a few simple, healthy ingredients. It makes the perfect light lunch or quick healthy snack and is great for meal prep! Plus it is loaded with flavor, crunch and lot’s of protein. You can use canned salmon, fresh cooked salmon or even canned tuna in this salmon recipe. It is paleo, whole-30, dairy free and gluten free!

This easy salmon salad has become a staple recipe in our house since we are super busy every single day! Which is a good thing but it can get kind of tough to eat healthy on the go, especially with kids. That is why this salmon salad recipe is so great! You can make it in minutes or have it ready to go for a quick and easy light lunch or snack.

We love to pile this salmon salad on top of lettuce leaves or on cucumber rounds or even in a wrap. It’s also loaded with great flavor and crunch, plus it’s creamy without any added dairy. This easy salad recipe is also paleo, gluten free and whole30 so everyone can enjoy it!

If you are not into salmon then be sure to check out this cranberry chicken salad.

Why you’ll love this salmon salad recipe

• You can make it in 5 minutes!
• Great meal prep recipe!
• Loaded with protein, fiber and vitamins
• Creamy without any dairy
• Paleo, whole30 and low carb

Ingredients needed for this easy salmon salad

• Salmon – I used canned salmon in this salmon salad recipe but you can use tuna or fresh cooked salmon as well.
• Cucumber – for the crunch and color factors as well as added nutrition.
• Red onion – I like to chop the onion into small pieces.
• Avocado mayo – you could also use regular mayo or Greek Yogurt
• Dijon Mustard – to add some tang (I used a gluten free Dijon Mustard)
• Capers – to give it that salty, briny taste
• Lemon – for a little bright and fresh element
• Salt and pepper – to enhance all of the other flavors
• Fresh dill – adds a nice level of flavour

How to make salmon salad in 5 minutes

1. Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl.
2. Mix well and top with more dill and fresh cracked black pepper.
3. Serve on top of fresh mixed greens, in lettuce cups on top of cucumber rounds or in a wrap.

Can I use fresh or canned salmon in this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can use either canned or fresh salmon as long as it is cooked. This is actually a great recipe to use up leftover cooked salmon. Like this air fryer Cajun Salmon that would be great in this recipe.

Can I use tuna in this recipe?

Yes! Tuna in place of the salmon will also work in this salmon salad. I prefer the salmon but tuna can also be another great alternative in this recipe. You could also used chopped ham if you are not into fish.

What is the healthiest canned salmon to buy?

I like to look for canned salmon that is wild caught and sustainable. It should also be free of mercury and the only ingredients should be salmon, water or oil and maybe salt. I like Wild Planet brand (you will need 2 – 6 ounce cans) for this recipe or Bumble Bee brand which comes in a large can (about 14.75 ounces).

How to serve salmon salad

There are so many ways to serve this canned salmon salad. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Pile it on top of some lettuce leaves for a low-carb, hearty meal.
• Eat as a snack on some sliced cucumber rounds or crackers.
• Serve it stuffed inside a hollowed out tomato as an appetiser or light meal.
• Enjoy it with some crunchy pita chips or carrot chips.
• Use it as a healthy filling for a salmon salad sandwich or wrap.

Other quick and easy salads to try!

• Creamy BBQ Chicken Salad
• Chopped Kale Salad With Quinoa
• Easy Kale Salad With Lemon
• Simple Chickpea Chicken Salad
• Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

More healthy salmon recipes

• Easy Sheet Pan Salmon with Green Beans and Potatoes
• Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fennel Apple Slaw
• 10 Minute Air Fryer Cajun Salmon
• Easy Salmon Tacos

Recipe Tips

• You can use canned or leftover cooked salmon or even tuna in this salmon salad recipe.
• Make sure to drain any liquid out of the canned salmon, if using before adding it to the salad.
• You can use plain greek yogurt in place of the avocado mayo to add even more healthy protein to this recipe.
• Mix up the veggies and used diced celery, bell pepper or even diced carrots.
• You can store this easy salmon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I am so excited for you to make this salmon salad recipe! It is so easy and so crazy delicious! Nobody will even realize that it’s healthy, ha ha. Plus it stores great and makes a wonderful meal prep recipe!

Did you make this recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram @pinchmegoodfood so I can see your creation.

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