Easy Salmon Salad – 5 Minute Recipe

Name: Easy Salmon Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 (6 oz) cans of salmon – drained; 1/4 cup avocado mayo or plain Greek Yogurt; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup diced cucumber; 1/3 cup diced red onion; 2 tablespoon capers – plus more for topping; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill – plus more for topping

February 15, 2022 by Amy Estes 1 Comment

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This easy 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 lots of protein. You can use canned salmon, freshly cooked salmon, or even canned tuna in this salmon salad recipe. It is paleo, whole-30, dairy-free, and gluten-free!

Salmon salad with red onion and capers piled on top of a bowl of lettuce leaves with dill sprinkled on top.

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 canned salmon recipe is so great! You can make it in minutes and 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, 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!

We just love SALMON in any form like these salmon patties or this air fryer salmon. But this new salmon recipe is at the top of my list!

If you are not into salmon then be sure to check out this tuna egg salad which is also quick and easy and so good!

Why you’ll love this recipe

You can make it in 5 minutes!
Great meal prep recipe!
Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins
Creamy without any dairy.
Packed with great flavor and crunch.
Paleo, whole30, low carb, and gluten-free

Chunky canne salmon in a round bowl with a bowl of diced cucumber next to it. With a sliced lemon, bowl of diced red onion, bowl of mayo, bowl of Dijon Mustard, dill, capers, salt and pepper in front of it.

Ingredients you will need

Salmon – I used canned salmon in this salmon salad recipe but you can use tuna or fresh-cooked salmon as well. Chicken would also work!
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 that enhances the flavor of the salmon well.
Salt and pepper – to enhance all of the other flavors.
Fresh dill – adds a nice clean and herby taste. Dried dill also works if you can’t find fresh dill.

How to make a healthy canned salmon salad

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

Pink salmon chunks a round glass bowl with capers, diced red onion, diced cucumber, mayo, dijon mustard and fresh dill.

Mixed up salmon salad in a glass mixing bowl with a spoon in the bowl and a sliced lemon behind it.

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. If you do not need to keep it dairy-free.
Mix up the veggies and use diced celery, bell pepper, or even diced carrots.

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 a great recipe to use up leftover cooked salmon. Like this air fryer Cajun Salmon that would be great in this salad.

Can I use tuna in this recipe?

Yes! Tuna in place of the salmon will also work in this salmon salad. I prefer salmon but tuna can also be another great alternative. You could also use chopped ham or chicken 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).

Ways 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 appetizer 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.

Storage Tips

You can store this easy salmon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Which makes it great for meal prep!

Spoon lifted over salmon salad with more chunky salad on the spoon.

Other quick and easy salads to try!

More healthy salmon recipes

I am so excited for you to make this salmon salad recipe! It is easy and so crazy delicious! Nobody will even realize that it’s healthy, haha. 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.