Canned Chicken Salad on bread with lettuce
Easy

Canned Chicken Salad

(345)
10 min4220 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|April 1, 2024

This Canned Chicken Salad turns a humble pantry staple into a delicious, creamy sandwich filling in just 10 minutes. Mixed with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, and fresh herbs, it is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or stuffed into avocado halves. The ultimate no-cook meal when you need lunch fast.

canned-chickensaladno-cookquick-lunch

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The only reliable way to know chicken is safe and perfectly cooked is an instant-read thermometer. Pull at 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. No guessing, no cutting into it and losing juices.

About This Recipe

Canned Chicken Salad is a true Canadian classic that transforms a simple pantry staple into a delightful meal in mere minutes. With its creamy texture and the zesty kick from Dijon mustard, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you need something delicious without the fuss. The combination of crunchy celery and sharp red onion adds a satisfying crunch, while fresh dill brings a burst of herbaceous brightness that elevates every bite. It's no wonder that Canadian home cooks have embraced this dish as their go-to for quick lunches and picnics alike.

This salad is not only versatile but also a canvas for creativity. Whether nestled between two slices of whole grain bread, scooped into a crisp lettuce wrap, or served atop crunchy crackers, this Canned Chicken Salad ensures that every meal feels special. The balance of flavours and textures makes it a favourite for potlucks and family gatherings, showcasing that comfort can be found in the simplest of ingredients.

Tips for the Best Canned Chicken Salad

To ensure your Canned Chicken Salad is perfectly creamy and not too dry, be sure to drain the canned chicken well before mixing. Adding just the right amount of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard brings a delightful creaminess that binds the ingredients. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to achieve a balanced flavour profile. Don’t shy away from adding extra herbs if you want to personalize your salad further!

What to Serve With It

This Canned Chicken Salad shines when paired with fresh, crusty bread for a satisfying sandwich or served in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option. For a true Canadian twist, consider adding slices of ripe avocado on the side or using it as a filling for a hearty wrap. A side of kettle-cooked chips or a fresh garden salad rounds out the meal beautifully, making it perfect for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this Canned Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic meal prep option. When it comes to reheating, you can simply enjoy it cold or at room temperature; avoid microwaving as it may dry out the chicken. If you want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, but note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Nutrition Per Serving

220
Calories
18g
Protein
14g
Fat
4g
Carbs
Fiber1g
Sugar2g
Sodium520mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?+

Yes, you can use cooked shredded chicken instead of canned. Just ensure it's well-seasoned and mix it with the same ingredients for a fresh twist on this salad.

How can I make this salad healthier?+

To make this salad lighter, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. It will still provide creaminess while cutting down on calories and adding protein.

What can I substitute for dill?+

If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, fresh parsley or chives are excellent substitutes. They will still provide a lovely herbaceous note to the salad.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?+

Absolutely! This salad can be made a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container to allow the flavours to meld beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?+

Yes! You could substitute the canned chicken with chickpeas or a mixture of diced vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for a hearty vegetarian salad.

Reviews

4.6 / 5 (345 reviews)
Jessica E.
Sep 28, 2025

The flavours are incredible. Restaurant quality at home!

James M.
Dec 15, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Chris R.
Jul 25, 2025

Absolutely delicious! The whole family devoured it.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
10 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Drain canned chicken very well to avoid a watery salad.
  • 2Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a lighter version.
  • 3Make it ahead — the flavours develop nicely overnight.

Variations

  • Add grapes and pecans for a Waldorf-style version.
  • Mix in curry powder for curried chicken salad.
  • Add avocado for a creamy, mayo-free option.

Chicken Salads

Canned Chicken Salad

Trust us — this Canned Chicken Salad will become your new favourite.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Canned Chicken Salad on bread with lettuce
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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