Canned Chicken Salad recipe in a bowl, garnished with herbs

Canned Chicken Salad Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Canned Chicken Salad is an easy and quick meal that anyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time to cook. Using canned chicken makes it convenient. This salad is filling and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s great for lunch, dinner, or even snacks!

how to make Canned Chicken Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 12.5-ounce cans of chicken, drained
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (add more if desired)
  • 1 stalk celery (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet relish or chopped pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: 1 hard-boiled egg (chopped)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup red grapes (halved)
  • Optional: 1/4 apple (finely diced)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • Optional: 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Directions

  1. Open and drain the canned chicken thoroughly.
  2. Place the drained chicken in a mixing bowl and use a fork to shred it into smaller pieces.
  3. Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
  4. Mix in the chopped celery, sweet relish, and onion powder.
  5. If using optional ingredients, gently fold in the hard-boiled egg, grapes, diced apple, mustard, and paprika.
  6. Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Stir gently until everything is combined and the texture is creamy but not too wet.
  8. For best flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve on sandwiches, crackers, lettuce leaves, or however you like.

how to serve Canned Chicken Salad

Canned Chicken Salad can be served in many ways. Enjoy it on toasted bread for a delicious sandwich or scoop it on crackers for a tasty snack. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Pair it with a side of chips or fresh veggies to complete your meal.

how to store Canned Chicken Salad

To keep your Canned Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

tips to make Canned Chicken Salad

  • If you like it creamier, add more mayonnaise.
  • Experiment with different herbs or spices to add flavor.
  • Try adding nuts for crunch or dried fruits for sweetness.
  • Use fresh chicken instead of canned for a homemade touch.

variation

You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have. Try adding diced bell peppers, chopped nuts, or even different types of dressing. You can also use tuna or turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Canned Chicken Salad in advance?
Yes, you can make it in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Is Canned Chicken Salad healthy?
Canned Chicken Salad can be healthy depending on the ingredients you choose. Using lots of veggies and controlling the amount of mayonnaise can make it lighter.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or avocado in place of mayonnaise.

Can I freeze Canned Chicken Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze Chicken Salad, as the texture may change when you thaw it out. It’s best eaten fresh.