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The Ultimate Easy Salmon Salad: Creamy & Flaky (Canned or Fresh)

A spoonful of creamy salmon salad, mixed with celery and dill, being lifted from a white bowl.
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Make this versatile and healthy salmon salad using either canned or fresh cooked salmon. It is creamy, packed with flavor, and perfect for quick weeknight salads, sandwiches, or low carb lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14.75 ounce) can salmon, drained well and flaked (or 1 1/2 cups cooked, flaked fresh salmon)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. If using canned salmon, drain the liquid completely. Place the salmon in a medium bowl. Use a fork to gently flake the salmon until you achieve a flaky texture.
  2. Add the chopped celery and red onion to the bowl with the salmon.
  3. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried dill weed, pepper, and salt until smooth. This is your best salmon salad dressing base.
  4. Pour the dressing mixture over the salmon and vegetables. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Do not overmix; you want to keep some flaky texture.
  5. Stir in the optional fresh parsley.
  6. Taste the creamy salmon salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice for zest or salt for flavor.
  7. Serve immediately, or cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is great for meal prep salmon salad.

Notes

  • For a low carb salmon salad, serve this mixture in crisp lettuce cups instead of on bread.
  • To make this a Mediterranean salmon salad, add 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives and 1 tablespoon of capers to the mix.
  • If you prefer a lighter salmon salad, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • This recipe works well for quick salmon lunch ideas; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/salmon-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-flaky/