Quick and Easy Canned Chicken Salad Recipe

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Introduction

Did you know that canned chicken salad can be the secret ingredient to a quick, flavorful, and nutritious chicken salad? Many people overlook canned chicken, thinking it’s inferior to fresh, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Canned chicken salad is not only convenient and budget-friendly, but it can also be just as delicious as its fresh counterpart when prepared the right way.

In this post, we’ll share a simple yet mouthwatering canned chicken salad recipe that will have you rethinking your preconceptions about this versatile ingredient. Get ready to save time, money, and still enjoy a tasty, protein-packed meal or snack.

Ingredients List

To make our quick and easy canned chicken salad, you’ll need:

2 (12.5 oz) cans of premium white chunk chicken, drained and flaked
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons diced onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste or experiment with substitutions. For example, you could use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, lower-fat version. Or swap out the celery for diced cucumber or grapes for a refreshing twist.

Timing

Preparing this canned chicken salad recipe takes just 10 minutes of active time. With the additional 10-15 minutes of chilling time, you can have a delicious, protein-rich meal or snack ready in under 30 minutes total. That’s 20% faster than the average chicken salad recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the drained and flaked canned chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, onion, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Taste the chicken salad and adjust any seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the canned chicken salad for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the chilled chicken salad on croissants, bread, lettuce cups, or crackers. You can also use it as a filling for vegetable wraps or stuffed tomatoes.

Nutritional Information

One serving (1/4 of the recipe) of this canned chicken salad contains:

Calories: 230
Fat: 16g
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 20g

This makes it a great high-protein, low-carb option for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this canned chicken salad even healthier, you can:

Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce the fat and calories.
Add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped parsley for extra nutrients.
Swap out the Dijon mustard for a lower-sodium version or use a milder mustard.
Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens or stuff it into tomatoes or avocado halves for a more nutrient-dense presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This canned chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some tasty ways to serve it:

On toasted whole-grain bread or croissants for a classic chicken salad sandwich
Scooped onto lettuce leaves or endive cups for a low-carb option
Stuffed into hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers
Served with whole-grain crackers or pita chips for dipping
Tossed with mixed greens for a protein-packed salad
Spooned onto a bed of quinoa or rice for a heartier meal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to help you avoid common pitfalls when making canned chicken salad:

Don’t overdo it on the mayonnaise or dressing, which can make the salad too wet and heavy.
Be sure to drain the canned chicken thoroughly to prevent a watery consistency.
Dice the vegetables evenly so they’re incorporated throughout the salad.
Don’t skip the lemon juice, as it helps brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
Resist the urge to add too many mix-ins, which can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the chicken.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftover canned chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the salad separately from any bread or crackers you plan to serve it with.

If you’d like to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can mix all the ingredients except the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Refrigerate the chicken mixture, then add the mayo and lemon just before serving for a fresh, flavorful result.

Conclusion

Canned chicken is a game-changer when it comes to quick and easy meal prep. With this simple, delicious canned chicken salad recipe, you can enjoy a protein-packed, nutrient-dense snack or meal in no time.

Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us. We’d love to see how you’re using canned chicken to whip up tasty, healthy dishes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of canned chicken instead of white meat?
A: Absolutely! You can use dark meat canned chicken or even a mix of white and dark meat if you prefer. The flavors will be slightly different, but the recipe will still work well.

Q: How long does this canned chicken salad last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, the canned chicken salad will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this canned chicken salad dairy-free by using a plant-based mayonnaise or yogurt alternative instead of regular mayonnaise.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this canned chicken salad recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it on gluten-free bread, lettuce cups, or crackers.

Q: Can I freeze the canned chicken salad?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, the texture may become a bit watery and the consistency may change once thawed. For best results, we recommend enjoying the canned chicken salad fresh or refrigerating any leftovers.