Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.75 oz each) wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 red onion, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
For Serving:
- Mixed greens, whole wheat bread, or lettuce cups
- Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Open the canned salmon and drain thoroughly using a fine-mesh strainer. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and gently flake with a fork, breaking apart any large chunks. Remove skin or bones if preferred. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables Finely dice celery stalks into uniform 1/4-inch pieces. Mince red onion into small pieces (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor, then drain). Chop fresh dill, keeping pieces relatively large to preserve aromatic oils.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients Add the flaked salmon to the creamy dressing and gently fold together using a rubber spatula. Add celery, red onion, dill, and capers, mixing with a light folding motion to maintain the salmon’s flaky texture. If using hard-boiled eggs, fold them in last.
Step 5: Chill and Rest Taste the salmon salad and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld (though it’s perfectly delicious immediately).
Step 6: Serve Plate your canned salmon salad on a bed of mixed greens, scoop into whole wheat pita pockets, spread on toasted bread, or serve in crisp lettuce cups. Garnish with additional fresh dill, lemon wedges, cherry tomatoes, or sliced avocado.
Notes
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the salad separate from bread or greens until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Greek yogurt → sour cream or additional mayonnaise
- Fresh dill → 1 teaspoon dried dill or fresh parsley
- Capers → chopped pickles or olives
- Red onion → green onions or shallots
- Canned salmon → canned tuna or mackerel
Make It Your Own:
- Lower calorie: Replace all mayo with Greek yogurt
- Keto-friendly: Use full-fat mayo, add avocado, serve in lettuce cups
- Mediterranean style: Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese
- Extra crunch: Include diced bell peppers, radishes, or cucumber
Pro Tips:
- Choose wild-caught Alaskan salmon for best flavor and nutrition
- Don’t skip the draining and drying step – it prevents watery salad
- Use gentle folding motions to keep salmon flaky, not mushy
- The salad tastes even better after 24 hours as flavors develop
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing, No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
