Save I used to think canned chicken was just for emergencies, until one afternoon I grabbed two cans from the back of my pantry and tossed together this salad on a whim. The crisp celery and red pepper turned something humble into something surprisingly bright. A friend stopped by, tried a bite on a cracker, and asked for the recipe before she even finished chewing. Now I keep extra cans on hand just in case.
I made this for a picnic last summer and packed it in a cooler with some crisp lettuce leaves. Everyone built their own wraps, and by the time we finished eating, the bowl was scraped clean. One of my cousins, who usually turns her nose up at anything from a can, went back for seconds. That was the moment I stopped apologizing for using shortcuts.
Ingredients
- Canned chunk chicken breast: Drain it well and flake it with a fork so it feels less dense and more like shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Celery: The crunch is everything here, so dice it small and keep it cold until you mix.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a gentle sweetness that balances the tang of lemon.
- Red onion: Just a little bit gives you sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps it light and creamy, but swap in mayo if you want that classic deli richness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens every bite and keeps the flavors from falling flat.
- Mrs. Dash Original Blend: This is the secret, it layers in garlic, onion, herbs, and pepper without a single grain of salt.
- Black pepper: Optional, but I like the extra warmth it brings.
- Fresh parsley: Folded in at the end, it makes the whole thing taste garden fresh.
Instructions
- Break up the chicken:
- Empty both cans into a large bowl and use a fork to flake the chunks into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You want it loose and airy, not clumpy.
- Add the vegetables:
- Toss in the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. The colors should look like confetti.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Mrs. Dash, and black pepper until smooth. Taste it, it should be tangy and herby.
- Combine everything:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, then stir gently until every piece is coated. Dont overmix or it gets mushy.
- Fold in the parsley:
- Add the chopped parsley last and fold it in with a light hand. It keeps the green flavor fresh.
- Taste and adjust:
- Take a spoonful and see if it needs more lemon or seasoning. Trust your taste buds.
- Serve chilled:
- Scoop it onto bread, into lettuce cups, or straight onto crackers. It tastes best cold.
Save One weeknight I was too tired to cook anything fancy, so I made this and ate it straight from the bowl while standing at the counter. My husband wandered in, grabbed a fork, and we ended up sharing the whole batch in silence. Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that feel the most comforting.
Serving Suggestions
I love piling this into whole-grain pita pockets with a handful of spinach, or spooning it over a bed of mixed greens for a no-fuss lunch. It also works beautifully on toasted sourdough with a slice of tomato. If youre feeding kids, let them build their own crackers and theyll actually eat their vegetables.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in diced apples or halved grapes for a hint of sweetness, or sprinkle in toasted sliced almonds for extra crunch. You can swap the Mrs. Dash Original for the Lemon Pepper blend if you want more zing. If Greek yogurt isnt your thing, regular mayo or even a vegan version works just as well.
Storage and Leftovers
This salad keeps in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container, and it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have mingled. Just give it a stir before serving because the dressing can settle. If youre meal prepping, pack it separately from your bread or crackers so nothing gets soggy.
- Store in a sealed container and keep it cold until youre ready to eat.
- Dont freeze it, the texture gets weird once it thaws.
- If it looks dry after a day, stir in a spoonful of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon to freshen it up.
Save This salad taught me that good food doesnt have to be complicated or expensive. Keep it simple, season it well, and share it with people you care about.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, cooked and shredded fresh chicken works well if you prefer a homemade touch. Just ensure it's fully cooled before mixing.
- → What alternatives to Greek yogurt can I use?
Mayonnaise or vegan mayo offer a richer, creamy texture while maintaining the overall flavor balance.
- → How can I add sweetness to this dish?
Incorporate diced apples or grapes to introduce a subtle natural sweetness and contrast with the savory elements.
- → Is Mrs. Dash seasoning necessary?
Mrs. Dash provides a salt-free blend of herbs and spices that brighten the dish, but other similar blends or lemon pepper work as substitutes.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
Serve chilled on whole-grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or alongside crackers for versatile options suitable for snacks or light meals.