Name: 5-Ingredient Salmon Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 can salmon (5–6 oz, drained); ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 celery stalk (finely chopped); Black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When you need a fast, nourishing meal that actually keeps you full, this 5-Ingredient Salmon Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s completely no-cook, made with simple pantry staples, and ready in about 10 minutes—perfect for busy lunches, light dinners, or easy meal prep days.

5-ingredient salmon salad made with tender flaked salmon, celery, and lemon dressing in a bowl

Using canned salmon keeps things practical without sacrificing flavor or texture. Gentle mixing preserves those tender flakes, while crisp celery adds freshness and a squeeze of lemon brightens every bite. A small amount of creamy dressing pulls everything together without feeling heavy or overpowering.

This salmon salad is flexible, dependable, and refreshingly simple. Spoon it onto toast, tuck it into lettuce cups, or enjoy it straight from the bowl. If you love recipes that are quick, balanced, and made for real life, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No cooking required – perfect for hot days or quick meals
Only 5 main ingredients (pantry staples don’t count)
Ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish
High-protein and filling, yet light and fresh
Easy to customize with herbs, yogurt, or avocado
Great for meal prep and holds well in the fridge

Ingredients Overview

Salt and black pepper are considered pantry staples and are not included in the ingredient count.

Canned salmon (boneless, skinless
Celery
Fresh lemon juice
Mayonnaise
Salt and black pepper (seasoning)

How to Make 5-Ingredient Salmon Salad

Before You Begin

Prepare and measure all ingredients before starting. Drain canned salmon thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Mixing times and texture may vary depending on ingredient temperature and brand, so adjust gently as needed.

Step 1 — Preparation

Gather all ingredients. Drain canned salmon well and chop the celery finely. Use a medium mixing bowl.

Step 2 — Flake the Salmon

Place the drained salmon in the mixing bowl.
Break gently into medium flakes using a fork.
Visual cue: salmon should look flaky, not mushy.

Step 3 — Add the Dressing Base

Stir in mayonnaise or Greek yogurt gradually.
Visual cue: mixture looks creamy but not runny.
Add more only if needed to adjust consistency.

Step 4 — Mix in Flavor Ingredients

Add lemon juice, chopped celery, and black pepper.
Stir gently until everything is combined evenly.
Avoid overmixing to maintain flaked texture.

Step 5 — Adjust & Chill (Optional)

If too thick → add a small splash of lemon juice.
If too thin → add more flaked salmon.
Chill 20–30 minutes for firmer texture (optional).

Ingredients for 5-ingredient salmon salad including cooked salmon, celery, lemon, and mayonnaise

How to Serve Salmon Salad

Spread onto whole-grain toast or bagels
Serve in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option
Spoon onto crackers as a simple appetizer
Add to mixed greens for a light dinner

Stir gently before serving if the salad has been chilled for a while.

Tips for Best Results

Dice celery very finely for even texture
Start with less mayonnaise and add more only if needed
Chill before serving for better flavor balance
Taste after chilling and adjust seasoning lightly

Variations to Try

Lighter Version: Replace mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt
Dairy-Free: Use mashed avocado instead of mayo
Herb-Forward: Add fresh dill, chives, or parsley
Extra Tang: Stir in a small amount of Dijon mustard
Protein Boost: Mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs

These variations keep the structure intact while changing the flavor profile.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead

Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
This is a cold salad and should not be reheated. Heating will dry the salmon and cause the dressing to separate.

Make-Ahead:
This recipe is ideal for meal prep. The flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
Yes. Drain canned salmon thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. Boneless, skinless canned salmon works best for texture and convenience.

Is this salmon salad healthy?
Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Using a small amount of mayonnaise keeps the salad satisfying without being overly heavy.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Plain Greek yogurt adds protein and tang. Mashed avocado creates a dairy-free, creamy option. Both work well without changing the structure of the salad.

Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes. When served in lettuce cups or on its own, this salmon salad fits well into low-carb and keto eating styles.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely. Simply scale the ingredients evenly. Store portions in airtight containers and keep refrigerated.

What herbs go well with salmon salad?
Fresh dill, chives, or parsley add freshness without overpowering the fish.

Conclusion

This 5-ingredient salmon salad shows that simple meals can still be balanced, flavorful, and satisfying. With minimal prep and flexible serving options, it’s an easy recipe to keep on hand for quick lunches, light dinners, or stress-free meal prep.

Salmon salad served on whole-grain toast with fresh greens for a quick lunch

5-ingredient salmon salad made with flaky canned salmon, celery, lemon, and creamy dressing

Isaac blogger