Save Pin I was standing in the kitchen on a Wednesday night, staring at a can of chicken and wondering if I could turn it into something I'd actually want to eat. My pantry was looking sparse, and I wasn't in the mood to run to the store. Then I spotted the bottle of Mrs. Dash tucked behind the spices, and something clicked. A few minutes later, I had a bowl of bright, zesty chicken salad that tasted like I'd actually tried, even though I hadn't cooked a single thing.
The first time I made this for my sister, she looked skeptical when I told her it was canned chicken. But after one bite on a piece of toasted whole grain bread, she asked me to text her the recipe. We ended up sitting on the porch, eating it straight from the bowl with crackers, talking about nothing in particular. It became our lazy lunch, the kind of thing we'd throw together when we just wanted to sit and catch up without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Canned chunk chicken breast: Drain it well and flake it with a fork so it doesn't clump together, and always check the label for sodium content if you're watching your salt intake.
- Celery: Dice it small for a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the texture, and make sure it's fresh and crisp, not rubbery.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the lemon, and it keeps well in the fridge if you buy extra.
- Red onion: Dice it fine so you get the flavor without biting into a sharp chunk, and if you're sensitive to raw onion, soak it in cold water for a few minutes first.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Swap this for mayo if you want something richer, but the yogurt keeps it light and adds a nice tang that works with the lemon.
- Fresh lemon juice: Always use fresh, not bottled, because it brightens everything and tastes like sunshine instead of chemicals.
- Mrs. Dash Original Blend: This is the secret weapon here, giving you all the flavor without any salt, and the Lemon Pepper version works beautifully too if you want a little extra zing.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch to round things out, though it's totally optional if you like things mild.
- Fresh parsley: Chop it at the last minute so it stays green and vibrant, and don't skip it because it adds a freshness that ties everything together.
Instructions
- Break up the chicken:
- Dump the drained canned chicken into a large bowl and use a fork to flake it apart until it's shredded and loose. You want it to look like pulled chicken, not chunks sitting in a pile.
- Add the vegetables:
- Toss in the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion, and give everything a quick stir so the vegetables are evenly distributed. The colors should already start looking cheerful and inviting.
- Mix the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Mrs. Dash, and black pepper until it's smooth and creamy. Taste it now so you know what you're working with before it hits the chicken.
- Coat everything:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, then mix gently until every bit is coated and glossy. Don't be shy about getting in there with a spoon and making sure nothing is dry.
- Fold in the parsley:
- Add the chopped parsley and fold it in gently so it stays bright and doesn't bruise. This is the moment the salad starts to smell like something you'd actually order.
- Adjust and chill:
- Taste it and add more lemon juice or Mrs. Dash if it needs a boost, then cover and refrigerate for at least twenty minutes if you can wait. Serving it cold makes all the difference.
Save Pin One summer afternoon, I packed this into a container and brought it to the park with some crackers and sliced cucumbers. I sat under a tree, watching people throw frisbees and walk their dogs, and realized I didn't need anything fancy to feel like I was taking care of myself. Sometimes the simplest things, the ones you throw together without thinking, end up being exactly what you needed.
How to Serve It
I love this spooned onto toasted whole grain bread with a few lettuce leaves, but it's just as good wrapped in butter lettuce or stuffed into a pita pocket. If you're feeling low carb, serve it over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, or just eat it straight with sturdy crackers. It also makes a great filling for stuffed avocado halves if you want to get a little fancy without much effort.
Ways to Mix It Up
The base recipe is solid, but it's also a blank canvas for whatever you have lying around. I've stirred in chopped apples for sweetness, halved grapes for a burst of juice, or toasted sliced almonds for crunch. A handful of dried cranberries adds a chewy tartness, and a sprinkle of curry powder instead of Mrs. Dash takes it in a completely different direction. Sometimes I swap the red onion for green onions when I want something milder, or I throw in a diced dill pickle for a little briny kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle. Just give it a stir before you serve it because the dressing can settle at the bottom. If you're meal prepping, portion it out into individual containers with crackers or veggies on the side so you can grab and go.
- Store it in a glass container with a tight lid to keep it fresh and prevent any funky smells.
- If it looks a little dry after a day or two, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon to bring it back to life.
- Don't freeze this because the texture of the vegetables and yogurt won't survive the thaw.
Save Pin This is the kind of recipe I come back to when I need something easy, nourishing, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It reminds me that good food doesn't have to be complicated, just honest and made with a little care.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute Greek yogurt in this salad?
Yes, mayonnaise or vegan mayo alternatives work well to provide creaminess and balance the flavors.
- → How does Mrs. Dash seasoning affect the taste?
Mrs. Dash adds a salt-free, herbaceous blend that enhances brightness and depth without adding sodium.
- → What other ingredients can add texture or sweetness?
Chopped apples, grapes, or sliced almonds can add pleasant crunch and a sweet contrast.
- → Is this suitable for low-carb or gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates and gluten-free, fitting those dietary preferences.
- → How can I serve this salad for a light meal?
Serve chilled on lettuce wraps, whole-grain bread, crackers, or stuffed into pita pockets for a refreshing option.