Canned Salmon Salad Lunch

Need a healthy lunch idea that’s rich in protein? This quick and healthy canned salmon salad is the new lunch in town! It’s packed with protein, flavor, and a kid-friendly recipe that doesn’t taste fishy!

Kid-Friendly Salmon Salad for School Lunch

Sometimes, it can be a little difficult to get the kids to eat salmon for dinner, so turning it into something that’s a little more familiar to them and easy to pack in a lunchbox is a smart way to make sure they get their omega 3’s and protein.

It’s similar to tuna and chicken salad texture, but the salmon is heartier and has a richer flavor. I often use it to make salmon salad sandwiches or pack it in a bento with crackers.  

Canned Salmon Salad Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this easy salmon salad for lunch: 

• Canned salmon: boneless and skinless salmon is the best for this recipe. You can also use cooked salmon fillet leftovers.
• Mayonnaise: to combine the ingredients and add a creamy texture. Greek yogurt works too.
• Celery: adds crunchiness and extra nutrition.
• Lemon juice: a citric note that goes great with salmon.
• Cumin: more flavor!
• Salt and black pepper: we can’t omit the classics.

Canned salmon is an inexpensive option ounce per ounce and since it’s ready to eat there’s no cooking required. You can also use a 4-ounce cooked salmon fillet for this recipe. It’s an excellent way to use up leftovers from dinner and makes the salad taste great too! 

Looking for more easy lunch options with outstanding flavor and fresh ingredients? Check out the 101 Packed Lunches eBook, it’s full of recipes both kids and adults will love, not just sandwiches and wraps. It also includes epic salads, power bowls, hot lunches, and directions on preparing them ahead and packing for lunch. 

How to Make Canned Salmon Salad

All you need are a few delicious ingredients and a bowl to make this canned salmon salad. Here is how you do it: 

1. Drain the liquid
   Once the salmon is all is left in the can, add it to a large bowl and break up the meat into smaller pieces. 
2. Mix
   To the bowl, add the mayo, celery, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine until the mixture is cohesive. 

Check out this recipe video where I show you just how easy it is to make canned salmon salad!

How to Pack Salmon Salad for Lunch

My kids prefer it in a pita pocket; and who can blame them since pitas are handheld edible pockets stuffed with all the good things! Double the points if you’re home and can toast it.

Salmon salad also makes a great sandwich filling, topping for salads, or packed into a bento box with fruit and veggies. There’s no wrong way to serve it, and if you want to keep lunch low-carb you can serve it in lettuce cups or over a bed of lettuce or in a simple salmon nicoise salad.

How to Prep Ahead

Once you’ve prepared the canned salmon salad, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This salmon salad is a perfect meal prep recipe for lunches throughout the week. 

From the fridge, you can use it in wraps, over a salad, or scooped into a pita pocket. 

If you’re making this recipe for a family, I recommend doubling the batch so you’ll have enough to feed up to 4 people.