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Get ready to use up those single salmon pouches in your pantry with this delicious salmon salad sandwich. Below, you’ll find the recipe and my packing tips so you can put it in a lunch box and enjoy it later.

Lunchbox Sandwich with Salmon Salad
I love the convenience of having those single packs of tuna and salmon in my pantry to make a healthy lunch real quick like this delicious salmon salad sandwich.
They’re an affordable source of protein and the 2.5ounce portion helps me make a nutritious lunch for myself and the kids and benefit from the nutrition in salmon.
In this post, I share my recipe for an easy to customize salmon salad, turn it into a sandwich, and what you need to know to pack it for lunch so it doesn’t stink up the lunch box.
Ingredients
Gone are the days when salmon will taste fishy! With the tips noted in this ingredient list, you’ll make this salmon salad sandwich taste delicious. The measurements are further down in the printable recipe card.
- Salmon: use canned or a pouch, about 2.5 ounces per serving. If using canned, opt for boneless and skinless.
- Mayonnaise: a classic ingredient in salmon salad. Use your favorite or swap for plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a higher protein and lower fat option.
- Seasoning: you only need about ¼ teaspoon of your favorite all-purpose seasoning.
- Lettuce & tomato: dress your sandwich with or without these classic sandwich ingredients.
- Sandwich bread: any sandwich bread you purchase is good enough. No judgment here.
Seasoning Salmon Salad for Sandwiches
Salmon in pouches is very mild-flavored and will take on the flavors of your go-to all-purpose seasoning. Some that pair great are lemon-pepper seasoning, Creole seasoning, and even Taco seasoning.
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How to Make a Salmon Salad Sandwich
In 5 minutes, you can make a delicious salmon salad sandwich for lunch, and with the tips in each of these steps, it will go from good to great! Make sure to:
- Make the salmon salad
If you were to put the salmon flakes directly on the bread, it would usually fall apart; for this reason, most salads for sandwiches include mayo or another binding ingredient. Mix it in a small bowl first and make sure to add a little seasoning. - Assemble the sandwich
Dressing your salmon salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato? Cool. I usually recommend a little extra mayo on the lettuce side -this is totally personal. Then, put the tomato on top of the lettuce, not on the bread, to help prevent fogginess. Add the salmon salad, and close it up. - Pack it in the lunch bag
Eat it now or pack it in a container by itself, where it fits well. If it’s a hot day, I recommend adding an icepack inside the lunch bag to help regulate the temperature inside.

Tips for Packing Salmon Salad in a Lunch Box
Similar to packing egg salad inside a lunch box, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your salmon salad sandwich stays fresh until lunch:
Add an ice pack:
It helps regulate the temperature inside and prevents foods from getting too hot. Of course, using an insulated lunch bag is also a great idea.
Keep the bread from getting soggy:
Use just enough mayonnaise to combine the salmon and the seasoning but not so much that the mixture is too wet. If you’re adding sliced tomatoes to your sandwich, adding a lettuce leaf between the tomatoes and the bread will act as a barrier and prevent this issue.
Pack the sandwich by itself:
Use a compartmentalized lunch container or a container for sandwiches that fits tightly so the sandwich won’t be tossed around and smooshed.
Salmon Salad Sandwich (for One)

Ingredients
- 1 pouch salmon, liquid drained
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- ½ rib celery (optional), finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper or all-purpose seasoning
- Lettuce & tomato, optional
- 2 slices sandwich bread
Instructions
Make the salmon salad:
- In a medium bowl, use a fork to break the larger pieces of salmon. Add the mayo, finely chopped celery (if using), and sprinkle your favorite seasoning on top. Mix it well with a fork to incorporate all the ingredients with the mayo.
Assemble the sandwich:
- Spread a little more mayonnaise on one slice of bread, just enough to coat it before you place the lettuce on top. If adding sliced tomato, place it on top of the lettuce leaf. Scoop the salmon salad on top of the lettuce and tomato, and close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
- Slice the sandwich in half and enjoy immediately or pack it for lunch.
How to pack it in a lunch box:
- Place the sandwich in one compartment, and sides, like fruit and veggies, on separate compartments, keeping them away from the sandwich so it doesn't get soggy.
- Pace the packed lunch inside a lunch bag and add an ice pack if necessary.








Emma says
Absolutely delicious! I pack this sandwich for my kids and my hubby and they are waiting for me to pack it again asap! I mean, they are craving fish! Ha!
Lea says
I love salmon salad, I’ve never thought of making it a sandwich?? I don’t know why, it’s delicious!
Faith says
I used canned salmon and mixed in some other veggies and it was the bees knees!
Melissa says
Yum!! I would never think to make a sandwich out of salmon salad but it was absolutely delicious! The best part..my kid loved it and it has a lot of protein! Win, win!!
Karen says
This salmon salad was so delicious! I was excited to try it on a sandwich for my oldest and he loved it. Definitely will be making this again.