Save I discovered this salad on a Tuesday afternoon when my pantry was looking a little bare, and I was determined not to order takeout again. Reaching for a couple of cans of chicken and some vegetables that needed using, I grabbed the Mrs. Dash shaker almost by instinct—no salt needed, just flavor. What started as a quick lunch became something I find myself making every week now, partly because it's genuinely delicious and partly because it proves that the simplest ingredients can taste anything but simple.
My neighbor stopped by one afternoon while I was assembling this, and the bright colors of the peppers and the lemony brightness of the whole thing caught her attention. She sat at the counter, and we ended up talking for an hour over two plates of it stuffed into pita pockets. That's when I realized this wasn't just convenient—it was genuinely something people want to eat.
Ingredients
- Canned chunk chicken breast (2 cans, 10 oz each): Look for the good stuff that's actually in water or broth, not oil, and drain it well so your salad doesn't get soggy or overly rich.
- Celery (1 cup, finely diced): This is your textural anchor, giving that satisfying crunch that makes the salad feel substantial rather than mushy.
- Red bell pepper (1/2 cup, finely diced): Sweet and crisp, it balances the savory chicken and adds a pop of color that makes people want to eat it.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): A little bite of sharpness that prevents the whole thing from tasting flat or one-note.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/3 cup): Creamy, tangy, and lighter than mayo, though mayo works beautifully if that's your preference and tradition.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): This is what makes it sing, cutting through the richness and brightening every bite.
- Mrs. Dash Original Blend (1 tablespoon): The star of the show, delivering warmth and complexity without a grain of salt, though the Lemon Pepper version is equally wonderful if that's what you have.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A whisper of extra pepper at the end, if you want it.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): This small amount of green freshness ties everything together and reminds you that you're eating something made with care.
Instructions
- Break up the chicken:
- Drain your canned chicken well, then use a fork to gently break it apart in a large bowl—you're looking for tender flakes, not paste. This takes less than a minute and sets the tone for everything else.
- Layer in the vegetables:
- Add the celery, bell pepper, and red onion directly to the chicken, stirring gently so everything gets to know each other. The vegetables should feel like they're nestled in rather than drowning.
- Whisk the dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Mrs. Dash, and black pepper, stirring until it's smooth and cohesive. Taste it here—you want the dressing to taste assertive enough that you're excited about it.
- Bring it together:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold everything together gently with a spoon or spatula until every piece is coated. Don't be shy, but don't be aggressive either—you want the salad to hold together, not become a mush.
- Add the herbs:
- Fold in the fresh parsley at the very end so it stays bright and doesn't get lost in the mix. Its color and freshness are part of what makes this feel intentional rather than convenient.
- Taste and adjust:
- Take a spoonful and really taste it—this is your moment to decide if you want more lemon brightness or more of that Mrs. Dash warmth. Trust your palate; you might discover you like it a little different than expected.
- Chill and serve:
- Eat it right away if you're hungry, or cover it and let it sit for a while so the flavors can get cozy together. Serve it on whole-grain bread, in lettuce wraps, on a bed of greens, or with crackers—it's genuinely good every way.
Save Last week I made a big batch for a picnic, and people kept coming back for more, asking what was in it like it was some secret recipe. The truth is simpler than they expected, but there's something satisfying about turning pantry staples into something that tastes intentional and special.
Why Mrs. Dash Is Your Secret Weapon
Mrs. Dash was created specifically for people who wanted flavor without salt, and it shows in every shake. The blend of garlic, onion, tomato, black pepper, and herbs is balanced in a way that feels natural rather than trying to do too much. When you're making something as simple as chicken salad, a good seasoning blend becomes the difference between something forgettable and something people ask for by name.
Ways to Make It Your Own
The beauty of this salad is that it's a canvas, and you're welcome to paint on it however you like. Some days I add diced apple or a small handful of grapes for a touch of sweetness, and other times I stir in sliced almonds or walnuts for crunch and richness. You can swap the Mrs. Dash Original for the Lemon Pepper blend if you want more brightness, or try the Salt-Free Garlic and Herb version if you're in the mood for something earthier and more substantial.
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
This salad is endlessly flexible about how it wants to be eaten, which is part of why it's become a weekday staple in my kitchen. Some mornings I pack it into a pita with lettuce, other times I serve it on a bed of mixed greens, and occasionally I just eat it straight from the bowl with some good crackers on the side. It keeps well covered in the fridge for three to four days, and the flavors actually deepen slightly as it sits, so making it ahead of time is not just convenient, it's a smart move.
- Serve it cold straight from the fridge, or let it warm slightly to room temperature if you prefer a less chilled bite.
- If you're making it ahead, hold off on adding the parsley until just before serving so it stays bright and fresh-looking.
- Leftover salad transforms beautifully into a quick dinner the next day—just add it to fresh greens or stuff it into a wrap, and you've got something that feels different even though you made it yesterday.
Save This salad has become one of those recipes I reach for when I want something that feels nourishing without being fussy, and that tastes like care even though it takes barely any time. It's proof that simplicity and flavor aren't mutually exclusive.
Your Questions Answered
- → Can I substitute Greek yogurt in the dressing?
Yes, mayonnaise or a vegan mayo alternative can be used for a richer or dairy-free option.
- → What variations of seasoning work well with this dish?
Mrs. Dash Original Blend is ideal, but Lemon Pepper or other herb blends add nice variety.
- → How should I serve this chicken salad?
It’s great on whole-grain bread, crisp lettuce wraps, or paired with crackers.
- → Can I add fruit or nuts for extra texture?
Adding chopped apples, grapes, or sliced almonds introduces sweetness and crunch.
- → Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, using fresh vegetables and protein keeps carbs low, fitting well with low-carb plans.