Save There's something oddly comforting about opening a pantry and finding all the ingredients for a proper lunch staring back at you. One Tuesday afternoon, I was rushing between errands when I cracked open a can of chicken and remembered how my mom used to stretch a rotisserie chicken into three meals—this salad was her secret weapon. Mrs. Dash was her seasoning of choice, salt-free and somehow more flavorful than the real thing, and it became my go-to too. Paired with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, it felt lighter but no less satisfying.
I made this for a potluck once and brought it in a mason jar—someone asked if I'd made it that morning, and I got to quietly enjoy the fact that it took me less time than their commute. My coworker added it to a bed of spinach right there and suddenly it transformed from side dish to a whole meal. That's when I realized how versatile it really was.
Ingredients
- Canned chicken breast: Two 10-ounce cans, drained well—this is your protein anchor, and honestly, it's reliable in a way fresh chicken sometimes isn't.
- Celery: One cup finely diced, offering that essential crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
- Red bell pepper: Half a cup diced, bringing both sweetness and visual brightness that makes people think you tried harder than you did.
- Red onion: A quarter cup finely diced, sharp enough to cut through richness without overwhelming.
- Greek yogurt: A third cup, the quiet hero that replaces mayo while keeping everything creamy and tangy.
- Fresh lemon juice: Two tablespoons, the acid that wakes everything up and keeps the flavors from sitting flat.
- Mrs. Dash Original Blend: One tablespoon, a salt-free seasoning that somehow tastes more interesting than salt ever could.
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon optional, just a whisper if you want it.
- Fresh parsley: Two tablespoons chopped, the final flourish that says you actually cared about presentation.
Instructions
- Start with the chicken:
- Open both cans and drain them thoroughly over the sink, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to release any liquid. Dump the chicken into a large bowl and break it up with a fork, getting the chunks to a size that feels right to you—I like mine a bit chunky, but go smaller if you prefer.
- Build the vegetable layer:
- Add your diced celery, red bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl with the chicken. The vegetables are what keep this from being boring, so don't skip the chopping—the smaller the dice, the more evenly everything distributes.
- Make the dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Mrs. Dash, and black pepper until smooth. Taste it right here—this is your chance to adjust before it goes into the salad, so go bold if the mood strikes.
- Bring it together:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, then mix everything until every piece is coated. Use a spatula or wooden spoon and don't be timid about it—you want the dressing to find every corner of the bowl.
- Add the parsley:
- Fold in the fresh parsley gently, just enough to distribute it without crushing it. This is the moment it stops looking like lunch and starts looking like something you'd actually want to eat.
- Taste and adjust:
- Take a bite and decide if it needs more lemon juice, more Mrs. Dash, or nothing at all. Trust your palate here—you're the expert on your own food.
Save My neighbor ate this straight from the Tupperware standing at the kitchen counter while we caught up, and she asked for the recipe right then without even sitting down. It was probably the highest compliment I could have gotten—no presentation needed, just honest food that made her want more.
Why This Salad Works
The combination of textures is where this salad earns its keep. Soft, tender chicken meets the snap of raw celery and pepper, all bound together by a tangy dressing that feels almost creamy but stops just short of heavy. Mrs. Dash does something you can't quite put your finger on—it's seasoned but not salty, complex but not fussy. It's the kind of dish that works whether you're eating it at your desk or plating it for guests.
Ways to Serve and Eat This
The genius of this salad is how many ways it can show up on your plate. Pile it on whole-grain bread for a proper sandwich, wrap it in lettuce leaves for something lighter, or spoon it over a bed of greens to turn it into an actual dinner. I've stuffed it into pita pockets, served it on crackers at parties, and even eaten it straight from a bowl with a spoon when I was too tired to bother with sides. It adapts without complaining.
Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
The beauty of a simple salad is that it invites tinkering. Add diced apple or halved grapes if you want sweetness without effort, toss in sliced almonds or walnuts for crunch that actually stays crispy, or stir in a handful of dried cranberries if you're feeling fancy on a Tuesday. If you want something richer, swap the Greek yogurt for mayo or a vegan alternative—it changes the whole tone but stays delicious. Try Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper Blend for brightness, or their garlic-herb version if you want something more savory.
- Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can replace the parsley if you want to switch things up.
- A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds subtle depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Make it the night before and let it sit in the fridge—the flavors deepen and mellow overnight.
Save This salad taught me that the best recipes aren't always the ones with long ingredient lists or complicated techniques—they're the ones that fit your life and taste like you actually care. It's been my weekday lunch, my potluck contribution, and my midnight snack more times than I can count.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute Mrs. Dash seasoning?
Yes, other salt-free blends like lemon pepper can be used to maintain a bright, zesty flavor.
- → What can be swapped for Greek yogurt?
Mayonnaise or vegan mayo alternatives work well to create a richer dressing texture.
- → How should the mix be served?
It is delicious chilled on whole-grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or alongside crackers.
- → Are there suggested additions for sweetness or crunch?
Chopped apples, grapes, or sliced almonds can enhance the texture and add subtle sweetness.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free but check packaged items for cross-contamination.