Canned Salmon Salad

Canned Salmon Salad

8 servings
Canned salmon, fresh dill, creamy mayo, and other ingredients give this salmon salad its rich, smoky, sweet, slightly citrusy flavors. Inspired by the smoked salmon dip from J. Alexander's, but with no smoked salmon required!

Ingredients

  • 2 14.75-ounce cans salmon

    drained well, flaked; see Notes

  • 1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke
  • 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    more or less to taste
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill

    or 2 teaspoons dried dill

  • ¼ cup minced shallot
  • 1 clove garlic

    minced

  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    more or less to taste
  • crostini
  • buttery crackers
  • lettuce cups

Directions

  1. 1

    Add 2 14.75-ounce cans salmon, 1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke, 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon salt to medium mixing bowl. Stir gently until ingredients are well combined, then set bowl aside to let salmon "cure".

  2. 2

    Add ⅓ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, ¼ cup minced shallot, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper to small bowl. Stir well until ingredients are fully incorporated into creamy mixture.

  3. 3

    Transfer dill dressing into bowl of salmon. Gently fold dressing into salmon, stirring until all ingredients are well blended.

  4. 4

    Serve salmon salad immediately, or cover bowl with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Canned Salmon Salad

Canned Salmon Salad

15 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a sophisticated salmon salad that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant, but is incredibly easy to make at home? This Canned Salmon Salad delivers on rich, smoky, sweet, and slightly citrusy notes, all in just 15 minutes of prep. It’s a true flavor powerhouse, inspired by the beloved smoked salmon dip from J. Alexander's, yet it cleverly skips the need for expensive smoked salmon entirely.

The genius of this recipe lies in its ability to transform humble canned salmon into something truly extraordinary. By thoughtfully combining liquid smoke and maple syrup with creamy mayonnaise, fresh dill, bright lemon juice, and savory shallot, you create a complex flavor profile. This careful balance ensures every spoonful is vibrant and deeply satisfying, proving that incredible taste doesn't have to require hours in the kitchen or hard-to-find ingredients.

Prepare to enjoy a creamy, flaky salmon salad bursting with balanced flavors. You'll taste the distinct smokiness, a pleasant sweetness from the maple syrup, and a refreshing tang from the fresh lemon juice, all harmonized by the fragrant fresh dill and a subtle kick from minced garlic and Dijon mustard. The texture is wonderfully smooth yet offers delightful pops of freshness from the herbs and shallot. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a light lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a simple yet impressive snack.

Customizing this Canned Salmon Salad is easy to suit your preferences.

  • If fresh dill isn't available, you can readily swap in dried dill—just remember the conversion (2 teaspoons) for optimal flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking, ensuring the seasoning is perfectly tailored to your palate.

This versatile salmon salad shines in many settings. Serve it elegantly on crostini for a sophisticated appetizer, spoon it onto buttery crackers for a satisfying snack, or tuck it into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, naturally gluten-free meal. It’s an ideal choice for impromptu gatherings or a quick, delicious addition to your weekly menu.

Frequently Asked Questions