Getting back into the recipe game with one of my go-to lunches: canned protein salad. Truth be told this is more of a summertime meal for me, but it’s also a lazy meal and one that can be thrown together with mostly pantry items (which is pretty standard for pandemic living, amiright?).
Speaking of the pandemic, this meal has been a staple for me during quarantine because it’s a great way to use up those “crunchy” veggies that are on their last legs and not so crunchy anymore. Come week two of no grocery store, this is always in my rotation!
Anyway, I’ve shared the details of this on stories before and figured it should have a home here too! What I love about this recipe is it’s not really a recipe. Sure, there are a couple ingredients that are pretty critical (canned protein being one) but the rest are flexible in type and amount and can be totally customized based on your mood.
PRO TIP: If you’re buying canned fish try to stick with wild, sustainbly caught fish that are smaller in size and lower in mercury. Sardines (they taste just like tuna, I swear), then Salmon then Tuna (highest mercury content) are best! I love brands like SafeCatch and Wild Planet. Snag yours from Thrive Market and get a free gift ($24 value) when you join with this link!
I’m someone who benefits from eating a good amount of protein – not necessarily always animal based, but protein nonetheless. I also try to add in tons of veggies at every single meal so this spinoff of traditional mayonnaise heavy tuna salad really hits the spot. I also do not like mayo, but can tolerate the healthier stuff… in doses 😉
Using the formula below, mix and match your favorite protein, veggies, fat and add-ins – and don’t be afraid to change it up! You can serve it plain, over salad, with crackers (I love Simple Mills original) or more veggies for dipping or even over pasta for a twist on pasta salad.
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Loaded Canned Protein Salad
An easy, protein-packed meal with veggies to boot!
- 1 can SAFE CATCH protein (salmon, tuna, sardines (I prefer boneless and skinless) or even chicken all work)
- as desired Creamy Fat (I like Primal Kitchen Avocado Mayo, avocado or plain yogurt)
- as desired Chopped Veggies (Some favorites include carrots, celery, zuchinni, radishes or jicama)
- as desired Seeds and Seasonings (Pumpkin, Chia, Flax seeds, Grain Mustard, Relish, Sriracha, Salt, Pepper, Everything But The Bagel or Turmeric all work!)
Finely chop crunchy veggies! I love a mix of celery, zucchini and whatever else I have on hand. The beauty is there are no rules – just use what you have! Mix.
Drain canned protein (wild and SAFE CATCH if fish) and add to mixing bowl or glass tupperware. I tend to immediately mix mine in a storage container because it makes 1-2 servings and I have less dishes 🙂
Add creamy fat. Again, use what you have on hand and incorporate until you like the texture! Some people like theirs creamier, others drier. I like to use avocado mayo and avocado.
Add seasonings – grain mustrad, sriracha or other sauces. Everything But The Bagel or Turmeric, plus seeds (chia seeds add a great texture and pumpkin add a crunch!). Fresh herbs would be dope too. Salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with cut veggies and/or crackers.