This salad delivers creamy richness with minimal effort using Costco’s canned chicken as the foundation. The pre-cooked chicken eliminates prep work while maintaining quality protein.
Fresh dill and crisp celery provide bright, herbal notes that balance the creamy dressing. The texture contrast between tender chicken and crunchy vegetables makes every bite satisfying.
Simple ingredients come together quickly for a dish that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. The flavors meld beautifully after just 30 minutes of chilling.
Serve on croissants, over greens, or with crackers for a versatile meal that’s as practical as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Costco Canned Chicken Salad
Pantry staples plus fresh herbs create this creamy, crunch-filled salad effortlessly.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Canned Chicken 🍗 | 2 cans | Drained and flaked |
| Mayonnaise 🥫 | 1 cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Celery Stalks 🥬 | 3 whole | Finely diced for crunch |
| Fresh Dill 🌿 | ¼ cup | Chopped, stems removed |
| Red Onion 🧅 | ½ whole | Small dice for sharpness |
| Dijon Mustard 🟡 | 1 tbsp | Smooth, no seeds |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed preferred |
| Kosher Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Diamond Crystal preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Hard-Boiled Eggs 🥚 | 4 whole | Peeled and chopped |
| Sweet Relish 🥒 | 2 tbsp | Optional for sweetness |
| Greek Yogurt 🥛 | ¼ cup | Plain, full-fat for tang |
The canned chicken from Costco is ideal—look for the Kirkland Signature brand in water, not broth, for cleaner flavor. Draining and flaking the chicken well prevents a watery salad. Fresh dill is non-negotiable for that bright, herbal note; find it in the produce section near other fresh herbs. Organic celery often has a more vibrant crunch, but conventional works fine too.
No fresh dill? Dried dill at one-third the amount works in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as bright. Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt entirely if you prefer tang over creaminess. The Dijon can be replaced with yellow mustard (milder) or whole-grain (textured). For extra richness, add 1 tbsp of sour cream to the dressing.
This salad keeps beautifully for 3-4 days in the fridge—actually improves as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent browning. Best served chilled, so make it at least 30 minutes ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 5-Minute Assembly: I dump, mix, and serve—no cooking, just opening the Costco can and stirring in mayo, celery, and dill.
- Bright & Fresh: The crisp celery and sharp red onion cut through the creamy mayo, and that pop of fresh dill makes it taste like summer.
- Meal Prep MVP: I pack it in wraps for lunch all week, or serve it on crackers for unexpected guests.
- Budget Stretch: One $10 can feeds my family for two meals, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Costco Canned Chicken Salad
This method delivers consistent texture and balanced flavor in every creamy, herb-flecked bite.
Step 1: Prepare and Drain the Chicken
Open the 2 cans Costco Canned Chicken and drain them thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve. Press gently with a spatula to extract all excess liquid—this prevents a watery salad. Transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl and use two forks to flake it into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
The flaking step ensures even distribution of the other ingredients and creates that classic chicken salad texture. I find this method faster and more consistent than hand-shredding, especially with canned chicken that’s already fully cooked and tender.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients for Creamy Base
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup Mayonnaise, 0.25 cup Greek Yogurt, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, and 2 tbsp Lemon Juice until completely smooth. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the richness of the mayonnaise, while the Greek yogurt lightens the texture without sacrificing creaminess.
Add the 1 tsp Kosher Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper to the wet mixture and whisk again. This ensures the seasoning is evenly dispersed throughout the base before combining with the other ingredients. Taste and adjust salt if needed—remember, the chicken and relish will add their own saltiness.
Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables and Herbs
Finely dice the 3 whole Celery Stalks and 0.5 whole Red Onion—aim for pieces no larger than ¼ inch to ensure every bite has balanced flavor and texture. Chop the 0.25 cup Fresh Dill just before adding it to preserve its bright, aromatic quality. Fold these into the chicken along with the 2 tbsp Sweet Relish.
The celery adds a refreshing crunch, while the red onion provides a mild sharpness that cuts through the creaminess. The fresh dill lends a bright, herby note that defines this salad’s character. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, you can briefly rinse the diced pieces under cold water to mellow their bite.
Step 4: Fold in Eggs and Finalize the Salad
Peel and chop the 4 whole Hard-Boiled Eggs into small, even pieces. Gently fold them into the chicken mixture, taking care not to break them up too much—you want visible flecks of egg throughout. The eggs add richness and a subtle creaminess, making the salad more satisfying.
Pour the prepared wet mixture over the chicken-vegetable blend. Using a silicone spatula, fold everything together until just combined and evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the salad dense. The mixture should look creamy and slightly glossy, with all ingredients visible but well-distributed.
Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, ensuring every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements.
Pro Tips For Making Costco Canned Chicken Salad
- Drain and Dry: Press the canned chicken in a strainer for 30 seconds, then pat dry with paper towels—excess moisture makes the salad watery. I learned this the hard way after my first batch turned into soup.
- Fine Dice the Onion: Soak the minced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain well. Sounds fussy, but it keeps the onion crunch without overpowering the salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after mixing. The flavors meld better, and the mayo thickens up—your sandwich won’t fall apart.
- Use Full-Fat Mayo: Skip the light mayo; the full-fat version clings to the chicken and veggies better and tastes richer. I was skeptical until I tried it—now I never go back.
Essential Equipment for costco canned chicken salad
Mixing Bowls
Use a large stainless steel mixing bowl for the chicken base—I love my Cuisinox set. The size gives you room to flake the chicken without spills. A medium bowl works perfectly for whisking the wet ingredients together before combining. 💡
Cutting Tools
A sharp 8-inch chef’s knife makes quick work of dicing celery and onion. I recommend Wüsthof or Victorinox for durability. Pair it with a cutting board that has a groove to catch juices from the onion and lemon.
Fine-Mesh Sieve
Draining the canned chicken properly requires a fine-mesh sieve. I use the OXO Good Grips model—it’s sturdy and fits over my sink perfectly. Press the chicken gently with a spatula to remove all excess liquid.
Measuring Tools
Accurate measurements matter for balance. I keep a set of stainless steel measuring cups and spoons from Winco in my drawer. For the lemon juice, a small citrus reamer helps extract every last drop.
Serving Essentials
For serving, a slotted spoon lets you portion the salad without excess dressing. I also love using butter lettuce leaves as edible cups. Store leftovers in glass containers with tight lids to maintain freshness. ❄️
Optional Gadgets
A salad spinner can dry fresh dill if you wash it. For larger batches, a food processor with the pulse function quickly chops celery and onion uniformly. These aren’t essential but can save time.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand of canned chicken?
Yes, but Costco’s Kirkland brand works best due to its tender texture and clean flavor. Other brands may have a firmer texture or stronger broth taste that could alter the final result.
How long can I store this salad in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For best quality, press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.
Can I make this without eggs?
Simply omit the hard-boiled eggs. For extra creaminess, add 2 tablespoons of extra Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to compensate.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Try it on croissants, over mixed greens, or with crackers. For a low-carb option, use it to stuff avocados or bell peppers.
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