Looking for a keto lunch option? This delicious, low-calorie, and low-carb salmon salad is packed with omega-3s and fresh vegetables. Say goodbye to boring salads and try this vibrant canned salmon salad recipe (no mayo) that is both nutritious and satisfying. With “real food” ingredients and a flavorful citrus sesame dressing, this salad is perfect for those following a keto, Paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, LCHF, or pescatarian diet. You’ll love how beautiful the rainbow of crisp vegetables looks on your plate, and how good these health-promoting foods make you feel!
Why Make This Low Carb Canned Salmon Salad?
- Filling: Packed with protein and non-starchy vegetables, this salad is low in calories but offers plenty of volume. It’s an excellent choice for those with weight loss goals.
- Inexpensive: Canned salmon is a cost-effective alternative to fresh salmon fillets. It’s already cooked, making it easier and quicker to prepare.
- Omega-3s: Salmon is a fatty fish rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
- Vitamin D: Salmon is one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D.
- Calcium: This recipe uses canned salmon with bones, which is a great source of non-dairy calcium. Perfect for those following a dairy-free diet.
- Mediterranean Diet: In addition to being keto, Paleo, low carb, dairy-free, and gluten-free, this salad aligns with the Mediterranean diet, which is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases.
- Easy Lunch or Dinner: This no-cook recipe is perfect for warm summer evenings when you want a light and refreshing meal.
Recipe Details
- Calories, Net Carbs, and Protein: Each serving of this keto salmon avocado salad provides 331 calories, 11.2 grams of net carbs, and 26.6 grams of protein. To lower the net carbs further, you can substitute lemon juice for orange juice in the dressing.
- Ingredients: To make this low carb salmon salad, you’ll need bagged salad mix (mixed greens), avocado, lemon juice, canned salmon (with bones), grape or cherry tomatoes, broccoli, yellow pepper, chopped cucumber, chopped red onion, sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh squeezed orange juice (or lemon juice for keto), toasted sesame oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for Paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free), and orange zest. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Equipment: You’ll need a good knife, salad bowls, and a one-cup canning jar (with lid) to mix the dressing.
- How to Make Canned Salmon Salad: Start by making the dressing by combining orange (or lemon) juice, sesame oil, coconut aminos, and orange zest in a jar. Shake well and set aside. Chop the avocado and sprinkle it with lemon juice to prevent browning. Cut the grape tomatoes in half and chop the broccoli, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and scallion. Drain the canned salmon and mash it with a fork. Assemble the salads by dividing the lettuce between four bowls and topping them with salmon, avocado, tomatoes, broccoli, pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds, then drizzle on the salad dressing.
- Dressings: While this recipe includes an orange sesame salad dressing, you can also try Italian dressing, ranch dressing, balsamic dressing, cilantro-lime dressing, Caesar dressing, green goddess dressing, sesame ginger dressing, or buffalo sauce. Primal Kitchen offers some good keto salad dressings that are also Paleo and Whole30 compliant. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavors to create your own unique salmon salad.
- Leftovers: This salmon salad can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Keep the salmon and dressing separate from the salad until serving to avoid making the lettuce soggy.
- Side Dishes: If you want more carbs, consider pairing this low carb salmon salad with air fryer garlic bread, air fryer corn bread, whole grain crackers, fresh fruit salad, or quinoa/brown rice.
- Expert Tips: This salad is a great option for weight loss due to its low calorie content and high protein and fiber content. If you prefer a higher energy recipe, you can add more avocado or some pecans. You can skip the added oil since the salad already contains healthy fats from salmon, avocado, and sesame seeds. Instead, increase the orange (or lemon) juice to ensure you have enough dressing. Feel free to get creative and customize the salad to your liking.
Try More Keto Salmon Recipes
After enjoying this salmon salad, explore more high protein, low carb salmon recipes:
- How to Smoke Salmon
- Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce (serve with keto-friendly side dishes)
- Deconstructed Sushi Bowl (replace brown rice with cauliflower rice)
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Please note that all recipes on this website may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult a registered dietitian or your physician to determine the best dietary pattern for you. “Keto” recipes on the web may not align with medical nutrition therapy. The nutrition information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.