Salmon salad with celery, capers, and red onion in a rustic ceramic bowl on a wooden table in natural light

This is the kind of salmon salad that feels especially good in the warmer months—bright, briny, and just a little tangy. Lemon, capers, and pepperoncini bring a clean, punchy flavor, while celery adds crunch and fresh herbs keep everything balanced.

It’s easy to keep coming back to, whether you’re piling it onto crackers, building a quick sandwich or wrap, or spooning it over a simple green salad.

  • Prep Time:

    15 minutes

  • Cook Time:

    0 minutes

  • Total Time:

    15 minutes

  • Servings:

    3–4

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 cans salmon (about 12–15 oz total), drained (bones removed if desired) or leftover baked flaked salmon.
    • 1/4–1/2 cup white or red onion, finely minced
    • 1–2 stalks celery, diced
    • 3 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
    • 1 Tb capers, minced
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

    Dressing

    • 1 Tb Dijon mustard
    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2–3 Tb fresh lemon juice (to taste)
    • 2 Tb pepperoncini brine
    • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
    • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • Instructions:

    1. Prepare the salmon: Drain the salmon and gently break it into flakes in a mixing bowl.
    2. Add the mix-ins: Add onion, celery, pepperoncini, capers, and parsley.
    3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon, olive oil, lemon juice, pepperoncini brine, salt, and pepper.
    4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the salmon mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
    5. Taste and adjust: Adjust lemon, salt, or brine as needed to get the balance just right.
    6. Serve: Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving.

    Serving Ideas
    Great on crackers, in sandwiches or wraps, spooned over a simple green salad, or tucked into halved bell peppers for a fresh, crunchy bite.

If you’re looking for more simple, reliable seafood ideas like this, explore our Approachable Seafood guide—easy wins that make cooking fish feel a whole lot simpler.