Canned salmon lunch bowl with avocado, eggs, herbs, and mustard in a ceramic bowl on a wooden table

This is one of those meals that quietly checks every box.

High in protein, filling, and easy to throw together—it’s the kind of lunch you can make a dozen different ways depending on what you have on hand.

I usually make it with canned sockeye salmon, but any wild Alaskan salmon works beautifully here. At its core, it’s just salmon, eggs, and a bit of mustard. From there, you can keep it fresh, add crunch, make it creamy, or turn it into a full meal—bowls, wraps, or salads.

Simple, flexible, and hard to mess up.

  • Prep Time:

    10 minutes

  • Cook Time:

    10 minutes (for eggs, if not pre-cooked)

  • Total Time:

    20 minutes

  • Servings:

    1–2 servings

  • Ingredients:

    Base:

    • 1 can salmon (drained)
    • 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped
    • 1–2 teaspoons mustard (yellow, Dijon, or whole grain)

    Add-Ins (choose a few):

    • Diced pickles or capers
    • Chopped tomatoes
    • Avocado
    • Pickled onions or fresh chives
    • Cucumber
    • Shredded carrots
    • Chopped celery
    • Diced apples
    • Fresh herbs (dill, parsley)
    • Sprouts or micro greens

    Optional extras:

    • Olive oil or a squeeze of lemon
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    A Note on Salmon
    This works beautifully with home-canned, store-bought, or even leftover cooked salmon. Texture can vary depending on how it’s prepared—some batches are more firm and flaky, others softer and more delicate.

    If using store-bought, you can remove the bones for a smoother bite, or leave them in for added texture and nutrients.

  • Instructions:

    1. In a bowl, combine the canned salmon, chopped eggs, and mustard. Mix gently until lightly combined.
    2. Add your chosen mix-ins—something fresh, something crunchy, and something briny works well together.
    3. Taste and adjust. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
    4. Serve immediately as a bowl, or over greens, toast, or crackers.

    Build it your way: mix, match, & make it yours.

    Classic & Tangy
    Pickles + dill + tomatoes

    Fresh & Crisp
    Cucumber + celery + parsley + lemon

    Rich & Creamy
    Avocado + egg + chives + a spoonful of mayo

    Sweet & Savory
    Apple + celery + Dijon + parsley

    Briny & Bold
    Capers + pickled onions + dill

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.

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