Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe

There's something magical about the blend of sweet and savory in this Hawaiian Chicken Salad. The juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and creamy dressing all come together to create a tropical twist on a classic dish that's just as refreshing as it is satisfying.

I first created this recipe on a hot summer day when I was craving something cool, light, and filling. It’s since become a go-to in our house, especially for potlucks, picnics, and quick lunches. One bite and you’ll see why this salad is such a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into what makes this salad a must-try.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Get ready to discover a dish that checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Whether you're prepping lunch for the week or hosting a laid-back brunch, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad will quickly become a favorite.

First and foremost, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and stirring, you’ll have a full meal in under 30 minutes. There’s no complex cooking or baking required, which makes it perfect for beginners or busy weeknights.

It’s also super versatile. Serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option, pile it high on croissants for something more indulgent, or scoop it onto crackers as a party appetizer. It fits seamlessly into any occasion or dietary preference.

You’ll also love how budget-friendly this dish is. Most of the ingredients are pantry or fridge staples, and rotisserie chicken keeps the prep low and the cost down.

And let’s not forget that this recipe is family-friendly. Even picky eaters tend to love the sweet pineapple paired with creamy dressing and tender chicken. It’s a great way to sneak in some fruit and protein without any complaints.

Now that you're intrigued, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this salad shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Hawaiian Chicken Salad lies in its well-balanced ingredients, which create a dish that's creamy, fruity, and just a bit savory. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters.

Cooked chicken forms the hearty base of the salad. I prefer using shredded rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor. It’s moist, tender, and doesn’t require extra cooking – a lifesaver when time is short. If you’re cooking your own, poached or baked chicken breasts work just as well.

Pineapple chunks add that unmistakable tropical flair. I use canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) and drain it well to avoid watering down the salad. The sweetness of the fruit balances beautifully with the savory chicken and tangy dressing.

Celery and red onion give the salad its signature crunch and a slight sharpness that cuts through the creaminess. Make sure to chop both finely so they blend seamlessly into every bite, providing texture without overpowering the other ingredients.

Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt are the base of the creamy dressing. The mayo gives it richness, while the yogurt adds a slight tang and keeps things light. You can adjust the ratio to your taste, or even use all yogurt for a lower-fat version.

To tie everything together, a bit of lime juice adds brightness, and a dash of salt and pepper enhances all the other flavors. If you like a little extra flair, a sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts or shredded coconut can add even more Hawaiian flair.

No fancy tools are needed for this recipe – just a sharp knife, a large mixing bowl, and a spoon for stirring. It’s a true no-fuss dish that delivers big results.

How To Make This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

This recipe is as easy as it gets, which is part of its charm. Let’s walk through the simple steps to get this salad on your table in no time.

Start by preparing your ingredients. If you haven’t already, shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Drain the pineapple well, and chop the celery and red onion finely. It’s helpful to do all the chopping first so assembling the salad is a breeze.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pineapple chunks, chopped celery, and red onion. Stir everything gently to distribute the ingredients evenly without breaking them up too much.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This dressing should be creamy and balanced, with a little zing from the lime.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to coat everything thoroughly. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly dressed, but don’t overmix – you want to maintain the integrity of the pineapple and chicken pieces.

If you’re adding any extras like chopped nuts or coconut, fold them in at the end. They’ll add an unexpected texture and a hint of exotic flavor that complements the rest of the salad beautifully.

This salad is ready to enjoy immediately, but it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld together and the texture firms up for a perfect bite every time.

Storage Options

This Hawaiian Chicken Salad stores wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as some separation can occur in the dressing over time.

If you're prepping ahead for a party, you can mix the salad the night before. Wait to add any crunchy toppings (like nuts or lettuce cups) until just before serving to maintain their texture.

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the dressing may separate and the texture of the pineapple and celery will suffer after thawing.

To re-serve, simply scoop it out cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. You can also refresh it with a small spoonful of yogurt or mayo if it looks a little dry.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, which means you can tailor it to your taste or use whatever you have on hand.

For a lighter option, swap the mayonnaise for more Greek yogurt or even mashed avocado. This will change the flavor slightly, but it keeps the creamy texture and adds a nutritional boost.

Don’t have pineapple? Try using chopped mango or grapes instead. Both provide sweetness and pair beautifully with the savory chicken and creamy dressing.

If you want extra protein, add chopped boiled eggs or even cooked quinoa to the mix. These additions make the salad even more satisfying and can turn it into a full-on dinner.

Looking for a vegetarian version? Replace the chicken with canned chickpeas or cooked tofu. The creamy dressing still works beautifully with plant-based proteins.

Feel free to play with the seasoning too – a pinch of curry powder or a splash of soy sauce can give this salad a whole new dimension. Don't be afraid to experiment until it feels just right for you.

No matter how you make it, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It's flexible, flavorful, and totally fuss-free – just the way great food should be.

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