Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe

There's something magical about the sweet and savory combination of Hawaiian Chicken Salad. With every bite, you get a refreshing blend of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together. It's a dish that tastes like a mini vacation, whether you're serving it for lunch, at a potluck, or as a light dinner.

I first tried this recipe on a warm summer afternoon when I needed something quick, filling, and refreshing. Since then, it has become a family favorite, perfect for meal prep or even stuffing into croissants for a special treat.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Get ready to fall in love with a salad that’s as easy as it is delicious. This Hawaiian Chicken Salad will become a staple in your kitchen.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy days when you still want something satisfying.

The flavor combination is out of this world. Sweet pineapple, crunchy almonds, and tender chicken create a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.

It’s also great for meal prep. This salad stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead lunches or last-minute meals.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is! Enjoy it on its own, stuff it into a sandwich, or serve it over a bed of greens. No matter how you eat it, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Hawaiian Chicken Salad lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each component adds something special to the dish.

Chicken is the heart of this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, grilled chicken for a smoky flavor, or even leftover shredded chicken from last night’s dinner. Just make sure it's tender and well-seasoned.

Pineapple brings the signature sweetness that makes this salad stand out. Fresh pineapple is ideal, but canned pineapple chunks (drained well) work just as well. If you love a bit more tang, try using pineapple tidbits instead of chunks.

Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt form the creamy base of the dressing. The mayo adds richness, while Greek yogurt provides a subtle tang and a lighter texture. Feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your taste.

Almonds give the salad a delightful crunch. Sliced or slivered almonds work best, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try toasted macadamia nuts for an extra Hawaiian twist.

Celery and Green Onions add freshness and a mild bite to balance out the sweetness. If you prefer a milder flavor, swap the green onions for chives.

How To Make This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Making this Hawaiian Chicken Salad couldn’t be easier. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious dish.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh pineapple, dice it into small chunks. Slice the celery and green onions thinly for even distribution throughout the salad.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Stir until smooth and well blended. You can also add a splash of pineapple juice here for an extra hint of sweetness.

Now, add the chicken, pineapple, celery, green onions, and almonds to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the ingredients intact and crisp.

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Once chilled, give it a final stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, or store for later – either way, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Storage Options

This Hawaiian Chicken Salad is perfect for make-ahead meals, and storing it properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious.

To keep it fresh, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

If you’re making this for a party, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Avoid freezing this salad, as the creamy dressing and pineapple don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations and substitutions to try.

For a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise entirely for Greek yogurt. This will give you the same creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.

Looking to add more tropical flavors? Try mixing in shredded coconut or diced mango for an extra burst of sweetness.

If you want a bit of heat, add a dash of sriracha or some finely chopped jalapeños to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple.

Prefer a nut-free option? Skip the almonds and substitute sunflower seeds or crunchy water chestnuts for texture instead.

However you customize it, this salad is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own!

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