Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is your perfect match. Packed with tropical flavors and a satisfying crunch, it’s ideal for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise!

This recipe was inspired by my first trip to Hawaii.

While strolling through a local farmer’s market, I discovered a vibrant chicken salad infused with tropical ingredients.

It was a revelation, blending the savory, sweet, and tangy into one delightful bite.

Back home, I recreated it with a personal twist to bring a slice of Hawaiian sunshine into my kitchen.

Now, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tropical Flavors: The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and creamy dressing creates a delicious balance of flavors.
2. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a breeze to whip up.
3. Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
4. Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds or chopped macadamia nuts
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, boil, grill, or bake chicken breast until fully cooked. Let it cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop Ingredients: Dice the pineapple, bell pepper, red onion, and celery into small, even pieces for consistency.
3. Toast Nuts: Lightly toast the almonds or macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic. Let cool.
4. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, onion, celery, and nuts.
6. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
7. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and texture compared to canned.
2. Customize the Dressing: Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your preference by tweaking the honey and mustard amounts.
3. Add Crunch: For extra crunch, toss in additional nuts or even crushed tortilla chips before serving.
4. Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg

Common Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.
2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare it up to a day in advance for best flavor. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
3. What can I use instead of nuts? For a nut-free version, try sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
4. Can I make it dairy-free? Swap mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.

Thank you for joining me on this tropical culinary journey!

I hope this Hawaiian Chicken Salad brings a touch of sunshine to your table.

Enjoy, and happy cooking!