Here’s a detailed recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Salad, followed by a FAQ section to address common questions.
🥗 Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe
🍍 Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red grapes, halved (or mandarin oranges)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts or slivered almonds
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or pineapple juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)
🥣 Instructions:
- Prep Chicken: Use cooked, cooled chicken breast. Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Ingredients: Prepare pineapple, grapes, celery, onion, and nuts. Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk mayo, mustard, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix chicken, fruits, veggies, nuts, and coconut.
- Add Dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with herbs or extra nuts and serve chilled.
🍽 Serving Ideas:
- In lettuce cups (for a low-carb option)
- Over a bed of mixed greens
- With croissants or sandwich bread
- As a filling for wraps or pita pockets
❓ Hawaiian Chicken Salad FAQs
1. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes! Just drain it well to avoid a watery salad. Fresh pineapple adds more brightness, but canned works fine.
2. What type of chicken is best?
Cooked, skinless chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works best. Avoid heavily seasoned or sauced chicken.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually better after chilling. You can make it 1–2 days ahead; just give it a quick stir before serving.
4. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container. After that, the texture and flavor degrade.
5. Can I freeze Hawaiian Chicken Salad?
Not recommended. Mayo-based dressings and fresh fruits like pineapple don’t freeze well; they separate and get watery.
6. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mayo alternative like Just Mayo or Vegenaise.
7. Can I make it healthier?
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo (or half/half).
- Reduce or omit nuts and coconut.
- Use more veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers.
8. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all the ingredients (especially the mayo) are certified gluten-free.
9. Can I add more tropical flavors?
Sure! Add mango, papaya, or use coconut milk in the dressing for a creamier island twist.
10. What goes well with this salad?
- Sweet rolls or Hawaiian bread
- Tropical fruit platters
- Iced tea or a coconut-lime mocktail
If you’d like a printable version, meal prep ideas, or substitutions (like vegan or low-carb), let me know!