There’s something special about a dish that transports you to a tropical paradise with just one bite. This Hawaiian Chicken Salad does exactly that—bringing a taste of the islands to your table with fresh, vibrant ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, flavorful dressing makes this salad a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a protein-packed meal prep option, or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. The best part? It comes together quickly and easily, so you can enjoy a wholesome, tropical-inspired meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful – A perfect mix of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and crunchy vegetables.
- Quick and Easy – Comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Gluten-Free – A great option for those avoiding gluten.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and delicious for days.
- Versatile – Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup carrots, shredded
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped almonds or macadamia nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your chicken breast if you haven’t already. You can either bake, poach, or grill it. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, this step is even easier!
While the chicken cools, chop the pineapple, bell pepper, celery, red onion, and carrots. If you’re adding nuts, give them a rough chop as well.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is light yet creamy, with a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors of the salad.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, celery, red onion, carrots, and nuts (if using). Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple – Fresh pineapple adds the best natural sweetness, but canned works well too. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative or use all mayo instead.
- Add Some Heat – If you like a little spice, toss in some diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Boost the Crunch – Try adding chopped macadamia nuts or cashews for a delicious crunch.
- Meal Prep Friendly – This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- If making ahead of time, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
- The flavors develop even more after a few hours, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
- Serve it over greens, in a sandwich, or in a lettuce wrap for a fun twist!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the salad. Just be sure to remove the skin before chopping or shredding the meat.
What can I substitute for pineapple?
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, try using mango or grapes for a different sweet element.
How long does Hawaiian Chicken Salad last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad stays fresh for 3-4 days.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better after sitting for a few hours. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the yogurt-based dressing doesn’t freeze well.
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Conclusion
This Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a delicious, gluten-free dish that’s easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, packing it for a picnic, or serving it at a summer gathering, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and bring a little taste of the tropics to your table!
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Hawaiian Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free)
Description
There’s something special about a dish that transports you to a tropical paradise with just one bite. This Hawaiian Chicken Salad does exactly that—bringing a taste of the islands to your table with fresh, vibrant ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, flavorful dressing makes this salad a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a protein-packed meal prep option, or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. The best part? It comes together quickly and easily, so you can enjoy a wholesome, tropical-inspired meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup carrots, shredded
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped almonds or macadamia nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your chicken breast if you haven’t already. You can either bake, poach, or grill it. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, this step is even easier!
While the chicken cools, chop the pineapple, bell pepper, celery, red onion, and carrots. If you’re adding nuts, give them a rough chop as well.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is light yet creamy, with a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors of the salad.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, celery, red onion, carrots, and nuts (if using). Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- If making ahead of time, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
- The flavors develop even more after a few hours, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
- Serve it over greens, in a sandwich, or in a lettuce wrap for a fun twist!