I can almost smell the tropical breeze when I think about a refreshing Hawaiian Chicken Salad! This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of sunny afternoons spent on the beach with my family. We’d pack a picnic with colorful salads, sandwiches, and of course, tropical fruits, basking in the sun. The hint of sweetness from the pineapple and the crunch of the veggies brings back those cherished moments.
What makes this salad unique, aside from its vibrant colors and flavors, is how versatile it is. I often whip it up for potlucks or enjoy it as a light dinner, especially on those hot summer nights when cooking feels like too much. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dish yourself!
What’s in Hawaiian Chicken Salad?
Chicken: The star of this dish! I prefer to use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, that’s even better!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple chunks bring a delightful tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with chicken. Canned pineapple works in a pinch but go for the fresh one if you can!
Red Bell Pepper: I love the crunch and color that red bell peppers add. They’re sweet and tangy, perfect for this vibrant salad.
Green Onions: They add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, making the salad look even more appealing. Use them generously for that fresh kick!
Almonds: Sliced almonds offer a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You can substitute with pecans or walnuts if you prefer, but don’t skip this step!
Mayonnaise: This creamy ingredient binds everything together. I often use a light version, but feel free to use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist!
Lime Juice: A little acidity from lime juice brightens up the flavors. Freshly squeezed is always my go-to, but bottled works too.
Is Hawaiian Chicken Salad Good for You?
This salad not only satisfies your taste buds but offers some health benefits too!
Chicken: It’s a fantastic source of lean protein, helping you feel full and energized.
Pineapple: Packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin C, it also contains bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion.
Vegetables: The bell peppers and green onions add fiber and antioxidants, making your meal more balanced.
However, if you’re watching your calorie intake, keep an eye on the mayonnaise as it can be calorie-dense. Opting for Greek yogurt can be a smart swap without sacrificing creaminess!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (cubed)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple (diced)
- 1 avocado (cubed)
- 1 tomato (diced)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayo)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika for seasoning
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Salad?
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pineapple, avocado, tomato, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt (or mayo) with lime juice, salt, pepper, and chili powder or paprika if using.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing salad!
Serve it Up!
You can get creative with this salad! Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a hearty lunch, or pile it onto a bun for a tasty sandwich. I’ve even turned it into a wrap with a tortilla, and it never disappoints! Feeling adventurous? Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap the almonds for roasted coconut flakes for a real Hawaiian treat.
I can’t wait for you to try this Hawaiian Chicken Salad! It’s truly like a mini vacation in a bowl. I would love to hear how it turns out for you—your cooking adventures inspire me!
