Hawaiian Chicken Salad: 5 Tropical Tastes to Savor

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Salad: 5 Tropical Tastes to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup celery, diced; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 25, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Hawaiian chicken salad! This dish is like a little vacation on a plate, bursting with tropical flavors that instantly transport me to sunny beaches. Imagine tender, shredded chicken mingling with juicy pineapple chunks, crisp red bell peppers, and refreshing celery. It’s such a delightful medley of textures and tastes! The creamy mayonnaise, with just a hint of lemon juice, ties everything together beautifully, making each bite a refreshing treat. I often whip this up for summer picnics or light lunches, and it never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close—it’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s so easy to prepare! hawaiian chicken salad - detail 1

Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Hawaiian chicken salad a standout dish! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach your own for that fresh taste.
1 cup pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple is great, but canned works too—just be sure to drain it well!
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced: This adds a lovely crunch and beautiful color to your salad.
1/2 cup celery, diced: Celery brings that perfect crispness that balances out the creaminess.
1/4 cup green onions, sliced: These give a mild onion flavor that elevates the whole dish.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This is the base of your dressing—feel free to use low-fat or Greek yogurt for a lighter option!
1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten up the flavors.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season it just right to enhance all those lovely flavors!

That’s it! These simple yet vibrant ingredients come together to create a refreshing salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy prepping!

How to Prepare Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Making this Hawaiian chicken salad is as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together! Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by mixing the base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Use a spatula to gently fold them together, making sure everything is evenly distributed. This is where the magic begins as those vibrant colors and textures come together!
Next, prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until it’s smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
Combine it all: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and veggie medley. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are coated in that luscious dressing. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Season to perfection: This is where you can get a little personal. Add salt and pepper to taste, giving it a good mix to make sure those seasonings are well incorporated. Tasting as you go is key—trust me, you’ll want it just right!
Chill out: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, making every bite even more delicious!

And there you have it! A refreshing and colorful Hawaiian chicken salad that’s ready to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

This Hawaiian chicken salad is a game-changer in the kitchen, and here’s why you’re going to absolutely adore it:

Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Packed with flavor: The combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Healthy ingredients: With lean chicken, fresh produce, and a light dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, fitting perfectly into a balanced diet.
Great for meal prep: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and have tasty lunches ready to go—just grab it from the fridge!
Versatile and customizable: You can easily add your favorite nuts, swap out veggies, or experiment with different dressings to make it your own!

Trust me, once you taste this salad, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Tips for Success with Hawaiian Chicken Salad

To make sure your Hawaiian chicken salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips you won’t want to miss!

Use cold chicken: Starting with cold, cooked chicken makes mixing easier and helps keep the salad refreshing. If you have the time, chill the chicken in the fridge before shredding.
Adjust seasonings: Don’t hesitate to taste as you mix! Every batch can be a bit different, so adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate.
Chill longer: If you can, let the salad chill for an hour or more. This extra time lets the flavors meld beautifully, making it even more scrumptious!
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to throw in some toasted nuts or even a handful of raisins for a little sweetness. It’s all about what you love!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious, crowd-pleasing Hawaiian chicken salad!

Variations of Hawaiian Chicken Salad

One of the best things about this Hawaiian chicken salad is how easy it is to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to consider:

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped macadamia nuts or almonds for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple.
Switch up the fruits: Try adding diced mango or mandarin oranges for a different tropical twist—each fruit brings its own sweet touch!
Change the dressing: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the mayonnaise for a tangy yogurt-based dressing or even a light vinaigrette for a refreshing change.
Herb it up: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add a burst of freshness—just chop them up and fold them in for an aromatic twist!

These variations keep things exciting and let you enjoy this salad in new ways every time!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

When it comes to the nutritional information for this Hawaiian chicken salad, please keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided typical values—around 250 calories, 14g of fat, and 20g of protein per serving—these are just estimates. For the most accurate information, it’s always a good idea to calculate based on the exact products you choose. Remember, every kitchen is a little different, and that’s part of the fun!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Hawaiian chicken salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just remember, the flavors only get better as it sits!

If you want to enjoy it warm, I recommend gently reheating the chicken in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat it—about 30 seconds should do the trick! Once warmed, you can mix it back into the salad. However, I find that this salad is best served chilled, so I usually enjoy it straight from the fridge!

FAQ About Hawaiian Chicken Salad

You’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about Hawaiian chicken salad that might help you on your culinary adventure:

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Canned chicken works in a pinch, but I recommend draining it well and giving it a good shred to mimic that fresh texture.
What’s the best way to serve Hawaiian chicken salad? You can serve it in a variety of ways! It’s delicious on a bed of crisp lettuce, stuffed in a sandwich, or even in a wrap for a delightful lunch option.
How do I make this salad dairy-free? Simply swap out the mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative like avocado or a plant-based mayo. This keeps the creaminess intact without any dairy.
Is Hawaiian chicken salad suitable for meal prep? Definitely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors even improve after sitting!
Can I freeze Hawaiian chicken salad? I wouldn’t recommend freezing it as the texture of the vegetables may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Hopefully, these answers help you create the most delightful Hawaiian chicken salad ever! Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!