Hawaiian Chicken Salad made with tender chicken, pineapple, macadamia nuts & celery, all in a tangy, creamy dressing.
I’m on a chicken salad kick lately and am having so much fun trying all sorts of variations! This one was a big hit- something about the chicken and pineapple combination was just amazing. I hope you’ll try it!
This pineapple chicken salad is so refreshing and full of flavor! Tender chicken, scallions, crushed macadamia nuts, pineapple tidbits, celery all mixed up in a garlicky creamy dressing. This is delicious piled high on a buttery croissants or Hawaiian bread.
Highlights of this recipe
- Incredible flavor & texture. You get a balanced combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures in this Hawaiian Chicken Salad. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that pairs well with the tender chicken.
- An added crunch! The use of macadamia nuts contributes a buttery crunch, but you can swap them for almonds to keep it budget-friendly without sacrificing texture.
- Easy ingredients & steps. This recipe is versatile, so you can adjust the vegetables, nuts, or fruit to fit your taste while keeping the central tropical theme intact. It’s easy to prepare with mostly simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken Salad
Chicken: You will need 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken for the main ingredient in this dish.
Pineapple: The Hawaiian element of this recipe is 1 cup of pineapple tidbits, drained (you can use fresh pineapple instead, if preferred).
Nuts: Add macadamia nuts, chopped for amazing taste & texture too. A less expensive alternative is slivered almonds.
Vegetables: Use ¼ cup of BOTH chopped green onions and thinly sliced celery.
Dressing base: For a creamy dressing, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise and ½ cup of sour cream.
Garlic: 1 clove of garlic, minced, adds amazing flavor to this salad recipe.
Seasonings: Using ½ tsp of garlic salt, ½ tsp of pepper, and ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper seasons this chicken salad perfectly!
Lemon: Add 1 TBSP of fresh lemon juice for a subtle citrus taste.
Poppyseeds: If desired, add some poppyseeds for garnish.
Tips for making delicious Hawaiian Chicken Salad
- Chicken selection: Start by shredding or dicing 3 cups of cooked chicken. Use rotisserie or grilled chicken for best results. Make sure the chicken is tender and moist to keep the salad juicy.
- Prepare your fruits and vegetables: Drain 1 cup of pineapple tidbits well. Chop the green onions and celery to add crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Final touches & serving: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. If desired, you can sprinkle poppyseeds on top as an optional garnish. Serve your Hawaiian Chicken Salad cold, either on some bread rolls or over a bed of leafy greens.
How long is this good for & how do you store it?
You can store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. When refrigerating, give the salad a good stir before each serving to evenly redistribute the dressing.
Freezing this chicken salad is not recommended. The creamy dressing with mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and change texture when thawed.
Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken cooked & shredded
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits drained
- ½ cup macadamia nuts chopped
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ¼ cup celery thinly sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- Poppy seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook and shred your chicken, chop the onions, and dice the celery.
- In a large bowl combine the chicken, pineapple, macadamia, green onions, and scallions.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, garlic salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice.
- Toss the chicken mixture with the dressing until well combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with more scallions and poppy seeds. Serve as a sandwich, in a lettuce wrap or on crackers. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I replace the mayonnaise with something healthier?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a lighter, healthier option. These alternatives still provide creaminess while reducing fat and calories.
What are common substitutions for nuts in chicken salad?
If you want a nut alternative, slivered almonds work well instead of macadamia nuts. You can also use chopped cashews or omit nuts entirely if you have allergies.
What type of chicken recommended for Hawaiian chicken salad?
Cooked, shredded chicken breast is preferred for its lean texture. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are convenient choices that maintain tenderness.
What is the origin of Hawaiian chicken salad?
Hawaiian chicken salad reflects Hawaii’s blend of tropical fruits and fresh ingredients, combining sweet pineapple with savory chicken and nuts. It is a modern dish inspired by local flavors rather than a traditional historical recipe.
More delicious chicken salad recipes:
- This Old Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad is so easy to make and even more delicious! It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and turn it into a flavorful meal.
- A great twist on a classic recipe is our Basil Chicken Salad. The fresh basil adds a refreshing and unique flavor to the dish that everyone is sure to enjoy!
- One of our favorite, classic recipes is this Almond Chicken Salad. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a tasty dish that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
- Try this popular 5-Minute Chicken Salad recipe, it’s another family favorite. The dish comes together quick and disappears just as fast!
- This Chicken Salad Apples is a delightful snack, lunch, or even a light dinner! With chicken and some sliced apples, you can have a dish the whole family will love!
- Looking for a flavorful, filling dish? Look no further than our recipe for Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. It’s loaded with amazing ingredients such as salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, tomatoes, and of course chicken!
Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a refreshing recipe, full of flavor and amazing texture too! The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crunchy macadamia nuts makes an incredible sandwich that everyone enjoys.
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