Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in this Hawaiian Chicken Salad. Tender shredded chicken, juicy pineapple, crunchy macadamia nuts, and a hint of coconut all come together in a dish that's refreshing and satisfying. Whether you're serving it in a sandwich, over crisp lettuce, or with crackers, this tropical twist on a classic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first fell in love with Hawaiian Chicken Salad during a summer trip to Maui. The balance of flavors, the crunch of nuts, and the touch of tropical sweetness made every bite feel like a mini vacation. Now, this recipe is a staple in my home, perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or light dinners.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Get ready to experience a chicken salad like no other. This Hawaiian Chicken Salad is flavorful, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile.

First, it’s quick and simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy days when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

It's also light yet satisfying. The combination of protein-packed chicken, fresh fruits, and a creamy dressing makes this salad both filling and refreshing.

Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate that this recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients. Most items can be found in your pantry or picked up inexpensively at the grocery store.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option, stuff it into a croissant for a fancy sandwich, or simply enjoy it with crackers as a snack.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken forms the base of this salad. I prefer using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also use poached or grilled chicken breasts. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, this is a perfect way to repurpose it.

Pineapple adds a signature tropical sweetness. Fresh pineapple is ideal, but canned pineapple chunks (drained well) work just as beautifully. If you want an extra boost of flavor, try grilling the pineapple before adding it to the salad.

Macadamia nuts bring a delightful crunch. These buttery nuts enhance the texture and provide a true Hawaiian touch. If you don’t have macadamia nuts on hand, toasted almonds or cashews make great substitutes.

Shredded coconut lends a subtle sweetness and complements the tropical flavors perfectly. Toasting the coconut beforehand deepens its flavor and adds a bit of extra texture.

The creamy dressing is a mix of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and a touch of honey for balance. The yogurt keeps it lighter while still giving that creamy texture. For an extra zing, a splash of lime juice or a dash of Dijon mustard can be added.

How To Make This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Making this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is incredibly easy and comes together in just a few steps.

Start by shredding your chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat with your hands or two forks. If using fresh chicken breasts, poach them in lightly salted water, let them cool, and then shred them.

Next, prepare the pineapple by cutting it into small chunks if using fresh. If using canned, drain it well to avoid excess liquid making the salad watery. For an extra layer of flavor, grill the pineapple slices and dice them before adding to the mix.

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pineapple, macadamia nuts, and shredded coconut. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.

For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and a squeeze of lime juice in a separate small bowl. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat. Make sure every bite gets a bit of the delicious dressing.

Finally, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.

Storage Options

This Hawaiian Chicken Salad stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.

For best freshness, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making leftovers just as tasty.

If you plan to store it longer, keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy over time.

This salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and yogurt in the dressing. Freezing changes the texture, making it watery upon thawing.

To refresh leftovers, simply stir the salad and add a little extra yogurt or mayonnaise if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is its flexibility. Here are a few fun variations to try:

For a healthier twist, replace the mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.

If you love spice, add a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

Make it heartier by adding cooked quinoa or wild rice to the mix. This adds more texture and makes the salad even more filling.

Swap the macadamia nuts for chopped pecans or cashews if you prefer a different nutty crunch.

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free yogurt or a light vinaigrette dressing instead of Greek yogurt.

No matter how you customize it, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy a taste of the tropics. Try it today, and let every bite take you straight to a Hawaiian paradise!

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