Name: Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); ½ cup red bell pepper, diced; ½ cup celery, chopped; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional); ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

There's nothing quite like the fresh, tropical flavors of Hawaiian Chicken Salad to transport you to a sunny island paradise. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy macadamia nuts, and a creamy dressing, making it the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

I first discovered this recipe during a summer picnic, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and works beautifully as a sandwich filling, wrap, or even served over crisp greens. Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or need a quick lunch option, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad will not disappoint.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Get ready to enjoy a light yet satisfying dish packed with tropical flavors. This Hawaiian Chicken Salad is bound to become your new go-to recipe for warm-weather meals.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes.

It's also versatile! Serve it in a sandwich, wrap it in a tortilla, or spoon it over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option. You can even eat it straight from the bowl—no judgment here!

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples and leftover rotisserie chicken, you can create a gourmet-style dish without breaking the bank.

Best of all, it's refreshing and flavorful. The combination of juicy pineapple, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing makes every bite a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Hawaiian Chicken Salad lies in its fresh, vibrant ingredients. Here’s what makes each component essential to the dish:

Chicken is the star of the show. I prefer using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also use grilled or poached chicken breasts. The tender, shredded texture works best to soak up all the flavors in the dressing.

Pineapple adds that signature tropical sweetness. Fresh pineapple is best for its juicy, bright flavor, but canned pineapple (drained well) works as an easy substitute.

Macadamia nuts bring a delicious crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor. Lightly toasting them enhances their taste and gives the salad an extra depth of flavor.

Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt combine to create a creamy, tangy dressing. The mayo provides richness, while the yogurt adds a slight tang and keeps the dish light.

A little honey and lime juice round out the dressing, adding a subtle sweetness and a touch of citrusy brightness that ties everything together.

How To Make This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Making this tropical-inspired salad is incredibly simple and requires just a few easy steps.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Shred or dice your cooked chicken, chop the pineapple into small chunks, and roughly chop the macadamia nuts. If you’re using fresh pineapple, make sure to remove any tough core pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, macadamia nuts, and thinly sliced green onions. The onions add a mild, fresh bite without overpowering the other ingredients.

Next, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and lime juice. This dressing should be smooth and slightly thick, coating the back of a spoon easily.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the texture and integrity of the ingredients.

Cover and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Storage Options

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

To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.

If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze without the dressing and mix it in fresh once thawed.

For reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to heat it up. If you prefer a warm option, you can serve it in a toasted sandwich or wrap.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the protein – If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly twist.

Try different nuts – While macadamia nuts are a classic choice, you can experiment with almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different crunch and flavor.

Make it dairy-free – Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or an extra scoop of mayonnaise.

Add some extra fruit – Mix in chopped mango, grapes, or even shredded coconut for an extra tropical touch.

Spice it up – A dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of Sriracha can add a little heat for those who like a bit of spice.

No matter how you make it, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—whip up a batch, take a bite, and let the tropical flavors transport you to paradise!