Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe tantalizing scent of grilled chicken mingling with the sweet aroma of fresh pineapple instantly transports me to a sunny beach with swaying palm trees. This tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad is my go-to choice for any occasion, whether I’m hosting a summer picnic or simply looking for a quick lunch solution. Packed with protein, delightful textures, and vibrant flavors, it’s an easy recipe that anyone can whip up in no time. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare it in advance and grab it whenever hunger strikes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Curious about how to recreate this tropical delight? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is Hawaiian Chicken Salad a Must-Try? Tropical Escape: Each bite of this salad whisks you away to a paradise of flavors, combining savory chicken with sweet pineapple for a delightful experience. Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in no time—ideal for busy lifestyles! Customizable: Feel free to mix in ingredients like avocado or mango to create your own version, just like our Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Make-Ahead Perfection: Prep this salad in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a great addition to your meal prep like our Honey BBQ Chicken. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings or potlucks, this vibrant salad is sure to impress your guests and become a staple at your table! Hawaiian Chicken Salad Ingredients For the Salad • Cooked chicken – Provides protein and a savory base for the salad. Substitution: Rotisserie chicken for convenience. • Pineapple chunks – Adds sweetness and a tropical flair. Substitution: Canned pineapple, just drain the excess liquid. • Chopped celery – Contributes crunch and freshness. No substitutions necessary. • Chopped walnuts (optional) – For added crunch and texture. Substitution: Pecans or leave out for a nut-free option. For the Dressing • Mayonnaise – Acts as a creamy binder for the salad. Substitution: Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version. • Greek yogurt – Enhances creaminess and adds protein. Substitution: Additional mayonnaise can be used. • Sweet relish – Adds a hint of sweetness and tang. Substitution: Chopped pickles for a similar effect. • Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste. For Serving • Lettuce leaves – Used for serving, providing a fresh base. Substitution: Any leafy green can be used. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Chicken Salad Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by dicing your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Aim for about 1-inch pieces to ensure each bite is flavorful. If you’re using rotisserie chicken for convenience, simply shred it before adding it to the bowl. This should take about 5 minutes. Step 2: Add the Fruit and Vegetables Next, add the sweet pineapple chunks and chopped celery to the bowl with the chicken. The pineapple should glisten with juice, adding a tropical sweetness, while the celery offers a satisfying crunch. Gently mix these ingredients together using a spatula, ensuring an even distribution, which should take around 2 minutes. Step 3: Make the Dressing In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and sweet relish. Stir vigorously until the mixture is creamy and well-blended, creating a delightful dressing to complement the Hawaiian Chicken Salad. This step will take about 3 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the dressing is smooth with a glossy finish. Step 4: Combine the Mixtures Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste, then fold the dressing gently into the chicken, pineapple, and celery mixture until everything is well-coated. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you’ll see the salad transform into a vibrant medley of colors. Step 5: Add Optional Nuts If you’re using chopped walnuts for added texture, fold them into the Hawaiian Chicken Salad gently. This step should be done just before serving to maintain their wonderful crunch. Explore the harmony of flavors and colors, and notice how the nuts introduce a delightful crunch amid the creaminess. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Finally, serve the Hawaiian Chicken Salad on crisp lettuce leaves. This will create a refreshing base for each vibrant scoop. Garnish with a few extra pineapple chunks or nuts for visual appeal. Enjoy this tropical delight immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for enhanced flavors before serving. How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Chicken Salad Fridge: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it remains fresh and flavorful. Freezer: Avoid freezing the prepared salad as the creamy dressing can separate and affect texture. Instead, freeze chicken and pineapple separately for later use. Make-Ahead: If preparing in advance, combine components without dressing and store in jars; add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness. Reheating: If you’ve opted for rotisserie chicken, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave before mixing it in, but enjoy the salad cold for the best experience! Make Ahead Options These Hawaiian Chicken Salad ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can dice your cooked chicken, chop the celery, and even prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store the dressing separately to maintain its creamy texture and prevent the salad from becoming soggy. You can combine the chicken, pineapple, and celery in an airtight container, refrigerate, and enjoy within 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix in the dressing, optional walnuts, and give it a gentle fold for that fresh taste. This way, you’ll have a delightful tropical chicken salad ready to go, making your busy weeknights much easier! Expert Tips for Hawaiian Chicken Salad • Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully. • Mix-In Timing: Always add walnuts just before serving to ensure they retain their crunch; no one likes a soggy nut! • Ingredient Freshness: Use the freshest ingredients available for a truly uplifting taste experience in your Hawaiian chicken salad. • Careful with Salt: Adjust salt gradually, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance without overpowering the tropical flavors. • Make Ahead Magic: This salad stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prepping and quick lunches! Hawaiian Chicken Salad Variations Customize your Hawaiian Chicken Salad to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences! Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts. This keeps it safe for those with nut allergies while retaining that satisfying texture. Vegan Twist: Replace chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu and use vegan mayo for a delicious plant-based version. This gives it a whole new personality, and with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top, it’s simply irresistible! Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for some heat. Spice lovers will relish this zesty twist—it’s a delightful way to awaken your senses! Tropical Fruits: Incorporate diced mango or kiwi alongside the pineapple for added sweetness. The unexpected combination of flavors will bring an extra burst of sunshine to every bite. Greek-Style: Swap the mayo for tzatziki sauce to create a Mediterranean flair. This variation not only lightens the dish, but also enhances the salad with refreshing herbs and tangy yogurt. Pasta Salad: Mix in or serve over cooked macaroni or orzo to create a fun pasta salad variant, perfect for potlucks. The added pasta makes it heartier—just like our Garlic Parmesan Chicken to satisfy bigger appetites! Fruit-Infused Dressing: Mix in a splash of pineapple juice with the dressing for an extra boost of tropical flavor. A drizzle of this fruity dressing truly elevates the whole salad experience! Crunchy Toppings: Add crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of crunchy granola just before serving for a unique twist. This unexpected texture deepens the flavor profile and gives you a satisfying crunch! Feel free to explore these variations and discover your perfect version of Hawaiian Chicken Salad! What to Serve with Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad Elevate your meal with refreshing sides that perfectly complement your vibrant Hawaiian chicken salad. Crispy Garlic Bread: The buttery crunch of garlic bread balances the creamy salad, adding a delightful contrast with every bite. Zesty Coleslaw: This tangy, crunchy side brings a vibrant pop of flavor and texture, enhancing the tropical vibes of your meal. Chilled Cucumber Salad: Cool and refreshing, this salad adds a burst of hydrating flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken salad. Enjoy a tropical experience by pairing the salad with chilled beverages! Pineapple Juice: A sweet and natural choice, it echoes the flavors in your salad, making each sip a mini-vacation. Sparkling Water with Lime: Crisp and refreshing, this drink cleanses the palate between bites, accentuating the tropical taste. Light, Fruity Dessert: Consider a fruit sorbet or coconut flan—a sweet ending that smoothly wraps up your Hawaiian-themed meal. Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this salad? Absolutely! For the best flavor and convenience, I recommend using cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or grilled chicken. Rotisserie chicken provides great flavor and saves time in the kitchen, while grilled chicken adds a touch of smoky goodness. Just ensure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing! How should I store leftover Hawaiian Chicken Salad? You can keep your Hawaiian Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to seal it well to prevent it from absorbing other odors in your fridge. I often prepare it on a Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick lunch! Can I freeze Hawaiian Chicken Salad? It’s best to avoid freezing the fully prepared Hawaiian Chicken Salad, as the creamy dressing may separate when thawed, altering its texture. Instead, freeze the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks separately. When you’re ready to enjoy, just combine them with fresh ingredients and dressing! What can I do if my salad is too salty? If you find your Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a bit too salty, don’t worry! You can dilute the saltiness by adding more diced chicken or pineapple. Balance it out further by mixing in extra chopped celery for crunch or additional Greek yogurt to enhance creaminess. Just take it a little bit at a time, tasting as you go! Is Hawaiian Chicken Salad pet-friendly? While the cooked chicken is generally safe for pets, the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and sweet relish can be problematic due to their dairy and potential sweeteners. It’s best to keep the salad away from pets and offer them plain, cooked chicken instead. How can I make this salad lighter? Very! To create a lighter version of the Hawaiian Chicken Salad, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This swap not only reduces calories but also adds extra protein to your meal. You can also limit the nuts or replace them with seeds for a nut-free option while maintaining crunch. Hawaiian Chicken Salad: A Tropical Taste of Paradise This Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of tropical flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: HawaiianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 cups cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.1 cup pineapple chunks Canned pineapple can be used, just drain the excess liquid.1 cup chopped celery No substitutions necessary.1/2 cup chopped walnuts Optional; substitute with pecans or omit for nut-free.For the Dressing1/2 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version.1/2 cup Greek yogurt Additional mayonnaise can be used.1 tablespoon sweet relish Chopped pickles can be used as a substitute.to taste salt Essential for seasoning.to taste black pepper Essential for seasoning.For Serving4 leaves lettuce Any leafy green can be used. Equipment Large mixing bowlmedium bowlSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsDice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.Add the sweet pineapple chunks and chopped celery to the bowl. Gently mix these ingredients together using a spatula.In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and sweet relish. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste, then fold the dressing gently into the mixture until everything is well-coated.If using chopped walnuts, fold them into the salad just before serving.Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Salad on crisp lettuce leaves, garnished with extra pineapple chunks or nuts. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesChill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Use the freshest ingredients for best taste. This salad stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!