Tropical Pineapple Chicken Salad

Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe

Welcome to Love with Recipes! Today, we’re diving into the delightful flavors of Hawaiian cuisine with our Hawaiian Chicken Salad recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of savory chicken, tropical pineapple, and crisp celery, all brought together with a tangy mayonnaise dressing. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a refreshing meal any time of day.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 129.1 kcal
Rating: 4 (from 2 reviews)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup celery, finely chopped
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons salad oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Optional: sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by dicing the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces if it’s not already diced.
- Drain the pineapple chunks if using canned, or prepare fresh pineapple if preferred.
- Finely chop the celery to add a crisp texture to the salad.
Combine Chicken, Pineapple, and Celery:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, pineapple chunks, and chopped celery. This combination forms the hearty base of the salad.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, salad oil, and salt. This tangy dressing adds a refreshing zest to the salad.
Marinate the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken, pineapple, and celery mixture. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Add Mayonnaise and Final Mix:
- After marinating, add the mayonnaise to the salad. Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture and richness to the salad, binding all the ingredients together.
- Gently mix everything together until the mayonnaise is evenly distributed.
Serve and Garnish:
- To serve, arrange a bed of fresh lettuce leaves on individual plates or a serving platter.
- Spoon the Hawaiian Chicken Salad onto the lettuce leaves.
- Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 129.1 kcal
Total Fat: 9.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 111.2mg
Carbohydrates: 12.2g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 10.2g
Protein: 1.4g

Cooking Tips:

Choosing Chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken for convenience, such as leftover grilled or roasted chicken. You can also boil chicken breasts or thighs and shred them for a different texture.
Pineapple Options: Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant sweetness, while canned pineapple chunks in juice provide convenience. Ensure to drain them well before use.
Celery Crunch: The celery adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. For a twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or water chestnuts for additional texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Hawaiian Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature.
It makes a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Pair with a side of crusty bread or Hawaiian sweet rolls for a complete meal.

Flavor Variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy version.
Nutty Twist: Replace almonds with toasted macadamia nuts or cashews for a Hawaiian flair.
Herbal Enhancement: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

Conclusion:

Enjoy the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this easy-to-make Hawaiian Chicken Salad. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch, a family picnic, or a party appetizer, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and crunchy celery, all coated in a tangy dressing, creates a dish that celebrates the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. Make sure to share this recipe with friends and family to spread the love of good food!

For more delicious recipes and culinary inspirations, keep exploring Love with Recipes. Happy cooking! 🌺