Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the sweet, salty, and creamy flavors of Hawaiian Chicken Salad. Every bite bursts with juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and a delightful crunch that makes it perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner.

this Recipe

I first tried this salad at a beachside picnic on Oahu, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s now a go-to in my meal prep rotation—quick to throw together, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of tropical fruit and savory chicken makes it a refreshing twist on a classic, and you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up. Let’s dive into why this salad deserves a permanent spot on your recipe list.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

This Hawaiian Chicken Salad isn’t just delicious—it’s got everything you need in a perfect make-ahead meal or party-ready dish.

First off, it’s a breeze to prepare. Using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken cuts the prep time down to under 20 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday meal preps.

The tropical flair is hard to resist. Pineapple and mandarin oranges bring a juicy brightness that perfectly balances the creamy base. It’s like a mini vacation in a bowl!

This recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients—like canned fruit and cooked chicken—are pantry or fridge staples. Plus, it feeds a crowd, making it great for gatherings or meal planning on a dime.

It’s also ultra-versatile. Serve it in lettuce cups, croissants, or even hollowed-out pineapple halves for a stunning presentation. Whether you're feeding kids or impressing guests, it adapts beautifully.

Once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that bring this salad to life.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Hawaiian Chicken Salad lies in its balance of texture and flavor. Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a refreshing, satisfying dish.

Cooked chicken is the heart of this recipe. I prefer using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor. You can also use poached, grilled, or even leftover roast chicken—just make sure it's well-seasoned and fully cooked.

Pineapple chunks add natural sweetness and juiciness. I usually opt for canned pineapple packed in juice (not syrup) and drain it well before mixing. Fresh pineapple works beautifully too if you have it on hand.

Celery provides that satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the fruit and chicken. Make sure to dice it finely so it distributes evenly and doesn’t overpower a bite.

Mayonnaise and a touch of Greek yogurt form the creamy base. The mayo gives richness, while the yogurt adds a bit of tang and lightens things up. You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste.

You’ll also need sliced almonds and optionally shredded coconut for that tropical crunch. These little extras elevate the texture and make every bite a little more exciting.

For equipment, all you need is a large mixing bowl, a spoon or spatula, and a sharp knife for prep. A citrus zester is optional but great if you’re adding a little fresh lime zest for brightness.

How To Make This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Creating this tropical chicken salad is simple and stress-free, perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.

Start by prepping your ingredients. If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, cook and cool your chicken ahead of time. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Drain your canned fruit thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, finely chopped celery, and sliced almonds. If using, toss in the coconut and green onions for added flair.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Add a splash of pineapple juice (or a squeeze of lime) for extra flavor, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For a little kick, a pinch of curry powder or paprika works wonders.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the fruit too much while mixing.

Once combined, cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and the salad to firm up a bit. It’ll taste even better after a couple of hours.

Total time, including prep and chilling, is around 45 minutes. The result? A creamy, crunchy, sweet-savory masterpiece that you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl.

Storage Options

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

You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as some separation may occur.

If you're making it ahead for a party, prepare the chicken and dressing separately and mix them together the day of the event for maximum freshness.

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the creamy base and fresh ingredients—pineapple and mayo don’t hold up well to thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

To re-serve leftovers, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off, then stir gently. Add a little fresh mayo or yogurt if it looks too dry.

Variations and Substitutions

This salad is incredibly flexible—you can easily adapt it based on what you have or what you’re craving.

Swap the chicken for shredded turkey or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. Just make sure your protein is cooked and cooled before mixing in.

For a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or tofu cubes in place of meat. Add extra almonds or sunflower seeds to boost the texture.

Want more color and crunch? Toss in diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, or chopped apple. These additions brighten up the dish and offer new flavor notes.

Feel free to switch up the creamy base—use all Greek yogurt for a lighter version or add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for depth and zing.

For an extra tropical touch, stir in a handful of diced mango or a few spoonfuls of chopped macadamia nuts. These add richness and really drive home the Hawaiian theme.

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