This Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a bright and fruity dish, loaded with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crunchy vegetables. It’s perfect for a warm day and super refreshing!
I love how easy it is to whip up this salad. Just mix everything in a bowl and you’re ready to go! It’s a hit at picnics, and I often find myself going back for more. 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken makes this recipe quick and easy. I usually go for rotisserie chicken for convenience, but grilled chicken also adds a nice flavor. You can even use leftover chicken from another meal to save time!
Mixed Salad Greens: Romaine and baby spinach is a great combo for crunch and freshness. However, you can swap in kale, arugula, or even leafy lettuce depending on what’s available or your personal taste.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple lends a wonderful bright flavor, but canned pineapple in juice works well too. Just drain it well to avoid a soggy salad. If you’re aiming for a no-sugar option, you can skip pineapple altogether and use diced apples instead!
Almonds: Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be a great substitute. Toasting the nuts or seeds increases their flavor, so consider this if you have time.
How Do You Make Sure Your Salad Is Perfectly Tossed?
The key to a well-mixed salad is gentle tossing. You want to combine all the ingredients without bruising the greens. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large mixing bowl. It gives you enough space to mix without spilling.
- Start with the greens and veggies; toss them lightly to combine.
- When adding delicate items like pineapple and nuts, fold them in instead of stirring vigorously.
- For the dressing, drizzle it over the top and use a light hand to toss it all together until everything is coated. This prevents sogginess.
- Consider tasting the salad before serving. You might want to adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper based on your preference.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine and baby spinach)
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing (or dressing of your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hawaiian Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you want to chill it in the fridge to boost the flavors, you can add another 20 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes for a delicious and refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combine the mixed salad greens, shredded red cabbage, and shredded carrots. Give everything a gentle toss to mix it well. This colorful mixture will be the base of your salad!
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, add the cooked chicken to your salad mixture. Whether you’re using grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, just make sure it’s shredded or diced nicely so it blends into the salad easily.
3. Mix in the Extras:
Now, gently fold in the pineapple chunks, red onion, and sliced almonds. This will add great flavors and crunch to your salad. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; you want to keep things light and fluffy!
4. Dress it Up:
Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad mixture. Use a large spoon to gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are beautifully coated with the dressing. You can adjust the amount of dressing based on your taste preferences.
5. Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle toss to combine everything together, and make sure it’s seasoned just right!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, top the salad with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. It looks beautiful and adds a fresh taste! You can serve it immediately, or if you’d like the flavors to meld a bit more, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
7. Enjoy!
Now, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your refreshing Hawaiian Chicken Salad for lunch or dinner. It’s a great healthy option that’s full of flavor!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Salad?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is the star of this salad, you can easily substitute it with cooked turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure any protein you choose is cooked through and also cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
What If I Don’t Have Honey Mustard Dressing?
No problem! You can use any dressing you like, such as a vinaigrette, ranch, or a yogurt-based dressing. If you want a homemade option, mix equal parts honey and mustard with a splash of vinegar and some olive oil for a quick substitute!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy greens. When ready to enjoy, just toss it all together again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients and assemble the salad without dressing up to a day in advance. Just keep everything refrigerated and add the dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.
