Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe

There’s something irresistibly tropical about Hawaiian Chicken Salad. The creamy texture, sweet pineapple chunks, and a subtle crunch from fresh veggies instantly transport you to an island getaway—no plane ticket required. The balance of savory chicken and sweet fruit makes every bite a little adventure of its own.

this Recipe

This recipe found its way into my heart during a potluck picnic on a sun-drenched afternoon. Since then, it’s become my go-to dish whenever I need something that’s both crowd-pleasing and refreshingly different. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick lunch for guests, this salad delivers flavor, ease, and sunshine in every forkful.

Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this Hawaiian Chicken Salad.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Get ready to upgrade your salad game with a recipe that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and tropical vibes. Hawaiian Chicken Salad brings together familiar comfort with a vibrant twist that’s anything but ordinary.

First, it’s incredibly fast to prepare. You can use rotisserie chicken, canned pineapple, and a simple creamy dressing to whip this up in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for days when time is tight but you still want something wholesome and homemade.

Next, this salad is wonderfully budget-friendly. Most ingredients are pantry staples or low-cost produce, making it an affordable option for feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week. No specialty items or hard-to-find components required.

It’s also a highly versatile dish. You can serve it over lettuce for a light meal, spoon it into wraps for on-the-go lunches, or pile it onto croissants for a more indulgent twist. The tropical flavors adapt well to your preferences, whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or more herb-forward.

Finally, Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a total family pleaser. Kids love the sweet pineapple and creamy texture, while adults appreciate the balance of flavors and the slight crunch from celery and bell pepper. It’s one of those rare recipes that earns a thumbs-up across generations.

Now let’s look at what goes into creating this island-inspired salad.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this salad truly sing is the harmony of its ingredients. Each one adds a special note to the overall melody of flavors, from juicy sweetness to creamy tang and refreshing crunch.

The star, of course, is the chicken. I like to use shredded rotisserie chicken for its convenience and rich flavor. It’s tender, well-seasoned, and requires no extra cooking—ideal for quick meal prep. You can also use poached or grilled chicken if you prefer a lighter or more hands-on approach.

Next is the pineapple. Crushed pineapple gives the salad a burst of tropical sweetness and moisture that helps bind everything together. I always drain it slightly, but leave just enough juice to enhance the dressing without making the salad watery.

Mayonnaise forms the base of the creamy dressing. I recommend a high-quality mayo for the smoothest texture and richest taste. If you’re watching calories, Greek yogurt or a half-and-half blend can lighten it up while still keeping it creamy and satisfying.

Crunch comes courtesy of diced celery and red bell pepper. The celery adds a clean, crisp bite, while the bell pepper brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness. These two vegetables add dimension and texture that perfectly complement the softer components.

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one—just a good knife, a cutting board, a mixing bowl, and a spoon. If you want to get extra fancy, use a melon baller to make pineapple or papaya garnishes for serving, but that’s entirely optional.

How To Make This Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Making this tropical salad is as easy as a breeze through palm trees. Just a few simple steps and you’re on your way to a chilled bowl of flavor-packed goodness.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the chicken is cold or at least room temperature, as this helps the dressing coat everything evenly without melting.

Drain the canned pineapple well but don’t squeeze it dry. You want a little juice to remain to keep things juicy and bright. Add it to the bowl with the chicken.

Next, finely dice your celery and red bell pepper. Aim for uniform pieces so every bite has the right balance of crunch and color. Stir them into the bowl and give everything a gentle toss to combine.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, a splash of pineapple juice (if needed), a pinch of salt, and a twist of freshly cracked pepper. If you like a touch of heat, a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of Dijon mustard gives it an extra layer of complexity.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. The texture should be creamy but not soupy—adjust with a bit more mayo or chicken as needed to get the right consistency.

Once mixed, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This resting time turns good into great, allowing the sweet and savory notes to fully develop.

Storage Options

This salad stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead gatherings. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors actually improve as it sits, so it’s even tastier the next day.

If you’re packing it for lunch or a picnic, consider portioning it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go access. Just be sure to keep it chilled with an ice pack or in a cooler, especially on warm days.

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate and become watery once thawed. Stick to refrigerated storage for the best texture and taste.

To re-serve, give the salad a good stir. If it seems a bit dry after chilling, add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of pineapple juice to loosen it up and restore the creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Hawaiian Chicken Salad lies in its flexibility. You can adjust ingredients to match your pantry, diet, or taste buds while still keeping that tropical soul intact.

For a lower-fat version, swap out some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It still gives you that creamy consistency but with extra protein and fewer calories.

If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the sweet pineapple and cool dressing, creating a bolder flavor profile.

You can also bulk it up with extra fruit or nuts. Try adding halved red grapes, mandarin oranges, or chopped macadamia nuts for added sweetness and crunch. These additions give the salad a deluxe twist that’s perfect for special occasions.

Vegetarians can enjoy a meat-free version by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu. Both options absorb the dressing well and provide plenty of texture and protein.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re riffing with ingredients or sticking to the original, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad always brings a little sunshine to the table.

Print