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Easy chicken salad recipe with Hawaiian flavors and ingredients

Hawaiian-Style Chicken Salad

A delightful chicken salad that combines tender shredded chicken, juicy pineapple, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, perfect for warm-weather meals and casual picnics.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (about 2 large boneless skinless breasts)
  • 1 cup canned or fresh pineapple chunks drained if canned
  • ½ cup celery, finely diced
  • cup red onion, finely minced (or green onion for milder flavor)
  • cup mayonnaise (use light or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess and tang)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or pineapple juice (to brighten)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup macadamia nuts or chopped toasted almonds (for crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut, toasted (optional, for a true Hawaiian twist)
  • Lettuce leaves, croissants, or whole-grain bread (for serving)

Method
 

Cooking the Chicken
  1. Roast your chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chicken breasts with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking tray for 18–25 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). Rest for 5–10 minutes, then shred with forks.
  2. Alternatively, poach the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water or low-sodium chicken broth, add a bay leaf and a couple of peppercorns, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until done. Remove and shred.
Prepare Mix-ins
  1. While chicken cools, chop the celery, red onion, and cilantro. If using fresh pineapple, core and dice it; if canned, drain and pat dry.
  2. Toast nuts and coconut (if using) on a baking tray at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant. Let cool.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, honey (or pineapple juice), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.
Assemble the Chicken Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, pineapple, celery, onion, and chopped nuts.
  2. Pour dressing over the mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Fold in cilantro and toasted coconut last to maintain texture.
  4. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld; serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.