Hawaiian chicken salad is a delightful blend of savory chicken, sweet tropical fruits, and a creamy dressing, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light and refreshing meal. This salad brings a taste of the tropics to your table with its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this sensational Hawaiian chicken salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained if using canned)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts or toasted almonds
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for extra tropical flavor)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Butter lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
- Additional chopped green onions and shredded coconut for garnish