Hawaiian Tropical Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup of fresh pineapple, diced into small chunks - 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1/2 cup of celery, diced - 1/4 cup of green onions, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt (preferably plain) - 1/4 cup of mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon of honey - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup of slivered almonds (optional, for added crunch) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish) You can swap cooked chicken for canned chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you want a vegan option, use chickpeas instead. Instead of Greek yogurt, try coconut yogurt for a dairy-free salad. You can replace mayonnaise with avocado for a creamier texture. If you do not have red bell pepper, yellow or orange peppers work well too. For a bit of sweetness, consider using mango in place of pineapple. This salad has about 300 calories per serving. It offers good protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the yogurt and mayonnaise. You also get vitamins from pineapple, red bell pepper, and celery. The slivered almonds add crunch and healthy fats. This dish is great for a light meal or a side at gatherings. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, get a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. Next, toss in 1 cup of fresh pineapple, diced into small chunks. Then, add 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped, and 1/2 cup of diced celery. Finish with 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions. Mix these ingredients gently until they blend well. In a separate medium bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Now, drizzle the dressing over the chicken mix. Use a spatula or large spoon to fold the dressing into the chicken and vegetables. Be careful not to break the chicken pieces. Taste the salad and add salt and black pepper to your liking. If you want extra crunch, stir in 1/4 cup of slivered almonds. Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. If you like, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a nice finish. When you mix the salad, start gently. Use a large bowl to hold all the ingredients. Begin with the chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Blend these well but avoid smashing the chicken. You want it to stay fluffy. Pour the dressing over the mix in small parts. Then, fold it in slowly. This keeps everything intact and tasty. To boost the flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lime juice adds a bright note. Honey brings a nice sweetness. You can also add salt and black pepper to taste. If you like it crunchy, toss in slivered almonds. They give a nice texture. For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top right before serving. This can really elevate your salad. A beautiful salad makes it more inviting. Serve it in a colorful bowl. You can also layer the salad in clear cups for individual servings. This shows off the vibrant colors. Add a sprinkle of cilantro or extra almonds on top for flair. A slice of lime on the side can be a fun touch. This makes your Hawaiian chicken salad look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple and high-quality cooked chicken. This will make your salad taste vibrant and delicious. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together, making every bite more flavorful. Customize Your Crunch: If you like a bit more texture, try adding toasted walnuts or pecans instead of slivered almonds for a different flavor profile. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil in place of cilantro for a unique twist on the classic recipe. {{image_4}} You can make Hawaiian chicken salad even better. Try adding tropical fruits like mango or coconut. Fresh mango gives a sweet touch. It pairs well with chicken and pineapple. Coconut adds a nice texture and flavor. You can use shredded coconut or coconut flakes. Both options work great in this salad. If you want a twist, try using shrimp or tofu. Shrimp brings a seafood flavor that adds depth. Cook the shrimp until pink and tender. For a veggie option, add tofu. Use firm tofu, and press it to remove water. This helps it absorb flavors better. Both choices keep the dish light and fresh. You can also change the dressing for new tastes. Try adding lime zest for a vibrant kick. You might enjoy a spicy touch with sriracha or hot sauce. For a creamier texture, use sour cream instead of yogurt. Each change offers a unique flavor to your salad. Be creative and mix it up! Store Hawaiian chicken salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. It can last up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any changes in smell or texture, it is best to toss it out. You can freeze Hawaiian chicken salad, but the texture may change. If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge for a day. After thawing, stir the salad well before serving. It may need some fresh dressing to bring back its original taste. Leftover Hawaiian chicken salad is very versatile. You can make a wrap with tortillas or lettuce leaves. It’s also great on top of a bed of greens for a quick lunch. Try adding it to a sandwich for a tasty twist. You can even mix it into a grain bowl with rice or quinoa. Enjoy these creative ways to use up any leftovers! You can serve Hawaiian Chicken Salad with many sides. Here are some great choices: - Fresh fruit, like mango or berries, adds sweetness. - Crispy tortilla chips for crunch. - A light green salad for extra veggies. - Grilled corn on the cob for a summer vibe. - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal. These sides will make your meal more fun and delicious. The salad can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps the salad tasty and safe to eat. If you notice any strange smells or colors, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can make Hawaiian Chicken Salad ahead of time! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling. Prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, give it a quick stir to mix the flavors. Enjoy your easy and tasty meal! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Hawaiian Chicken Salad. We discussed ingredients, substitutions, and nutrition facts. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep, dressing, and combining. You also found tips for mixing, flavor, and presentation. We explored variations, storage advice, and common questions. In conclusion, this salad is easy and fun to make. Try it with your own twists to make it special. Enjoy every delicious bite!$

Hawaiian Tropical Chicken Salad

A refreshing and tropical chicken salad, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at summer gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Hawaiian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced into small chunks
0.5 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
0.5 cup celery, diced
0.25 cup green onions, thinly sliced
0.5 cup Greek yogurt (preferably plain)
0.25 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
0.25 cup slivered almonds (optional, for added crunch)
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced pineapple, finely chopped red bell pepper, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Gently mix these ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
In a separate medium bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and honey. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the dressing into the chicken and vegetables, ensuring that everything is coated without breaking the chicken apart.
Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. If desired, stir in slivered almonds, which will add a delightful crunch to the salad.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and enhance the overall taste.
Just before serving, give the salad a light toss to redistribute the dressing. If you opted for fresh cilantro, sprinkle it on top as a charming garnish for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Keyword chicken salad, healthy, tropical