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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds For this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad, you can easily adjust the ingredients. If you need a lighter option, use only Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise. You can swap the chicken for shredded turkey or canned chicken if you prefer. Fresh fruits like mango or papaya can replace pineapple for a twist. If you want more crunch, add diced celery or walnuts. For a zestier flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice. You can also switch up the herbs; mint or basil can give it a fresh taste too. This salad serves four and is packed with nutrients. Each serving has about: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30g - Carbs: 25g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 6g This dish provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it great for a light lunch or dinner. The fresh fruits and veggies add vitamins and minerals, keeping your meal both tasty and nutritious. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded. Dice 1 cup of fresh pineapple, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 cup of cucumber. Finely chop 1/2 cup of red onion. Place all these in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to stir until everything combines well. Next, grab a separate bowl to make the dressing. Whisk together 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Pour this over the chicken mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/2 cup of toasted sliced almonds. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lime juice for extra zing. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. When ready to serve, dish the salad into bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro or a slice of fresh pineapple on top. Enjoy this refreshing Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad! To make your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad shine, balance sweet and savory flavors. The sweet pineapple pairs well with the savory chicken, creating a tasty mix. You can add lime juice for a zesty kick. The creaminess from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise adds depth. For extra flavor, try using fresh herbs like cilantro. You can easily prepare this salad ahead of time. Make it a day before serving for the best taste. This allows all the flavors to blend well. Simply store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, give it a quick stir. This salad is great by itself but pairs well with many sides. Serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. You can also try it with a light green salad. Another fun option is serving it in lettuce cups for a fresh twist. Enjoy it with a tropical smoothie for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pineapple and crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Add Extra Crunch: Consider adding other nuts like cashews or walnuts for additional texture and flavor variation. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try using shredded turkey for a lighter taste. Tuna also works well for a quick meal. For a heartier option, use diced cooked shrimp. Each protein brings a unique flavor to the salad, so pick one you love. If you want a vegetarian salad, replace the chicken with chickpeas or black beans. These add protein and texture. For a vegan twist, use a vegan yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. You can also add extra veggies like carrots or zucchini for more flavor. Feel free to mix up the fruits in your salad. Mango or kiwi can add a sweet kick. You can also include berries for a tart touch. For nuts, try walnuts or cashews for a different crunch. Each combination gives your salad a new twist, keeping it exciting! To keep your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad fresh, store it in the fridge right away. Place the salad in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Always cover the container tightly. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours. For best taste, eat the salad within three days. Freezing this salad is not the best choice. The fresh fruits and veggies do not freeze well. They may become mushy when thawed. If you want to save some, consider freezing the chicken alone. Cooked chicken freezes well. Just shred it, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and label it. Use it within three months for the best flavor. Choose the right container for storage. Glass containers are great because they do not stain. Plastic containers work too but might absorb smells. Make sure they are airtight to keep your salad fresh. Using a container with a tight lid is key. This keeps the flavors locked in and prevents spills. You can use sour cream or plain yogurt. Both add creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt. It gives a tropical taste. Yes, you can make chicken salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors mix. Prepare it a day before serving for the best results. The salad lasts up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always check for freshness before eating. This blog post guides you through making Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad. You learned about the ingredients, their measurements, and substitutions. The step-by-step instructions showed preparation and mixing techniques. Tips and tricks offered ways to enhance flavors and meal prep. Variations included alternative proteins and vegan options. Lastly, storage tips ensured your salad stays fresh. Try different combinations and enjoy the process. Cooking is fun and rewarding!

Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad

A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring shredded chicken, fresh pineapple, and a creamy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 0.5 cup toasted sliced almonds

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced pineapple, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  • Fold in the chopped cilantro and toasted sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro or a slice of fresh pineapple on top if desired.

Notes

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Keyword chicken salad, healthy, tropical