This Hawaiian chicken salad brings a touch of the tropics to a classic lunch dish. It’s a simple mix of cooked chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory ham, all brought together in a creamy, seasoned dressing.
You can put this salad together in about 10 minutes, especially if you use leftover or rotisserie chicken. It’s a fast and satisfying option for a weekday lunch or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Chicken Salad
- It’s fast and easy. With no cooking required, this salad comes together in one bowl with just a few minutes of mixing.
- Great use of leftovers. It’s a smart way to use up leftover cooked chicken or ham from another meal.
- Sweet and savory flavor. The combination of pineapple, ham, and creamy dressing creates a balanced and interesting taste.
Hawaiian Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. You can use either white or dark meat.
- Pineapple: Canned pineapple tidbits are the easiest option. Make sure to drain them well. Crushed or freshly diced pineapple also work.
- Ham: Any kind of cooked ham is suitable, from deli slices to leftover baked ham. Just dice it into small pieces.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Scallions: Also known as green onions, these add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Shred or cube your cooked chicken into small, manageable pieces. Dice the ham, thinly slice the scallions, and make sure your pineapple is drained very well to prevent a soggy salad.
Step 2: Combine the Salad
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the prepared chicken, ham, pineapple, and scallions. Tossing them together lightly helps distribute the ingredients before adding the dressing.
Step 3: Mix and Season
Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, give it one last mix, and taste to see if it needs any adjustments.
Storage Tips for Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and become watery upon thawing.
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Chicken Salad
- For the best flavor, let the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- This recipe requires cooked chicken. If you are cooking chicken for this recipe, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Other optional additions include chopped celery for crunch, toasted macadamia nuts, or a little shredded coconut.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken Salad?
Serve this chicken salad on croissants, in butter lettuce wraps, or with your favorite crackers for a light meal.
Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Dice it into small pieces and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess juice before adding it to the salad.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. The salad is actually even better after it has chilled for at least 30 minutes, which gives the flavors time to meld. You can make it up to a day in advance.
What are some other good additions to this salad?
For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped celery, toasted macadamia nuts, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a dash of curry powder.
Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed, about 300g
- 1/2 cup cooked ham diced, about 85g
- 1/2 cup canned pineapple tidbits drained well, about 80g
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise 80ml
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all your ingredients. Make sure the chicken is shredded or cubed into bite-sized pieces and the pineapple is drained thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, drained pineapple, and sliced scallions.
- Add the mayonnaise to the bowl.
- Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated in the mayonnaise.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately, or cover and chill for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
