Mediterranean Hawaiian Chicken Salad (15 Minutes)
This Mediterranean Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a quick, refreshing dish that blends the creaminess of a Mediterranean-inspired dressing with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. It’s light, satisfying, and perfect for a summer lunch, picnic, or even as a make-ahead meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a colorful and flavorful salad ready to enjoy.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken & Salad Base
2–3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
½–1 cup pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained
¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup celery, chopped
¼ cup red onion, chopped (or ½ small red onion, thinly sliced)
Optional add-ins: macadamia nuts (chopped), green onions, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes (halved), or romaine lettuce as a base
Dressing/Sauce
¼ cup mayonnaise (or up to 1 cup, depending on creaminess preference)
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ tsp garlic salt)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Black pepper or cayenne pepper, to taste
Optional: poppyseeds, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, celery, and red onion. Add any optional ingredients like nuts, avocado, or tomatoes if desired.
Make the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and season with black pepper or a pinch of cayenne. Adjust creaminess by adding more mayo or sour cream as preferred.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Serve: Garnish with poppyseeds or fresh herbs if using. Serve over a bed of romaine lettuce for a complete meal, or enjoy as is.
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds great flavor.
Drain pineapple well: Too much liquid can make the salad watery. Pat the pineapple chunks dry with paper towels before mixing.
Balance sweetness and tang: Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust with extra lemon juice if it feels too sweet.
Chill before serving: If you have a few minutes, refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Meal prep friendly: Store the chicken base and dressing separately if you want to make it ahead, then combine before serving to keep it fresh.
Variations
Lighter version: Replace some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier option.
Crunchy addition: Add chopped macadamia nuts, almonds, or cashews for extra texture.
Leafy salad style: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or romaine for a lighter, fresher presentation.
Wraps or sandwiches: Use the chicken salad as a filling for pita pockets, wraps, or whole-grain bread.
Avocado twist: Mix diced avocado directly into the salad for creaminess and healthy fats.
Spiced-up version: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for a subtle heat.
Vegan alternative: Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, and swap in a plant-based mayo/yogurt.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the chicken and vegetables a few hours in advance. Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent sogginess.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: It’s great on its own, over a bed of greens, in wraps, or scooped onto whole-grain toast. It also pairs well with pita chips or crackers for a light lunch.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free mayo and substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.
Q: Can I use canned chicken or leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely. Canned or shredded leftover chicken works perfectly and helps save time.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~25g
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~9g
Sodium: ~400mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient choices.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a quick, vibrant, and satisfying dish that combines savory chicken with the sweet pop of pineapple and creamy Mediterranean-inspired dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or light dinners. With easy customization options like nuts, avocado, or wraps, it’s a versatile recipe that fits both everyday meals and special occasions.