Pineapple Chicken Salad

Tantalizing Taste of Tropical Bliss

Ever had a chicken salad that sings with the freshness of pineapple? This Pineapple Chicken Salad is a delightful dance of flavors, combining juicy chicken with the sweet tang of pineapple. It’s super quick to whip up and ideal for both lunch and dinner. You can finally say goodbye to boring meals and hello to creamy, zesty yumminess!

Why Make This Recipe

Why will you fall in love with this dish?

• Easy cleanup: One bowl is all you need. No messy dishes piling up!
• Perfect for families: Kids love the sweet pineapple, and adults appreciate the healthy chicken kick.
• It’s a total crowd-pleaser. You’ll be the talk of the dinner table—who doesn’t love being a culinary rockstar? 🍍✨

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

Directions

It’s as simple as 1-2-3—well, really 5!

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, red onion, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve chilled, either on its own or over a bed of lettuce.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken Salad (Overview)

Let’s break this down—you’ll mix your main ingredients in one big bowl and whip up a refreshing dressing in another. Then, it’s just a toss and serve! Pro tip: Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens everything up! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you. 😉

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Salad

Now comes the fun part! Serve this salad in vibrant, crispy lettuce cups for an explosion of color and crunch. The golden pineapple chunks mixed with the crispy veggies make for a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds. Could anything smell more inviting than that mix of creamy mayo and fresh lime? 🍋🥗

How to Store Pineapple Chicken Salad

Got leftovers? No worries! This salad will keep in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just give it a quick stir. Not planning to finish it all? Consider freezing the chicken mixture (without the dressing) for up to 3 months. Just defrost and mix in the mayo when you’re ready!

Tips to Make Pineapple Chicken Salad

• Timing is everything: Make this salad ahead of time—flavors meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge.
• Ingredient swaps: Feel free to swap in green bell peppers or add some grapes for a sweet twist.
• Texture tip: For an extra crunch, throw in some toasted walnuts or cashews right before serving.

Variation

Looking for a twist? You can easily make a vegan version using chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, and swap out the mayo for your favorite plant-based option. Who said healthy can’t be exciting?

FAQs

• Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
  Absolutely! It’ll save you time and add even more flavor. Win-win!

• Can I prepare this salad a day in advance?
  Definitely! It gets better as it sits in the fridge.

• How can I make it gluten-free?
  You’re all set! This recipe is naturally gluten-free—enjoy it without worry.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Pineapple Chicken Salad

A delightful blend of juicy chicken and sweet pineapple, this salad is quick to make and perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned Fresh pineapple recommended for best taste.
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced Can swap for green bell pepper if desired.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise Or a plant-based alternative for vegan version.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for serving (optional) Use crispy lettuce for added texture.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, red onion, and celery.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve chilled, either on its own or over a bed of lettuce.

Notes

Make this salad ahead of time for best flavor. Add toasted nuts for an extra crunch before serving. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months without dressing.

Keyword Chicken Salad, Easy Recipe, Healthy Salad, Pineapple Chicken Salad, Tropical Salad