Hawaiian chicken salad is a tropical twist on classic chicken salad, blending juicy, tender chicken with sweet pineapple, creamy mayonnaise and a variety of fresh ingredients. This light yet satisfying salad offers a delightful mix of flavor - the sweetness of pineapple, crunch of celery and almond and richness of chicken come together in perfect harmony. The addition of tangy dressing made with a hint of honey and lime brings everything together, giving the salad a refreshing and vibrant finish. Whether served on a bed of greens, as a sandwich or in a wrap, Hawaiian chicken salad is a flavorful and easy dish to prepare for lunch, dinner or picnics.
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INGREDIENTS
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 breasts)
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)
1/2 cup red grapes, halved (optional, for extra sweetness)
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup sliced almond or chopped cashew (optional, for crunch)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
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FOR DRESSING
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1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Prepare the Chicken
If not already cooked, roast or poach the chicken breast until fully cooked, about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven or 10 to 12 minutes on the stove. Once cooled, shred the chicken, using two forks, or dice it in small bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit
Dice the fresh pineapple, and chop the celery and red onion. If using grapes, slice them in half.
3. Make dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper until smooth and well-combined. Taste, and adjust the seasoning, as needed.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pineapple, grapes, celery, red onion and any optional ingredients, like almond or cranberry. Pour dressing over the top, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve
Serve the Hawaiian chicken salad on a bed of greens, as a sandwich in whole-grain bread or a wrap or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and filling meal.
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