Hawaiian Chicken Salad (Tropical Chicken Salad with Pineapple & Greek Yogurt – High-Protein, No Mayo Option)
Molly
A creamy, tropical twist on classic chicken salad—this Hawaiian Chicken Salad blends tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and Greek yogurt for a high-protein, no-cook lunch that’s perfect for summer picnics, meal prep, or a light, refreshing dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Lunch, Meal Prep, Salad
Cuisine American, Hawaiian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
- ½ cup crushed pineapple drained
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- ¼ red onion finely diced
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayo for a creamier option
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped macadamia nuts or shredded coconut optional
Prepare your chicken: Shred or cube your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayo), pineapple, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add the crunch: Fold in celery and red onion.
Combine: Add the chicken to the bowl and mix until fully coated.
Taste and chill: Adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Spoon into lettuce cups, onto toasted bread, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.
Secret Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken Salad
1. Use Fresh Pineapple for a Juicier Bite: While canned works in a pinch, fresh pineapple gives you better texture and brightness. Dice it small for sweet bursts in every bite.
2. Grill Your Chicken for Extra Flavor: Grilled chicken adds a smoky depth that complements the tropical fruit perfectly—especially if you're prepping for summer meals.
3. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes melds the flavors and firms up the texture for the ultimate scoopability.
4. Add Toasted Coconut for a Crunchy Twist: A sprinkle of unsweetened toasted coconut flakes adds a crunchy, nutty finish that plays up the tropical vibes.
5. Greek Yogurt Swap? Go Full-Fat for Creaminess: Using full-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo keeps it high-protein while still delivering that rich, creamy mouthfeel.Keyword cold chicken salad meal prep, creamy pineapple chicken salad, easy hawaiian lunch ideas, gluten free chicken salad, greek yogurt chicken salad recipe, hawaiian chicken salad, healthy chicken salad without mayo, high protein tropical salad, tropical chicken salad for summer, tropical chicken salad with pineapple
