This Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a fun and fruity dish! With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet pineapple, every bite feels like a mini vacation.
It’s perfect for a picnic or a quick lunch. I love how easy it is to make—just mix everything together and enjoy. Plus, it’s great if you want to impress your friends without trying too hard!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For this salad, rotisserie chicken is a great choice since it’s already cooked and flavorful. Grilling chicken makes it juicy, too. If you need a substitute, any cooked chicken will work, including leftovers or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula for texture and taste. If you prefer, swap in any leafy greens you like—kale or baby kale, for example, can also add interesting flavors.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a nice crunch, but canned pineapple in juice works well too. Make sure to drain it to avoid excess moisture. You could also use mango or a combination of both for a twist!
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp flavor. If you find it too strong, you could substitute with green onions or shallots for a milder taste.
Teriyaki Sauce: This gives the salad its signature sweet and savory taste. You can use homemade teriyaki sauce or anystore-bought brand. To make it healthier, consider a low-sodium version or a homemade dressing with soy sauce, honey, and ginger!
How Do I Ensure My Salad is Well Mixed Without Damaging the Ingredients?
Mixing salads can be tricky if you want to keep everything intact. Here are some tips to help you combine the ingredients without crushing them:
- Start with the greens and veggies, adding them to a large bowl. This gives you plenty of space.
- Add the shredded chicken on top and then sprinkle the pineapple and almonds. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Instead of stirring, use a folding technique—gently lift and turn the ingredients rather than stirring, which keeps everything intact.
- When pouring in the teriyaki sauce, drizzle it around the salad for even distribution.
Remember, the goal is to combine without mashing up the pineapple or chicken, so take your time and enjoy the process!
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. No cooking necessary, just some chopping and mixing! It’s a quick and easy dish that can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for a bit before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add in the mixed salad greens, shredded purple cabbage, grated carrot, and thinly sliced red onion. Give everything a gentle toss to combine these vibrant ingredients together.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, take your cooked chicken and add it to the salad mixture. If the chicken is warm, that’s fine, but the best flavor comes out when it’s fully chilled. Toss everything together lightly so the chicken is well mixed with the veggies.
3. Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts:
Now it’s time to add some deliciousness! Gently fold in the pineapple chunks and sliced almonds. This will add a sweet touch and a nice crunch to your salad.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the top of your salad. Toss everything gently again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Final Touches:
To finish off your Hawaiian Chicken Salad, sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor. It also looks beautiful!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your salad chilled as a light meal or as a delicious side dish at a barbecue. Enjoy the lovely combination of flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While shredded grilled or rotisserie chicken works best, you can also use poached chicken or even leftover roasted chicken. Just ensure it’s cooked through and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
What If I Don’t Have Teriyaki Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with a homemade mixture of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for a tasty substitute that still captures a similar flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the salad and dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. Just give it a good toss before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add in ingredients like diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even avocado for extra freshness. You can also swap the almonds with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
