Chicken Pineapple Salad
A vibrant and flavorful chicken pineapple salad combines tender shredded chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing, making it perfect for light lunches or picnics. The sweet pineapple adds a tropical twist, appealing to those who enjoy refreshing, savory-sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- 5 to 5 1/2 lb. ready to cook roasting chicken
- 2 large carrots, pared and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise or cooked salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk or light cream ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 3 large celery stalks ⓘ
- 3 large celery stalks ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove giblets and neck from the chicken, then rinse the chicken well under cold water.
- Place the chicken, breast side down, in an 8-quart kettle.
- Add carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces, celery cut into 1-inch pieces, onion sliced, 1 teaspoon salt, bay leaf, and 1 quart of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- Let the chicken stand, uncovered, and frequently spoon broth over it for 1 hour, or until cool enough to handle.
- Remove the meat from the bones in large pieces as possible.
- Pull the skin from the chicken.
- Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 1-inch chunks.
- Chill the chicken before assembling the salad.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise or salad dressing, lemon juice, milk or light cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper to make the dressing.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the chopped vegetables and pineapple chunks.
- Add the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful chicken, consider marinating it in herbs and spices before cooking. If you don't have mayonnaise, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for a lighter dressing. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. To save time, use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken pineapple salad on a bed of greens or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs beautifully with Seedless Raisin Tarts for a sweet finish. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of coleslaw or fresh fruit to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the chicken salad in a microwave or serve it cold. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or dressing to revive its creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pineapple Salad contains roughly 686 calories, with 21g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (240% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2361mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple for this salad?
Yes, canned pineapple works well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your salad. Fresh pineapple can also be used for a more vibrant flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the chicken before assembling the salad?
Chilling the chicken helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into chunks and ensuring a refreshing salad. However, if you're short on time, you can assemble it warm, though the texture may differ.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).