Chicken Salad Hawaiian
A vibrant and creamy chicken salad with pineapple, coconut, and curry flavors, perfect for light lunches or picnics, appealing to those who enjoy tropical-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits drained ⓘ
- 1 diced avocado (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated coconut (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rice and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated onion, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled rice, cooked chicken, chopped celery, pineapple tidbits, and optional diced avocado and grated coconut.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt as a substitute. If you're looking for a twist, try adding diced bell peppers or nuts for crunch. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Ensure the rice is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Salad Hawaiian on a bed of greens for a refreshing lunch or as a filling in a sandwich or wrap. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw surprise for a complete meal. For added flair, serve it in avocado halves or alongside some crispy crackers for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld, making it even tastier the next day. To refresh the salad, add a little extra mayonnaise or lemon juice before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Hawaiian contains roughly 874 calories, with 19g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2775mg per serving (121% 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 make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator and allow the flavors to develop. Just remember to stir well before serving, as some ingredients may settle.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for mayonnaise. It will add a nice tang while keeping the salad creamy. You can also experiment with avocado for a unique flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. Just portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pair it with whole grain bread or lettuce wraps for a balanced meal.
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).