Chicken Salad In Pineapple Boats
A vibrant and refreshing chicken salad served in hollowed pineapple boats, combining sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and fresh herbs for a tropical, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash pineapples, trim any bad leaves around the edge, and cut in half.
- Hollow out the pineapple halves, leaving at least a half-inch of pineapple meat inside.
- Mix chopped cooked chicken, sliced scallions, toasted slivered almonds, halved red grapes, and pineapple meat in a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise just enough to hold the ingredients together.
- Fill the pineapple shells with the chicken salad mixture.
- Line a platter with red lettuce leaves and place the filled pineapples on top, with leaves out.
- Top the salad with a little chopped parsley and a half grape turned upside down.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add diced celery or bell peppers. Toast the almonds just before use to enhance their flavor. This dish is also versatile; try adding dried cranberries for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken salad in pineapple boats on a bed of mixed greens for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a light citrus vinaigrette or a side of quinoa salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Waterloo Farm Bean Soup, which complements the tropical flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the pineapple boats fresh, fill them just before serving. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave, but avoid reheating the pineapple shells as they are best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad In Pineapple Boats contains roughly 299 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator. However, fill the pineapple boats right before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent the fruit from browning.
What can I use instead of pineapples for serving?
If you can't find fresh pineapples, consider serving the chicken salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or avocados. These alternatives will add a unique flavor and presentation while still being visually appealing.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The chicken salad can be made in bulk and stored in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just remember to keep the pineapple boats separate until you're ready to eat to ensure they stay fresh.
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).