Waikiki Chicken Salad
A vibrant, tropical chicken salad featuring juicy pineapple, crunchy celery, toasted almonds, and a zesty lime mayonnaise dressing, perfect for light lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple chunks.
- Combine pineapple, cooked chicken, diced celery, diced pimento, and toasted slivered almonds in a large bowl.
- Chill the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, blend mayonnaise, salt, grated lime rind, and lime juice.
- Pour the lime mayonnaise over the salad and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped walnuts or using cashews instead of slivered almonds. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can enhance the flavor profile, making it more vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Waikiki Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens or in pita pockets for a fun twist. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup, such as Terri'S Creamy Onion Soup. For a complete meal, consider serving it with crusty bread or crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid mixing in the dressing until ready to serve. If reheating, do so gently in a microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waikiki Chicken Salad contains roughly 559 calories, with 18g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2482mg per serving (108% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the salad. Fresh pineapple adds a bit more texture and flavor, but canned is a convenient option if you're short on time.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately until you're ready to eat to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
What other proteins can I use in this salad?
You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like turkey or even shrimp for a different flavor profile. This versatility makes it a great option for using up leftovers or trying new variations.
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).