Contents

Irresistible Pineapple Chicken Salad: Your New Go-To 15-Minute Recipe

Experience a delightful culinary adventure with our Pineapple Chicken Salad. This vibrant, sweet, and savory dish offers a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad, elevating it with the tropical tang of pineapple and the satisfying crunch of nuts. Whether nestled in a flaky croissant, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, or served simply with crackers, this recipe is designed for both speed and incredible flavor, coming together in as little as 15 minutes!

Perfect for a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or an impressive contribution to any potluck, this pineapple chicken salad is a fantastic meal option that won’t require you to heat up your kitchen. Pair it with a refreshing Panzanella Salad or a colorful mixed Fruit Salad for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.

Pineapple chicken salad on a croissant, overflowing with flavorful ingredients, creating the perfect combination of savory and sweet. A delicious and refreshing summer meal. — Enjoy this delightful Pineapple Chicken Salad served on a buttery croissant for the ultimate sweet and savory experience.

Discovering the Best Pineapple Chicken Salad

For those who appreciate a truly exceptional chicken salad, look no further. My passion for chicken salad has led to countless delicious variations over the years, from the zesty Honey Mustard Chicken Salad to the lighter, health-conscious Lighter Chicken Salad Sandwiches, and the herbaceous Pesto Chicken Salad. Each iteration brings something unique to the table, but this pineapple version holds a special place in my heart, quickly becoming a new favorite.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about incorporating fruit into chicken salad. While grapes and dried cranberries are often go-to choices for their burst of sweetness, pineapple introduces an exciting tropical dimension that transforms the entire dish. Its natural sweetness and slight tartness perfectly complement the savory chicken, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both exotic and comforting. The juicy texture of pineapple, combined with crunchy elements, makes every bite a delightful experience.

Why Pineapple is a Game-Changer in Chicken Salad

Pineapple isn’t just a sweet addition; it brings a bright, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the creamy dressing, preventing the salad from feeling heavy. It introduces a tropical flair that makes this chicken salad feel like a mini-vacation in every bite. Beyond its incredible taste, pineapple is also packed with vitamins and enzymes, adding a touch of healthy goodness to your meal. When combined with tender chicken, crisp celery, and crunchy nuts, pineapple elevates this dish into something truly extraordinary.

A bowl filled with cooked chicken, crushed pineapple, and other fresh ingredients, ready to be mixed together for a flavorful pineapple chicken salad. — All the essential ingredients for our Pineapple Chicken Salad, prepped and ready for mixing.

Crafting Your Perfect Pineapple Chicken Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious pineapple chicken salad is incredibly straightforward, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. Follow these simple steps to bring this tropical delight to your table:

Efficient Chicken Prep: For a truly rapid meal, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is your secret weapon. Shredding it beforehand can save even more valuable time, getting you closer to enjoying your salad in under 15 minutes.
Combine Core Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine your prepared chicken, the finely chopped honey-roasted almonds, thinly sliced red onion, well-drained crushed pineapple, and crisp celery. Give them a light toss to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Whip Up the Creamy Dressing: In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. This combination creates a rich, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing that perfectly binds the salad. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed—a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make all the difference.
Marry the Flavors: Pour your freshly made dressing over the chicken and pineapple mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients until everything is thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing. Ensure every piece of chicken and every bit of pineapple is infused with the wonderful flavors.
Serve and Savor: Your pineapple chicken salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately on your choice of fluffy croissants, crisp lettuce wraps, or your favorite sandwich bread. For an extra touch of freshness, consider adding a layer of crisp lettuce to your serving.

All the ingredients for the recipe being mixed together in a large bowl, blending flavors and textures, promising a delicious outcome. — Gently mixing all the flavorful components to create a harmonious and delightful salad.

Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken for Perfection

The foundation of any great chicken salad is, of course, the chicken itself. Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your pineapple chicken salad can be done in several ways, catering to different preferences and time constraints. Here are some excellent options for prepping your chicken:

Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate time-saver! A store-bought rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but also incredibly flavorful and tender. Simply shred the meat from the bones, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces, and you’re ready to go. You can even prepare it early in the week to streamline your meal prep. This method is ideal for those busy days when you need a quick and delicious solution.
Grilled Chicken: For a smoky depth of flavor, opt for grilled chicken. Follow a simple grilled chicken recipe, ensuring the chicken breasts or thighs are cooked through and slightly charred for that desirable outdoor flavor. Once cooled, chop the grilled chicken into small, even pieces. The subtle smoky notes from grilling add an interesting layer to the pineapple’s sweetness.
Crockpot Chicken: This “set it and forget it” method is perfect for hands-off cooking. Place chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then cover with chicken broth or water. Cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreddable. Drain any excess liquid, then shred or chop the chicken. This method consistently yields incredibly moist and tender chicken, perfect for absorbing the dressing’s flavors.
Boiled or Poached Chicken: A classic method for tender, plain chicken. Place chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water or broth, and simmer until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken. This method offers a neutral base, allowing the pineapple and dressing to truly shine.

No matter which method you choose, ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooled before mixing it into the salad. This helps maintain the salad’s fresh texture and prevents any wilting of other ingredients.

Dressing ingredients being mixed together in a small bowl, combining flavors for a smooth and flavorful sauce, essential for a perfect pineapple chicken salad. — The creamy, tangy, and sweet dressing being whisked to perfection, ready to bind all the salad ingredients.

Creative Variations and Customization Ideas for Your Pineapple Chicken Salad

One of the best aspects of chicken salad is its adaptability. This pineapple chicken salad recipe provides a fantastic base, but don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some inspiring ideas to make it uniquely yours:

Simplified Dressing (Just Mayo): While our recipe uses a delicious blend of mayonnaise and sour cream for the best flavor and texture, if you prefer a simpler approach or don’t have sour cream on hand, using just mayonnaise (full-fat or light) will still yield a wonderfully creamy result.
Lighter Version: To lighten up this delightful dish, simply swap regular mayonnaise for a light or fat-free version. You can also increase the amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt in the dressing, as these options generally have fewer calories and fat while still providing a creamy texture and tangy kick.
With Fresh Pineapple: For an even brighter, more intense pineapple flavor, use fresh pineapple chunks. Blend about 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks on low in a food processor for 15-30 seconds until finely crushed. Be sure to drain the blended pineapple very thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, then mix it in.
Switch Up the Nuts: Almonds provide a classic crunch, but feel free to experiment with other nuts. Toasted pecans offer a buttery, earthy note, while finely chopped macadamia nuts lend an even more pronounced tropical feel. Candied walnuts could also add another layer of sweetness and crunch.
Add Mandarin Oranges: For an extra burst of citrusy sweetness, drain and finely chop about ½ cup of canned mandarin oranges. Fold them gently into the salad just before serving to avoid breaking them apart too much.
Introduce Grapes: If you love the classic fruit-and-chicken combination, add ½ cup of red or green grapes. Halve or quarter them depending on their size, and mix them in gently. They provide a juicy pop and a familiar sweetness.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can add a delightful kick.
Herbal Infusion: Fresh herbs like finely chopped cilantro, parsley, or even mint can introduce a refreshing aromatic quality to the salad.
Creamy Avocado: Diced avocado can be added just before serving for an extra creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats. Its subtle flavor pairs beautifully with both chicken and pineapple.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your signature pineapple chicken salad!

Creamy dressing being poured over the chicken salad with pineapple, ready to be mixed for a delicious meal, ensuring every bite is flavorful. — The final touch: pouring the luscious dressing over the vibrant chicken salad mixture before a gentle toss.

More Effortless and Delicious Lunch Ideas

If you’re constantly seeking quick, satisfying, and flavorful lunch options, this Pineapple Chicken Salad is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. For those days when you need even more inspiration, here are some other easy-to-make lunch ideas that are sure to please:

Southwestern Veggie Hummus Wraps: Packed with chickpeas and vibrant vegetables for a healthy, hearty, and satisfying plant-based option.
Cheesy Ham and Cheese Sliders: Featuring a buttery, savory topping, these warm sliders are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing or meal prepping.
Turkey Avocado Ranch Club Wraps: A fantastic option for busy nights or quick lunches, combining classic club sandwich flavors in a convenient wrap.
Classic Tuna Salad: Ready in just 15 minutes, this timeless favorite is always a reliable and delicious choice for a fast meal.
Spinach and Feta Egg Wraps: A delightful breakfast-for-lunch option, these wraps are savory, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize.

This particular pineapple chicken salad recipe draws its inspiration from the beloved version served at Jason’s Deli, known for its perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. My goal was to recreate and enhance that classic taste in an easy-to-make homemade version.

Pineapple chicken salad on a croissant, overflowing with flavorful ingredients, creating the perfect combination of savory and sweet.

Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (11 votes)

Pineapple Chicken Salad

By
Chelsea Lords

Pineapple Chicken Salad is a sweet and savory twist on the typical chicken salad! Ready in 15 minutes, it’s perfect on croissants or tucked into lettuce wraps.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Recipe Video

Watch how to make this delicious Pineapple Chicken Salad:

(Video demonstrates key steps and techniques for preparing the salad.)

Equipment

Large bowl
Small whisk or fork

Ingredients

2 cups rotisserie chicken chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup crushed pineapple canned in juice (not syrup), thoroughly drained/dried
1/3 cup honey-roasted almonds see note 1
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery (about 2 stalks)
2 tablespoons red onion finely diced
1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for best flavor)
2 tablespoons sour cream (fat-free or light can be used)
1 tablespoon honey
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Croissants or other sandwich bread/rolls, and fresh lettuce for serving

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, honey-roasted almonds, thinly sliced celery, and finely diced red onion. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add a generous sprinkle of salt (starting with 1/4 teaspoon) and pepper (starting with 1/8 teaspoon), or season to your preferred taste. Pour this creamy dressing over the chicken salad mixture.
Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are fully combined and coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed – you might want a bit more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors.
Serve your delightful pineapple chicken salad immediately. Layer it generously on a fluffy croissant, your favorite sandwich bread, or crisp lettuce wraps. Add some fresh lettuce for an extra crunch and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Almonds for Texture: For the best flavor and texture that doesn’t get soggy, I highly recommend using Fresh Gourmet® Honey Roasted Sliced Almonds (this is not a sponsored recommendation, just a personal favorite!). If you’re using plain almonds, toasting them beforehand will significantly enhance their flavor and crunch. To toast, spread almonds in a single layer in a dry (no oil needed) nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they are fragrant, lightly browned, and toasted to your liking. Be vigilant, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly!

Nutrition Note: The nutritional information provided below is for the pineapple chicken salad only and does not include the croissant, bread, or any additional servings.

Storage: Store any leftover pineapple chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. To prevent sogginess, always store croissants, bread, or lettuce wraps separately and assemble just before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so it should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!