I’m so happy to share this Pineapple Chicken Salad with you because it is quick, creamy, crunchy, and full of sweet and savory flavor. Tender chicken comes together with juicy pineapple, crisp celery, red onion, and crunchy almonds in a simple creamy dressing. It takes about 15 minutes to make and is perfect for an easy lunch or light meal.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
I love how easy this chicken salad is to put together. The sweet pineapple adds a fun fruity flavor, while the celery and almonds give every bite a little crunch.
This recipe starts with cooked rotisserie chicken, so there is no need to cook chicken from scratch. You simply mix the chicken and other salad ingredients, stir together the creamy dressing, and combine everything in one bowl. It is especially handy on busy days when you want something fresh without turning on the stove.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Salad
This chicken salad brings together creamy, sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors in one simple dish. Here is how all the pieces come together:
• Chopped rotisserie chicken makes a tender and flavorful base
• Crushed pineapple adds a sweet, juicy taste
• Honey-roasted almonds bring a pleasant crunch
• Celery and red onion add fresh texture
• Mayo and sour cream create a smooth, creamy dressing
• Honey adds a little extra sweetness
• Dijon-style mustard gives the dressing a gentle tang
• Lemon juice brightens the other flavors
• Salt and pepper bring everything into balance
• Serve the finished salad on croissants, bread, or lettuce wraps
It is a simple no-cook meal that comes together quickly with very little cleanup.
Ingredients
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained and dried
• 1/3 cup honey-roasted almonds
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery, about 2 stalks
• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Croissants, sandwich bread, or rolls, for serving
• Lettuce, for serving if desired
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Chop the cooked rotisserie chicken into small pieces. Smaller pieces make the salad easier to scoop and eat. - Drain the Pineapple:
Drain the crushed pineapple very well and gently dry it. Removing extra liquid helps keep the chicken salad from becoming watery. - Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Add the chicken, pineapple, honey-roasted almonds, celery, and red onion to a large bowl. Stir gently until the ingredients are spread throughout. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon-style mustard, and lemon juice. - Season the Dressing:
Add the salt and black pepper. Stir well, then taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently stir until the chicken and other ingredients are evenly coated. - Check the Flavor:
Taste the finished chicken salad. Add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you want a stronger flavor. - Serve:
Spoon the chicken salad onto a croissant, sandwich bread, or roll. Add lettuce if you like, and serve right away.
Process Details
• Keeping the Chicken Tender: Using cooked rotisserie chicken keeps the recipe quick and gives the salad a tender base.
• Draining the Pineapple: Extra pineapple liquid can make the mixture too wet, so drain and dry the pineapple before adding it.
• Adding Crunch: Almonds and celery give the creamy salad a nice contrast in texture.
• Balancing the Dressing: Mayo and sour cream make the dressing creamy, while honey, mustard, and lemon juice give it sweet and tangy flavors.
• Mixing Gently: Stir carefully so the chicken and pineapple stay in pieces instead of becoming mashed.
Tips for Success
• Use Small Chicken Pieces: Chop the chicken into small, easy-to-eat pieces so every spoonful gets a little of the other ingredients.
• Drain the Pineapple Well: This is important for keeping the chicken salad thick and creamy.
• Watch the Almonds: Honey-roasted almonds work well for their flavor and crunch. If using plain almonds, lightly toast them first and watch them closely so they do not burn.
• Taste Before Serving: Salt and pepper can be adjusted to your liking, so taste the salad after mixing.
• Try a Lighter Option: Light mayonnaise can be used if you prefer it.
• Change the Nuts: Toasted pecans or finely chopped macadamia nuts can be used instead of almonds.
• Add More Fruit: Chopped grapes or drained mandarin oranges can be mixed in for another fruity twist.
Serving Ideas
• Croissant Sandwich: Spoon the chicken salad into a croissant and add lettuce for a simple lunch.
• Lettuce Wrap: Serve the chicken salad inside lettuce leaves for a fresh and light option.
• Classic Sandwich: Use your favorite sandwich bread or rolls and add a little lettuce.
• Fresh Lunch Plate: Serve it alongside a simple fruit salad for a colorful meal.
• Pineapple Twist: Add extra well-drained pineapple if you enjoy a stronger fruity flavor.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 3 days.
• Keep Bread Separate: Store croissants, bread, and lettuce separately so they stay fresh and do not become soggy.
• Make Ahead: The chicken salad can be prepared ahead and kept chilled until you are ready to serve it.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this creamy salad because the texture of the dressing and fresh ingredients can change after thawing.
• Serving Leftovers: Give the chilled salad a gentle stir before serving. If the mixture has changed texture slightly, stir it well before adding it to fresh bread or lettuce.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~457
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~24g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~539mg
• Sugar: ~22g
Pineapple Chicken Salad is an easy mix of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy almonds, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It comes together in about 15 minutes, making it a handy choice for a quick lunch or a simple meal on a warm day.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Serve it on a croissant, bread, or lettuce, add your favorite simple touches, and enjoy every sweet and savory bite!
