🌺 Irresistible Hawaiian Chicken Salad in 15 Minutes
If you’re searching for a **healthy**, **refreshing**, and **protein-packed** meal, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad is your new go-to dish. Bursting with tropical flavors like pineapple, juicy chicken breast, and a creamy yet light dressing, this **15-minute meal** is perfect for **low-carb lunch ideas** and **weight loss meal prep**.
This recipe is an excellent **high-protein meal** that keeps you satisfied while still being light and nutritious. Whether you’re on a **keto-friendly** diet, looking for **easy dinner recipes**, or just want something delicious and **healthy**, this salad ticks all the boxes.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4 servings:
The Salad Components
- **2 cups** cooked chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie, shredded or diced – **lean protein source**)
- **1 cup** fresh pineapple chunks (natural sweetness, great for digestion)
- **1 cup** celery, chopped (adds crunch and fiber)
- **1/2 cup** red bell pepper, diced (antioxidants + color)
- **1/2 cup** red onion, finely chopped
- **1/3 cup** unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for tropical flavor)
- **1/4 cup** chopped macadamia nuts or almonds (**healthy fats**, crunch)
For the Creamy Tropical Dressing
- **1/2 cup** Greek yogurt (**high-protein**, low-fat alternative to mayo)
- **2 tbsp** light mayonnaise (adds creaminess)
- **1 tbsp** honey or agave syrup (natural sweetener – optional)
- **1 tbsp** lime juice (zesty freshness)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
🥗 Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- If using leftover grilled chicken breast, simply dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- For quick cooking, pan-sear chicken with a touch of olive oil and garlic until golden brown, then chop.
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Step 2: Mix the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for balance.
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Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, pineapple chunks, celery, bell pepper, and onion.
- Pour the creamy tropical dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
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Step 4: Add the Crunch
- Sprinkle in the shredded coconut and macadamia nuts (or almonds) for that irresistible Hawaiian texture.
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Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, wrapped in a **low-carb tortilla**, or alongside whole-grain crackers for a filling and **balanced meal**.
🌟 Pro Tips & Variations
- **Keto-Friendly Version:** Skip the honey and pineapple, or replace with small amounts of keto-approved sweeteners and berries.
- **Extra Creaminess:** Add diced avocado for extra healthy fats.
- **Substitution:** Use canned pineapple in natural juice if fresh isn’t available, but drain well.
- **Protein Swap:** Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey breast for variety.
🍽️ Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
This makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking **healthy recipes for weight management**, **diabetes-friendly meals**, or **balanced family dinners**.