Creamy, crunchy, slightly sweet, and savory—this chicken salad is perfect with crackers, toast, sandwiches, lettuce cups, or as a quick lunch.
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups (about 450 g) cooked chicken, shredded or finely diced
- ½ cup canned pineapple tidbits, well drained and finely chopped
- ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped sweet pickles or dill pickles (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup halved red grapes
- 1–2 tbsp finely chopped green onion
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Use cooked, cooled chicken breast or thigh meat.
Shred or dice it into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the vegetables
Add the peas, red onion, celery, pineapple, and parsley.
If using pickles, grapes, or nuts, add them now.
3. Make the dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Don’t overmix, especially if using pineapple or grapes.
5. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Chilling allows the flavors to blend and makes the salad even better.
6. Serve
Serve with:
- Crackers
- Toast
- Croissants
- Sandwich bread
- Lettuce cups
- Cucumber slices
- Tortilla wraps
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- Drain pineapple very well so the salad doesn’t become watery.
- Chilled chicken gives the best texture.
- For extra crunch, add celery or nuts.
- For a sweeter salad, add grapes or a little extra pineapple.
- For a tangier version, add another teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Don’t add too much dressing at once; you can always add more.
Nut & Allergy Information
The basic recipe does not require nuts.
If you add pecans or walnuts, the recipe will contain tree nuts.
Contains: egg if using mayonnaise; dairy if using Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free mayonnaise, mustard, and other packaged ingredients.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt or replace the yogurt with additional mayonnaise.
Nut-free: Leave out the optional pecans/walnuts.
For serious allergies, check packaged ingredients for allergen and cross-contact information.
Recipe Q&A
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is an easy and flavorful shortcut. Remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it very well before adding it to the salad.
Can I use tuna instead of chicken?
Yes. Substitute approximately 3 cans (5 oz/142 g each) drained tuna for the cooked chicken.
Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.
How long does it last?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery after thawing.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Making it a few hours ahead is actually recommended—the flavors develop as it chills.
What can I serve with it?
Crackers, toasted bread, lettuce leaves, croissants, wraps, cucumber slices, or a simple green salad all work beautifully.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, based on 6 servings and without optional nuts:
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10 g
- Fat: ~15 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
Nutrition is approximate and depends on the chicken, mayonnaise, and other ingredients used.
Social Media Caption
CREAMY PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SALAD!
Tender chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy celery, colorful peas, red onion, and a creamy homemade dressing! 😍
Scoop it onto crispy crackers, spread it on toast, or make a delicious sandwich for an easy lunch.
Save this recipe for later! ❤️