Chicken Salad With Pineapple

Introduction

This Chicken Salad With Pineapple is your new go-to for quick lunches, picnic spreads, or light summer dinners. It’s bright, refreshing, and packed with tropical vibes thanks to juicy pineapple, crunchy celery, toasted almonds, and a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing with just the right zing of Dijon mustard. Whether you’re piling it into a buttery croissant or scooping it up with crisp lettuce cups, every bite is pure sunshine.

I first whipped this up for a beach picnic with my best friend Ashley. We were supposed to build fancy croissant sandwiches, but we ended up eating it straight from the container with forks — croissants forgotten. That’s how good it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• No cooking required – rotisserie chicken to the rescue
• Ready in just 15 minutes
• Great for meal prep and lunchboxes
• Crowd-pleasing for potlucks and baby showers
• Easy to dress up or down — think wraps, salads, or sandwich spreads

Taste & Texture

This salad nails the sweet and savory balance. You’ve got:

• The juicy sweetness of pineapple
• A creamy, tangy base made from Greek yogurt and Dijon
• Crunch from fresh celery and sliced almonds
• Herbaceous lift from fresh cilantro
• Buttery richness from the croissant (if you go the sandwich route)

Every bite is vibrant and satisfying with layers of flavor and texture.

Dietary Attributes

• High-protein thanks to chicken and Greek yogurt
• Gluten-free if you skip the croissant or use GF bread
• Lower in fat compared to mayo-based salads
• Naturally sweetened with fruit — no added sugars

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup finely diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons finely diced red onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8–12 butter lettuce leaves
• 4 round butter croissants, sliced in half

Notes on Quality

If you can get your hands on a fresh, ripe pineapple — go for it. The flavor is unbeatable. But if you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple (just make sure it’s well-drained) works beautifully. Use rotisserie chicken that’s moist and flavorful; Costco’s or your local grocery’s will do the trick.

As for yogurt, full-fat is key. It gives the salad richness and a silky texture. Low-fat or non-fat options just don’t hold up the same way.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts if needed
• Use plain mayo or a mix of mayo and yogurt for a richer taste
• Replace red onion with shallots or green onion
• Sub out cilantro with parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan
• Gluten-free? Serve in lettuce cups or with gluten-free crackers

Step-by-Step Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced pineapple, celery, almonds, cilantro, and red onions (if using).
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt until smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold everything together gently until evenly coated.

• To make sandwiches, place 2–3 lettuce leaves on the bottom half of each croissant. Spoon about 1/4 of the chicken salad on top and finish with the top half of the croissant.

Alternatively, serve as lettuce wraps, over a bed of greens, or with crackers for snacking.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor melding
• Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to enhance their nuttiness
• Use a serrated knife to cut croissants cleanly without squishing them

Common Mistakes

• Using low-fat yogurt — it waters down the flavor and texture
• Overmixing — fold gently so the pineapple stays intact and juicy
• Skipping the salt — just a pinch brings the sweet and savory into perfect balance

Time-Saving Tips

• Grab pre-shredded rotisserie chicken from the deli
• Use canned pineapple tidbits to avoid peeling and chopping
• Mix the dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with kettle chips, sweet potato fries, or a side of fruit
• Pair with a fresh green salad like this Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese
• Complement with a side of Tomato Feta Salad for a fresh, tangy contrast

Presentation Ideas

• Scoop the salad into halved avocados for a chic brunch platter
• Serve in mini croissants for party-friendly sliders
• Plate it on butter lettuce and top with microgreens for a light lunch

Beverage Pairings

• Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Sparkling lemonade or iced green tea
• Light beer or a fruity white sangria for picnic vibes

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the croissants or lettuce separate to avoid sogginess.

Reheating Methods

No reheating needed — this salad is best served chilled or at room temp. Just give it a good stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use canned chicken?
Sure! Just drain it well and shred it finely. The flavor won’t be quite as rich, but it still works in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just scale everything evenly and mix in a large bowl.

What can I use instead of croissants?
Try sandwich rolls, wraps, gluten-free bread, or simply serve on greens.

Troubleshooting

Why is my salad watery?
This can happen if the pineapple isn’t drained properly or if you use low-fat yogurt. Use paper towels to blot the pineapple and go with full-fat yogurt.

The flavor seems flat — what gives?
Try a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.

My croissants get soggy — help!
Assemble sandwiches just before eating or pack ingredients separately if meal prepping.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use GF bread or lettuce cups
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut yogurt
• Nut-free: Omit almonds or replace with sunflower seeds

Flavor Twists

• Add a dash of curry powder for a tropical Indian flair
• Mix in diced mango or red grapes for extra sweetness
• Stir in a spoonful of sriracha or jalapeños for heat

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Add dried cranberries and pecans for a festive fall take
• Serve in heart-shaped croissants for Valentine’s Day lunches
• Pair with watermelon and mint in the summer for ultimate refreshment

Conclusion

This Chicken Salad With Pineapple is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration in every bite. It’s quick, delicious, and packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re prepping weekday lunches, hosting a brunch, or whipping something up for a picnic, it’s got you covered.

If you give this a try, I’d love to hear how it went. Leave a comment, share your twist, or tag me in your photos — I’m always hanging out on Pinterest at Cooking with Callie. Let’s keep sharing good food and good vibes.

Additional Resources

Related Recipes

• Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese
• Tomato Feta Salad

Recommended Tools

• Sharp serrated knife for slicing croissants
• Citrus squeezer for fresh lemon juice
• Large mixing bowl with a rubber spatula for easy folding

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