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Bowl of Hawaiian chicken salad with pineapple, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, and Greek yogurt dressing.

Hawaiian Chicken Salad – Tropical, High-Protein Meal Prep with Pineapple and Greek Yogurt

Samantha
A vibrant, high-protein Hawaiian chicken salad made with shredded chicken, juicy pineapple, and crunchy veggies in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s mayo-free, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for light lunches, meal prep, or potlucks. Refreshing, satisfying, and packed with tropical flavor—this is your go-to summer salad.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep, Salad
Cuisine American, Hawaiian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned in juice, drained
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Chopped macadamia nuts
  • Avocado slices

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
    Dice your bell pepper and red onion. Drain the pineapple if using canned. Shred the chicken if it’s not already prepared.
  • Step 2: Make the Dressing
    In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Step 3: Combine Everything
    Add the chicken, pineapple, red pepper, and onion into a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and mix gently until fully combined.
  • Step 4: Chill and Serve
    For best flavor, chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve in lettuce cups, wraps, or over greens.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken Salad

  1. Use grilled or roasted chicken breast: For a high-protein base that’s lean and flavorful, go with grilled or roasted chicken breast. It pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple and creamy Greek yogurt for a balanced tropical chicken salad.
  2. Drain the pineapple well: Whether using fresh or canned, make sure to drain excess juice from the pineapple chunks. This prevents the salad from getting watery and keeps the texture creamy.
  3. Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist: Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also boosts the protein content. It’s the perfect clean eating substitute that complements the tropical flavor profile.
  4. Chop everything uniformly: For the best bite, dice your ingredients—chicken, celery, pineapple, and red onion—into even pieces. It makes every spoonful of this Hawaiian meal prep salad taste balanced and satisfying.
  5. Toast your coconut or nuts for added crunch: If adding shredded coconut or chopped macadamia nuts, toast them lightly. It enhances their natural flavor and gives your chicken pineapple salad a delicious textural contrast.
  6. Add a squeeze of lime juice: Just a little lime juice brightens the creamy base and makes the tropical flavors pop. It also helps balance the sweetness of the fruit with a touch of acidity.
  7. Chill before serving: Let your Hawaiian chicken salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a cool, refreshing texture that’s ideal for meal prep or a light, high-protein lunch.
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