Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a refreshing twist on a classic favorite? This Chicken Salad with Pineapple is not just any salad; it's a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds! Imagine tender, shredded chicken mingling with sweet pineapple chunks and crunchy celery, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise dressing with a hint of citrus. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful picnic treat, this quick and easy recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple ingredients can create a dish that's bursting with flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and cooled. If using leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Drain the pineapple chunks thoroughly to remove excess liquid. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Wash and finely dice the celery into small, uniform pieces, ensuring a consistent crunch throughout the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pineapple chunks, and diced celery.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken, pineapple, and celery. Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers as desired.
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: For a time-saving hack, utilize leftover roasted or grilled chicken. It adds depth of flavor and makes the preparation even quicker!
- Drain Pineapple Well: Make sure to drain the pineapple chunks thoroughly and pat them dry. This prevents excess moisture from making your salad soggy.
- Uniform Celery Chunks: Dice your celery into small, uniform pieces. This ensures every bite has that delightful crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the salad.
- Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise and lemon juice to suit your taste. A bit more lemon juice can add an extra zing!
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad on a bed of fresh lettuce, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite crackers for a versatile meal option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
