Name: Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken breast (, chilled and shredded); 8 oz cooked ham (, chilled and diced); 1 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple ((canned would work too, but drain well)); 1 3 cup 1 diced celery ((about 3 stalks)); 2/3 cup chopped Macadamia nuts or Cashews; 2 tbsp chopped green onions; 2/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

This Hawaiian chicken salad sandwich is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors. Featuring a medley of cooked chicken breast, diced ham, and fresh pineapple, it's perfect for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner.

Photos of Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe

Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every home. You may need to purchase fresh pineapple, macadamia nuts or cashews, and apple cider vinegar. These can typically be found in the produce and baking aisles of most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

cooked chicken breast: Shredded and chilled, this forms the base of the salad.

cooked ham: Adds a savory flavor to complement the chicken.

fresh pineapple: Brings a sweet and tropical twist.

celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness.

macadamia nuts: Optional; adds a nutty flavor and texture.

green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and color.

mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing.

pineapple juice: Enhances the sweetness and fruitiness of the salad.

honey: Adds natural sweetness to the dressing.

apple cider vinegar: Introduces a tangy element to balance the flavors.

onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the dressing.

salt: Enhances the overall taste.

pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

One reader, Barbabra Cave says:

This Hawaiian chicken salad sandwich recipe is a tropical delight! The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and crunchy nuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family loved it, and it's now a favorite in our household!

Barbabra Cave

Techniques Required for Making Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

How to shred chicken: Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken breast into thin, shredded pieces. How to dice ham: Cut the cooked ham into small, uniform cubes for even distribution in the salad. How to dice pineapple: Cut the fresh pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces. If using canned pineapple, ensure it is well-drained before dicing. How to dice celery: Cut the celery stalks into small, even pieces to add a crunchy texture to the salad. How to chop nuts: Roughly chop the macadamia nuts or cashews into smaller pieces for easier mixing and eating. How to chop green onions: Slice the green onions thinly, including both the white and green parts, for added flavor. How to whisk dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, pineapple juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk until smooth and well-blended.

How To Make Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½lbschicken breast,cooked, chilled and shredded
8ozham,cooked, chilled and diced
1½cupsfresh pineapple,diced, canned would work too, but drain well
1cupcelery,diced, about 3 stalks
⅔cupMacadamia nuts,or Cashews, chopped
2tbspgreen onions,chopped

For Dressing:

⅔cupmayonnaise
¼cuppineapple juice
3tbsphoney
2tspapple cider vinegar
½tsponion powder
Salt and pepper,to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, toss together shredded chicken, diced ham, pineapple, celery, nuts and green onions.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pineapple juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, onion powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour dressing over chicken mixture. Toss to evenly coat. Serve on Crusty Rustic Bread, Hawaiian Sweet Bread or whatever bread, roll or croissant you’d like.

Nutrition

Calories: 605.67kcal
Fat: 44.91g
Saturated Fat: 8.90g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 19.72g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.65g
Carbohydrates: 20.26g
Fiber: 2.95g
Sugar: 14.70g
Protein: 31.65g
Cholesterol: 104.13mg
Sodium: 667.55mg
Calcium: 54.26mg
Potassium: 540.14mg
Iron: 2.12mg
Vitamin A: 33.38µg
Vitamin C: 23.45mg

Helpful Technique for Making Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the macadamia nuts or cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. This will enhance their natural nuttiness and add a delightful crunch to your Hawaiian chicken salad sandwiches.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken breast yourself.

Pre-diced ham: Purchase pre-diced ham from the deli section to skip the dicing step.

Canned pineapple: Opt for canned pineapple chunks, making sure to drain them well, to avoid the hassle of cutting a fresh pineapple.

Pre-chopped nuts: Buy pre-chopped macadamia nuts or cashews to eliminate the need for chopping.

Ready-made dressing: Use a store-bought dressing similar to the one in the recipe to save time on mixing ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe

cooked chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast offers a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative to chicken breast.
cooked ham - Substitute with bacon: Bacon provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture that can enhance the overall taste of the salad.
diced fresh pineapple - Substitute with mango: Mango adds a sweet and tropical flavor, similar to pineapple, and pairs well with the other ingredients.
diced celery - Substitute with diced cucumber: Cucumber offers a refreshing crunch and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for celery.
chopped macadamia nuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, and are often more readily available.
chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement for green onions.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, while also being a healthier option.
pineapple juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice offers a similar sweet and tangy flavor, making it a suitable replacement for pineapple juice.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can be used as a direct substitute for honey.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a similar acidity and can be used as a direct replacement for apple cider vinegar.
onion powder - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a different but complementary flavor, adding depth to the salad.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can replace salt while adding depth to the dish.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and can be used to replace regular pepper for a spicier kick.

Presentation Ideas for Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Use a gourmet bread base: Opt for a lightly toasted Hawaiian sweet bread or a freshly baked croissant to provide a delicate, buttery foundation for the Hawaiian chicken salad.
Layer with precision: Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture onto the bread, ensuring an even distribution of shredded chicken, diced ham, and pineapple for a balanced bite.
Garnish with finesse: Add a sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts or cashews on top for a crunchy texture contrast. Finish with a few chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Plate with elegance: Serve the sandwich open-faced on a pristine white plate. Arrange a small side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors of the chicken salad.
Add a tropical touch: Include a few slices of fresh pineapple and a sprig of mint on the side to enhance the tropical theme and add visual appeal.
Drizzle with extra dressing: Lightly drizzle some of the remaining pineapple juice and honey dressing around the plate for added flavor and a touch of sophistication.
Serve with a refreshing beverage: Pair the dish with a chilled glass of pineapple juice or a light white wine to complement the flavors and elevate the dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the shredded chicken, diced ham, pineapple, celery, nuts, and green onions together.
Separate mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the mayonnaise, pineapple juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Whisk: Necessary for thoroughly mixing the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Knife: Required for dicing the ham, pineapple, and celery, as well as chopping the green onions and nuts.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and dicing the ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the mayonnaise, pineapple juice, and honey.
Measuring spoons: Needed for precise measurement of the apple cider vinegar, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Spoon or spatula: Useful for tossing the chicken mixture with the dressing to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Bread knife: Ideal for slicing the bread, rolls, or croissants for serving the chicken salad.
Serving platter or plate: To present the finished Hawaiian chicken salad sandwiches attractively.

Storing and Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

To store the hawaiian chicken salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to freeze the chicken salad, it's best to do so without the mayonnaise. Mix together all the ingredients except for the mayo, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir in the mayonnaise before serving.
For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to store the chicken salad separately from the bread or rolls. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
If you have leftover hawaiian chicken salad sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread may absorb some moisture from the salad, but it will still be delicious.

Interesting Fact About Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

A fun fact about this Hawaiian chicken salad sandwich recipe is that it combines the savory flavors of chicken and ham with the sweetness of pineapple and honey, creating a delightful balance of tastes that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Is Making Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?

Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this Hawaiian chicken salad sandwich recipe, it scores a solid 8 out of 10. The use of chicken breast, ham, and pineapple provides a delightful mix of flavors without breaking the bank. The macadamia nuts or cashews might be a bit pricey, but they add a unique crunch. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $20-$25, making it a reasonably affordable yet gourmet option for a family meal.

Are Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches Healthy?

This Hawaiian chicken salad sandwich recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:

Lean protein sources like chicken breast and ham
Fresh pineapple, which is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
Celery, providing dietary fiber and low-calorie crunch
Nuts, offering healthy fats and protein

However, there are some less healthy components:

Mayonnaise, which is high in saturated fat and calories
Honey, adding extra sugar to the dish
Lack of additional vegetables for more balanced nutrition

To make this recipe healthier, consider these suggestions:

Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and reduced fat content
Add more vegetables like shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or leafy greens to increase fiber and nutrient density
Swap the honey for a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract to reduce added sugars
Use whole grain or sprouted bread for extra fiber and complex carbohydrates
Limit the portion size of the sandwich and pair it with a side salad or veggie-based soup for a well-rounded meal

By incorporating these changes, you can enhance the nutritional value of the Hawaiian chicken salad sandwiches while still maintaining the delightful flavors of the tropics. The key is to strike a balance between indulgence and mindful, healthy eating habits.

Editor's Opinion on Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

This Hawaiian chicken salad sandwich recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of shredded chicken, diced ham, and fresh pineapple creates a tropical twist, while the crunch from celery and nuts adds a satisfying bite. The dressing, with its blend of mayonnaise, pineapple juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar, offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Serving this mixture on crusty bread or a soft Hawaiian roll enhances the overall experience. It's a refreshing and unique take on a classic chicken salad, ideal for a summer lunch or casual gathering.

Enhance Your Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Complement the tropical flavors of your Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches with a side of grilled asparagus drizzled with a hint of lemon zest. The smoky char from the grill and the citrusy brightness will create a delightful contrast to the creamy, sweet, and savory notes of the main course.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Add a burst of color and freshness with a mango avocado salsa. The creamy avocado paired with juicy mango, diced red onions, and a squeeze of lime juice will bring a zesty and refreshing element to your meal, enhancing the tropical theme.

Coconut Rice: Transport your taste buds to the islands with a side of coconut rice. The subtle sweetness of coconut milk infused into fluffy rice will harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches, making each bite a tropical delight.

Papaya and Cucumber Salad: For a light and refreshing side, consider a papaya and cucumber salad. The crispness of cucumber and the sweetness of papaya tossed with a tangy lime vinaigrette will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and creamy sandwich filling.

Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Aioli: Add a touch of indulgence with sweet potato fries served alongside a spicy aioli. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes paired with the kick from the aioli will offer a delightful contrast to the savory and sweet notes of the Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches.

Similar Recipes to Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Tropical Chicken Salad Wraps: Imagine a refreshing twist on your typical chicken salad, wrapped in a soft tortilla. This recipe combines shredded chicken, mango, avocado, and a hint of lime for a zesty, tropical flavor. Perfect for a light lunch or a picnic in the park.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Sliders: These mini sliders pack a punch with juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, topped with fresh pineapple slices. Serve them on Hawaiian rolls for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Mango Chicken Salad: A delightful blend of grilled chicken, mango, red bell pepper, and cilantro, tossed in a light citrus dressing. This salad is both vibrant and refreshing, making it a perfect summer dish.

Aloha Chicken Bowls: Transport yourself to the islands with these bowls filled with grilled chicken, pineapple, coconut rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Drizzle with a tangy pineapple vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor.

Caribbean Chicken Salad: This salad features jerk-seasoned chicken, mango, black beans, and corn, all tossed in a creamy lime-cilantro dressing. It's a vibrant and hearty dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Appetizers:

Tropical Shrimp Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game with Tropical Shrimp Skewers. Marinate succulent shrimp in a blend of coconut milk, lime juice, and ginger. Skewer them with chunks of mango, red bell pepper, and pineapple. Grill until perfectly charred and serve with a side of spicy mango dipping sauce. This vibrant dish brings a taste of the tropics to your table, making it a perfect starter for any meal.

Macadamia Nut-Crusted Brie Bites: For a sophisticated yet simple appetizer, try Macadamia Nut-Crusted Brie Bites. Coat creamy Brie cheese in a mixture of finely chopped macadamia nuts and panko breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and gooey. Serve with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Pair these bites with crackers or sliced baguette for an elegant start to your meal.

Desserts:

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Transform your pineapple upside-down cake into a tropical delight by incorporating coconut flakes and a hint of rum. The caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries create a visually stunning top layer, while the moist cake underneath absorbs the rich flavors. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Mango Coconut Sorbet: Craft a refreshing mango coconut sorbet that captures the essence of the tropics. Blend ripe mangoes with creamy coconut milk and a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist. This dairy-free dessert is perfect for hot days and can be garnished with toasted coconut flakes or a sprig of mint to elevate its presentation.

Why trust this Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe:

This Hawaiian chicken salad sandwich recipe is a delightful blend of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and crunchy nuts. The homemade dressing adds a unique twist with its pineapple juice and honey base, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Trust in the combination of fresh ingredients and balanced flavors to elevate your sandwich game.

Want to share your own twists on Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwiches or discuss the recipe further? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid making the salad too watery.

What type of bread works best for these sandwiches?

You can use any bread you like, but crusty rustic bread, Hawaiian sweet bread, or croissants work particularly well.

Can I substitute the nuts with something else?

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer something different, you can leave them out or substitute with sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch.

How long will the chicken salad keep in the fridge?

The chicken salad should keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken salad a day ahead. Just keep it chilled in the fridge and assemble the sandwiches when you're ready to serve.