Healthy Hawaiian Chicken Salad with Pineapple and Avocado
Juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a light citrus-lime dressing come together in this refreshing and nourishing salad. It’s loaded with color, flavor, and feel-good ingredients — perfect for warm weather meals or a wholesome lunch bowl.
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Salad:
3 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
1 cup fresh pineapple,diced or grilled
1 avocado, sliced or cubed
½ red bell pepper, sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped cucumber
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
Optional toppings: toasted coconut flakes, sesame seeds, chopped macadamia nuts
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate & Cook Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken and let marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight).
Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Let rest, then slice into strips.
2. Make the Dressing:
Whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl or platter, layer spinach or greens, pineapple, avocado, bell pepper, onion, cucumber, and fresh herbs.
Top with sliced chicken.
4. Drizzle & Serve:
Pour dressing over salad just before serving.
Top with optional coconut flakes or nuts for texture.
Chef’s Tips
Grilled Pineapple Option: Lightly grill pineapple slices for caramelized sweetness.
Meal Prep: Store components separately and combine before serving.
Protein Boost: Add quinoa or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Make it a wrap or bowl: Serve in a grain bowl with brown rice or wrapped in lettuce or whole wheat tortillas.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just make sure it’s canned in juice (not syrup) and drain well.
Can I make it dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is naturally dairy- and gluten-free!
How long does it keep?
Store salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~390
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 20g
Fiber: 6g
