Tropical Chicken Salad Cups
A vibrant and refreshing chicken salad featuring tender shredded chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp celery, all bound in a light, tangy Greek yogurt dressing and served in crisp lettuce cups. Perfect for a balanced and flavorful meal.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Chicken (if not pre-cooked):** If starting with raw chicken, poach or bake 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let cool slightly, then shred or dice into small, bite-sized pieces. You should yield approximately 1.5 cups.
**Chop Ingredients:** Finely dice the fresh or drained canned pineapple, the celery stalk, and the red onion. Roughly chop the fresh parsley.
**Combine Salad Base:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, diced pineapple, finely chopped celery, and minced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
**Prepare Dressing:** In a small separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
**Dress the Salad:** Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Add the chopped fresh parsley. Gently fold all ingredients together with a spatula or spoon until everything is evenly coated.
**Chill (Optional but Recommended):** For best flavor and texture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
**Prepare Lettuce Cups:** While the salad chills, wash and gently pat dry the butter lettuce leaves. Arrange them on a serving platter or individual plates.
**Assemble and Serve:** Spoon a generous portion of the tropical chicken salad into each prepared lettuce cup. Serve immediately as a refreshing light lunch, appetizer, or snack.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Perfectly Cooked Chicken:** For the most tender chicken, poach chicken breasts gently in simmering water or broth until just cooked through, then allow them to cool slightly before shredding.
- 2**Pineapple Choice:** Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture, but well-drained canned pineapple chunks (not in heavy syrup) can be used in a pinch. Ensure it's very well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
- 3**Customize Your Crunch:** For an extra layer of texture and flavor, add a tablespoon of chopped toasted pecans, slivered almonds, or even a few water chestnuts to the salad.
- 4**Make Ahead:** The chicken salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add fresh lettuce cups just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a subtle, warming heat that complements the sweet pineapple.
FruitFruit
Substitute fresh diced mango or halved red grapes for the pineapple to explore different sweet and tangy profiles.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Replace parsley with fresh mint or cilantro for an even more pronounced tropical and aromatic flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining satiety, helping you feel full longer.
Rich in Vitamins & Fiber
Pineapple and celery contribute a good amount of vitamins (like Vitamin C and K) and dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion, supports immune function, and provides antioxidants.
Probiotic Boost
Plain Greek yogurt contains beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, which can improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and contribute to overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred the meat from a cooked rotisserie chicken and use it as directed in the recipe.
