Tropical Chicken Salad Cups
Juicy, sweet, and tangy chicken salad loaded with tropical mango and pineapple, scooped into crisp butter lettuce cups. A refreshing twist on classic chicken salad that's light, vibrant, and perfect for warm-weather lunches or appetizers.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~12 min
Poach the chicken breasts.
1.Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with 3 cups of cold water.2.Add a pinch of salt and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and poach for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.4.Remove chicken from water and let cool completely on a plate.TIPKeep the water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to keep the chicken tender and moist. - prep · ~3 min
Shred or dice the cooled chicken.
1.Once the poached chicken is completely cool, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.2.Alternatively, dice the chicken into small, even cubes for a chunkier texture. - prep · ~5 min
Dice the tropical fruits and vegetables.
1.Dice the mango into small, even cubes.2.Dice the fresh pineapple into small cubes of similar size to the mango.3.Finely dice the celery stalk.4.Finely dice the red onion.TIPUse a ripe but firm mango so it holds its shape when folded into the salad. - mix · ~3 min
Make the creamy lime dressing and assemble the salad.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.2.Whisk together until smooth and creamy.3.Add the shredded chicken, diced mango, pineapple, celery, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.4.Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.TIPFold gently so the mango and pineapple pieces stay intact and don't get mushy. - assemble · ~2 min
Fill the lettuce cups.
1.Arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter, cup-side up.2.Spoon a generous scoop of the tropical chicken salad into each lettuce cup.3.Make sure each cup is evenly filled.TIPDouble up the lettuce leaves if they are delicate to create sturdier, leak-proof cups. - serve
Serve immediately.
Place the platter of filled lettuce cups on the table right away. They are best enjoyed fresh while the cups are crisp and the salad is cool.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cube mango and pineapple to the same size for a uniform bite in every scoop.
- 2Pat lettuce leaves dry thoroughly so the dressing doesn't make them soggy.
- 3Chill the shredded chicken completely before mixing to keep the salad cool and fresh.
- 4Pulse the chicken in a food processor for a finer shred if you prefer a smoother texture.
- 5Make the salad up to 1 day ahead and fill cups just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.
- 6Leftover salad keeps in the fridge for 2 days but is best at room temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace yogurt with a light, dairy-free coconut yogurt to reduce fat while keeping a creamy texture and subtle coconut note.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a handful of chopped toasted almonds or macadamia nuts on top for extra protein and crunch.
jainJain
Omit the red onion and use a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for flavor, and replace yogurt with a plant-based alternative to keep it Jain-friendly.
veganVegan
Swap poached chicken for cubed extra-firm tofu (sautéed until golden) and use a vegan yogurt of choice; the tropical flavors pair beautifully with tofu.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Both mango and pineapple are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein that helps build and repair muscle tissue.
Digestive Enzymes
Pineapple contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that can aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
Hydrating and Low-Cal
Butter lettuce cups add a crisp, hydrating vessel with very few calories, perfect for light meals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but drain it well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the salad; fresh pineapple gives a firmer, brighter texture.
