Tropical Themed Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free)

Gluten free Tropical Themed Chicken Salad is an easy summer potluck recipe. Shredded chicken, mango, celery, coconut flakes and macadamia nuts creates a unique tropical chicken salad.

This summer I’m all about lighter, fresh recipes and outdoor activities. There’s almost unlimited options for summer fun here in the Bay Area. When time doesn’t allow for a weekend or day trip, then smaller get-togethers are a favorite. Potlucks, BBQ gatherings and picnics are a quick and easy way to make the most of your summer. To make it even more festive, serve this Tropical Themed Chicken Salad. Pair it with Chardonnay to add some class, which I’ll highlight below.

This recipe is gluten-free and lightened up, to make it accessible to most guests. This tropical chicken salad is all about quick and easy, saving you prep time and allowing you to focus on the fun and relaxing part of your gathering. Start with cooked rotisserie chicken available at most grocery stores or homemade Roasted Cornish Hens. It’s got plenty of flavor and the soft, tender meat is perfect for a chicken salad. Simply shred then chill ahead of time.

When you’re ready to assemble, mix together the tropical ingredients such as mango chunks, red onion, celery, macadamia nuts and spices. It includes Greek yogurt for a healthier recipe, but a bit of organic sour cream creates that classic tangy chicken salad flavor. You can serve immediately or store in fridge until you’re ready to serve. It will firm up and the flavors will meld a bit more in the fridge. 

Tropical salads are usually served alongside main dishes such as: 

• Grilled Chicken Breast
• Pork Satay Skewers
• Grilled Rack of Lamb

More salad or healthy sides you might like:

• Fingerling Potato Salad
• String Bean Casserole
• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
• Honey Sriracha Coleslaw
• Mozzarella Avocado Caprese Salad
• Eggplant Parmesan Pizza Slices
• Summer Strawberry Salad

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Tropical Themed Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free)

Written by Matt | Plating Pixels

Shredded chicken, mango, celery, coconut flakes and macadamia nuts creates a unique tropical chicken salad.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 328 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds baked chicken breasts or store-bought rotisserie chicken, chilled
• 1 medium mango diced
• 1 stalk stalk diced
• ½ medium red onion diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup macadamia nuts chopped
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• If using rotisserie chicken: Remove skin, drumsticks, and wings from cooked chicken (not needed for this recipe). 
• Shred chicken breasts into smaller pieces (about 4 cups) and chill completely, about 1-2 hours or the night before.
• Add shredded chicken and all remaining ingredients to a large bowl. Stir until well combined. Served immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Notes

This recipe pairs well with white wine such as Chardonnay. 

Nutrition Facts

Tropical Themed Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free)

Amount per Serving

Calories

328

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

23

g

35

%

Saturated Fat

 

4

g

25

%

Cholesterol

 

6

mg

2

%

Sodium

 

13

mg

1

%

Potassium

 

106

mg

3

%

Carbohydrates

 

5

g

2

%

Fiber

 

1

g

4

%

Sugar

 

3

g

3

%

Protein

 

24

g

48

%

Vitamin A

 

250

IU

5

%

Vitamin C

 

6.5

mg

8

%

Calcium

 

28

mg

3

%

Iron

 

0.5

mg

3

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword chicken salad, easy chicken salad, tropical chicken salad

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Note: Prep time does not include chilling chicken. Add more or less sour cream to create desired consistency.