Pineapple Chicken Salad Croissants

Looking for a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic chicken salad? These Pineapple Chicken Salad Croissants are the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and sweet. Tender chicken is combined with juicy pineapple, crisp veggies, and a light dressing, all tucked inside buttery croissants. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the family or creating a crowd-pleasing dish for brunch, these croissants are a tropical-inspired treat everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Tropical Flavor – Pineapple adds a juicy burst of sweetness.
Perfect for Entertaining – A classy option for brunches and gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors develop beautifully over time.
Versatile – Serve in croissants, wraps, or lettuce cups.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup seedless red grapes, halved (optional but adds extra sweetness)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds (lightly toasted)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or light sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 4 large buttery croissants
• Fresh green leaf lettuce or romaine
• Optional: chopped parsley or extra pineapple for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Toaster or oven (optional, for warming croissants)
Spoon or spatula for mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop or shred the cooked chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
Dice the pineapple, celery, and red onion.
Slice grapes in half and toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet until golden, if using.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Mix the Chicken Salad
Add the chicken, pineapple, celery, onion, grapes, and nuts into the bowl with the dressing.
Gently fold everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
This step helps bring out the sweetness of the pineapple and balances the creamy texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Croissants
Slice each croissant lengthwise, leaving one edge intact if preferred for easier handling.
You can lightly toast the croissants in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for extra flakiness.

Step 6: Assemble the Croissants
Line each croissant with a lettuce leaf.
Spoon a generous amount of pineapple chicken salad onto the lettuce.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a few extra pineapple chunks if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Croissants
Use Rotisserie Chicken – It saves time and adds great flavor.
Drain Pineapple Well – Too much juice can make the salad watery.
Balance Flavors – A touch of honey balances the tangy dressing and onion.
Toast Nuts – Toasting enhances flavor and adds a nice crunch.
Don’t Overfill – Add enough salad to fill without making the croissant soggy or hard to eat.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad or potato chips.
Add a chilled cucumber mint lemonade for a refreshing drink.
Use mini croissants to create bite-sized sliders for parties.
Try serving the salad over greens for a lighter lunch option.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Croissants: Keep them in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating Croissants:
Toaster Oven: Warm for 3-5 minutes at 300°F to refresh texture.
Microwave: Briefly warm for 10-15 seconds to soften if needed.

Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the chicken salad a day ahead for the best flavor.
Keep the croissants and salad separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
You can also freeze cooked chicken in portions for quicker prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just be sure to drain it well and pat dry to remove excess liquid.

2. What’s the best chicken to use?
Grilled, poached, or rotisserie chicken all work well. Choose what’s most convenient for you.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt with additional mayo or a dairy-free alternative.

4. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Try adding diced apple, mango, or dried cranberries for variation.

5. What if I don’t have croissants?
Use brioche buns, whole grain rolls, or wrap the salad in tortillas or lettuce cups.

Final Thoughts
Pineapple Chicken Salad Croissants bring a fun and flavorful twist to traditional chicken salad. The sweet pineapple and creamy dressing create a mouthwatering combination that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want to switch up your lunch routine, this recipe is a tasty and tropical go-to.

Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your creation with others – it’s too good not to spread the love!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 27g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 520mg

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