This Million Dollar Chicken Salad is absolutely addictive—packed with shredded chicken, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and green onions, all bound in creamy mayo dressing. It tastes like the viral classic, made easily at home with pantry basics.
Table of Contents
Why Everyone Loves Million Dollar Chicken Salad
This version has that magic mouthfeel—crunchy nuts, juicy pineapple, a savory chicken base, and creamy mayo. It’s elevated with green onion for bite and a pinch of sugar for balance. Every spoonful feels luxurious and comforting.
It reminds me of flavor contrasts in my Chicken Curry Salad with Apples & Grapes, where fruit, protein, and spices mingle into something colorful and bold.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 2 cups |
| Crushed pineapple, drained | ½ cup |
| Chopped pecans | ½ cup |
| Green onions, thinly sliced | 2 tbsp |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar (optional) | 1–2 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | to taste |
Million Dollar Chicken Salad Copycat
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Salad copycat features shredded chicken, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and creamy mayo dressing. Sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1–2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, pineapple, pecans, and green onions.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with sugar until smooth.
3. Pour the mayo mixture over the chicken mixture and gently stir to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with crackers, croissants, or lettuce cups.
Toasted pecans add extra crunch.
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Copycat, Sweet Chicken Salad, Pineapple Chicken Salad
Prep Tips
Drain pineapple well so it doesn’t water down the salad. Toast pecans lightly to deepen their flavor and crunch. Slice green onions very thin to balance without overpowering. Adjust sugar based on your taste—skip it for less sweetness.
If you’re exploring other fruit-sweetened chicken salads, check out my Southern Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans—it’s fruity, nutty, and absolutely delicious.
How to Make It—Quick & Simple
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, crushed pineapple, pecans, and sliced green onions.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sugar until well combined.
- Pour dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add more sugar if you prefer sweeter.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavor melding.
Make-Ahead Notes
This salad improves after chilling—so make it an hour ahead if possible. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Pecans may soften over time, so refresh texture with extra nuts before serving if needed.
What Makes This Version “Million Dollar”
The name comes from how rich, sweet, and satisfying it feels. Pineapple adds a tropical zing, nuts deliver crunch, and shredded chicken provides substance. Together, the flavor profile feels elevated—like a secret indulgent treat.
It’s sweeter and creamier compared to savory bowls like my Classic Chicken Salad, yet the texture and flavor layering make it crave-worthy.
Creative Add-Ins & Variations
Customize your copycat salad by adding diced apple or grapes for more fruit texture, chopped celery for extra crunch, or toasted coconut for tropical character. Swap pecans for almonds or pumpkin seeds, or stir in a dash of curry powder for warmth.
For lighter versions, mix mayo with Greek yogurt. For a paleo or gluten-free twist, use avocado oil-based dressing and skip sugar entirely.
FAQs
Can I skip the sugar?
Yes—if your pineapple is naturally sweet, you may not need added sugar. Add just enough to balance acidity if needed.
Is this salad healthy?
It’s high in protein, contains healthy fats from nuts, and includes fruit for natural sweetness. However, it is higher in fat and sugar than a basic chicken salad—serve in moderation or lighten with yogurt.
Is this suitable for kids?
Absolutely—kids often love the sweetness and fun texture. Adjust sugar accordingly and avoid nuts if needed for allergies.
Serving Ideas
Serve this salad in small ramekins with crackers, in lettuce cups for a lower-carb option, or atop croissants for a more indulgent bite. It’s perfect for buffet tables, potlucks, or weekday meal prep.
Pair it with a crisp side salad or chilled soup like the Light Detox Soup—making for a balanced sweet-savory meal combo.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Chicken Salad Copycat is a crowd-pleasing favorite that blends creamy, sweet, and crunchy into one irresistible bowl. Easy to make and easy to love—once you try it, it just might disappear in minutes!