Pineapple Chicken Salad

Darling (14 yr/old daughter) was confirmed this past weekend. I was having a hard time coming up with food ideas for her party. I knew I wanted something different. Not weird just different. My family’s taste buds are not very… um, let’s say exotic. 

We played around with ideas of a taco bar and baked potato bar. Darling wanted a pasta bar. All are good ideas but they don’t work too well with kids and/or people that aren’t eating at a table. Kinda messy. 

Sandwiches always seem to go over well. But again, I wanted something different, something exciting. I often remember a chicken salad croissant I had at a wedding reception. It was years ago, in fact the couple is now divorced… I doubt it was because of the chicken salad though because that shiz was good. Anyway, chicken salad sandwiches are what we decided on. When I say “we” I mean me. 

The recipe I found on Pinterest turned out pretty great. I was happy I made them. Not everyone enjoyed them but I did and frankly, that’s all that really mattered. Oh and bonus, Cara was at the party too. She said she liked them and I believe her. 

Here’s what I used:

2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound). Please please please don't use canned chicken
1 1/4 cup mayonnaise (more or less depending on creamy desire)
½ cup finely chopped onions
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained

For what it’s worth, these are estimations. I am terrible at using the exact amount. They’re very close though.

I made half with pineapple and half without. I served them with tomatoes, lettuce and the choice of Swiss or Provolone cheese. I gave my guests 2 bread choices: mini French loaf or onion poppy ciabatta. I tried both and liked them both equally. 

The original recipe calls for a few more things that were sure to put a look of disgust on my boys’ face. Since I wanted them to eat, we skipped those ingredients.

And because you are curious, here’s some other items on our menu:

Slow cooked meatballs in cream of mushroom soup with a dash or two of milk.

Pudding parfait cups. chocolate and vanilla pudding with whipped cream on top.

Sliced green, red, yellow and orange peppers w/dip. Fill individual cups with a couple tablespoons    of vegetable dip and add long slices of peppers to the cup. 

The usually olives and pickles.

7-Up and sherbet punch with floating fruit.

There you have it!