Description
Hawaiian chicken salad combines tender grilled chicken with tropical flavors, creating a refreshing island-inspired dish. Crisp greens, sweet pineapple, and zesty dressing bring Caribbean sunshine to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice cooked chicken and tropical pineapple chunks into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent texture and flavor distribution.
- Finely chop crisp celery, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet red onions to add crunch and aromatic dimensions to the salad.
- Create a creamy tropical dressing by whisking mayonnaise with fresh lime juice, ensuring smooth and tangy consistency.
- Gently fold the prepared dressing into the chicken and vegetable mixture, coating each ingredient thoroughly for balanced flavor profile.
- Enhance the salad’s taste by seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
- Refrigerate the salad for approximately 30 minutes at 40°F to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to chill completely.
- Before serving, sprinkle roasted macadamia nuts or toasted coconut flakes on top for a delightful crunch and authentic Hawaiian-inspired garnish.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or jackfruit to create a vegetarian version that maintains the tropical flavor profile.
- Toast macadamia nuts briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
- For a lighter option, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise to reduce calories while keeping the creamy texture.
- Experiment with different protein options like grilled shrimp or pulled pork to add variety and keep the Hawaiian-inspired theme exciting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg