What are the main ingredients in Hawaiian Chicken Salad?

The Hawaiian Chicken Salad typically includes shredded roasted chicken, diced pineapple, and crunchy macadamia nuts. You might also find a blend of greens and a light dressing, often made from mayonnaise or yogurt, to tie the flavors together beautifully.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different protein, consider using shrimp or tofu to create a delicious variation of this tropical salad. Both options will complement the sweet and savory elements well, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.

How can I make Hawaiian Chicken Salad healthier?

To create a healthier version of Hawaiian Chicken Salad, you could incorporate Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Additionally, adding more fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers will increase the nutrient density, keeping it light yet satisfying.

What sides pair well with Hawaiian Chicken Salad?

Serving this vibrant salad alongside some roasted vegetables or a refreshing Cucumber Salad can enhance your meal. The crisp texture of cucumbers complements the tropical flavors perfectly, offering a delightful contrast in every bite.

Hawaiian Chicken Salad: A Tropical Delight You’ll Love

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup light coconut milk (canned); 1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice; 1 tbsp gluten-free tamari sauce; Zest of 1 lime; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp ginger powder; 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large chicken breast, halved horizontally; 3/4 cup fresh pineapple pieces; 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1/2 avocado, sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa; 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice; 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro; 1/2 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option); 1/4 tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste

Description

Bright, tropical, and packed with flavor, this Hawaiian Chicken Salad combines tender grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing for a refreshing, nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1/3 cup light coconut milk (canned)

1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice

1 tbsp gluten-free tamari sauce

Zest of 1 lime

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp ginger powder

1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

Chicken & Salad Base:

1/2 tbsp olive oil

1 large chicken breast, halved horizontally

3/4 cup fresh pineapple pieces

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1/2 avocado, sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa

Dressing:

1 1/2 tbsp lime juice

2 1/2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

1/2 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

1/4 tsp salt

Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine coconut milk, pineapple juice, tamari sauce, lime zest, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, ginger powder, and salt. Mix well.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Add halved chicken breasts to the marinade, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook chicken 7–8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, pineapple pieces, avocado slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cooked quinoa.
Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Assemble the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad base and toss gently.
- Arrange sliced chicken on top for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

Serve on its own, in a wrap, or atop a bed of greens for a heartier meal.

Can be customized with different fruits, like mango or mandarin oranges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Marinate & Pan-Seared
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Hawaiian Chicken Salad, tropical chicken salad, gluten-free salad, healthy summer salad, quinoa chicken salad, avocado salad, pineapple chicken salad, light lunch, picnic salad