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Hawaiian Chicken Salad with tropical ingredients in bowl

Hawaiian Chicken Salad: A Vibrant Twist on a Tropical Favorite


  • Author: Cindy
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 to 3 servings

Description

  • Hawaiian Chicken Salad blends pineapple, chicken, and fresh veggies for a vibrant, tropical, and satisfying island-inspired meal.

Ingredients

  • Marinade:

    • 1/3 cup canned coconut milk

    • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple, reserve the chunks)

    • 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup

    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

    • Zest of 1 lime

    • 2 garlic cloves, minced

    • 1/4 teaspoon each: onion powder, ground cumin, paprika, ground ginger, salt

    Salad:

    • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

    • 1 large chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally

    • 1/2 cup canned corn

    • 1/2 to 3/4 cup pineapple chunks

    • 4 to 6 cups chopped lettuce

    • 1/2 avocado, sliced

    • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

    • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

    • 1 small carrot, shredded

    • 1 to 1 1/2 cups plain cooked white rice (or coconut lime cilantro rice if available)

    Dressing:

    • 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

    • 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

    • 1/2 garlic clove, minced

    • 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey

    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    • Black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and marinate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.

  • Shake together the dressing ingredients in a jar. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

  • Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  • In the same skillet, sear the pineapple chunks and corn until lightly caramelized.

  • Arrange lettuce, avocado, onion, tomatoes, carrot, and rice on a platter. Top with seared chicken, pineapple, and corn.

  • Drizzle dressing over the salad and serve.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Seasonal and Holiday Salads
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian