A symphony of tropical flavors, Hawaiian Chicken Salad transports your taste buds to a lush island paradise. Juicy chicken, grilled to perfection, mingles with crunchy vegetables and creamy avocado. Sweet pineapple and tangy lime zest evoke the essence of Hawaiian sunshine. Fresh cilantro and fragrant ginger add depth and warmth. Quinoa provides a nutritious and filling base. Coconut milk and honey harmonize in a creamy dressing. A refreshing, healthy, and satisfying retreat from the ordinary.
Ingredients:
Proteins:
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced🍗
Vegetables:
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced red onion🧅
• 1 cup diced cucumber🥒
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper🫑
• 1/2 cup diced carrots🥕
Fruits:
• 1 cup diced pineapple🍍
• 1/2 cup diced mango (optional)🥭
Nuts/Seeds:
• 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
Cheese:
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)🧀
Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise🍶
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey🍯
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste🧂
Additional:
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Chicken
1️⃣ Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Cook chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes per side).
4️⃣ Rest, then slice into thin strips.
Step 2: Prepare Salad Base
1️⃣ Combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, garlic, ginger powder, lime zest, onion powder, red onion, and pineapple in a large bowl.
Step 3: Make Dressing
1️⃣ Whisk coconut milk, honey, lime juice, tamari sauce, and olive oil.
2️⃣ Season with salt and pepper; adjust sweetness/acidity.
Step 4: Add Quinoa
1️⃣ Add cooked quinoa to the salad bowl.
Step 5: Toss Salad
1️⃣ Pour dressing over salad; toss to combine.
Step 6: Garnish
1️⃣ Sprinkle ground cumin for extra flavor.
Step 7: Serve
1️⃣ Divide salad into individual bowls.
2️⃣ Drizzle with pineapple juice.
Timings:
• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (chicken and quinoa)
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Additional Time:
• Letting chicken rest: 5 minutes
• Chilling salad (optional): 30 minutes to 2 hours
Servings: 4-6
Enjoy your juicy Hawaiian Chicken Salad!