Chicken Hawaiian Salad is a delightful dish inspired by the vibrant flavors of Hawaiian cuisine. This recipe combines marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing to create a healthy and satisfying meal. Perfect for special occasions like kitty parties, birthdays, anniversaries, buffets, or game nights, this salad is sure to impress your guests. Let’s explore how to make this scrumptious dish step-by-step.
Ingredients for Chicken Hawaiian Salad
Servings:4
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 1/2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large chicken breast
- 1/2 cup pineapple, cut into pieces
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup corn
- 4 cups lettuce leaves
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
Step-by-Step Preparation
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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, pineapple juice, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, lime zest, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin powder, paprika powder, ginger powder, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken breast, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, ideally overnight, to let the flavors penetrate the chicken.
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Step 2: Prepare the Salad Dressing:
In a jar, combine lime juice, virgin olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously to blend all of the ingredients properly. Set aside for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Rice:
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan over high heat. Add the marinated chicken breast and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thick strips.
Meanwhile, cook plain rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
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Step 4: Sear the Pineapple and Corn:
In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, add pineapple pieces and corn. Sear them until they turn golden brown, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a slight char for extra flavor.
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Step 5: Assemble the Salad:
On a large platter, arrange the lettuce leaves as the base. Add the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and julienned carrot. Top with the cooked rice, seared pineapple, and corn. Arrange the prepared chicken pieces over the salad.
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Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing and Serve:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve the Chicken Hawaiian Salad immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Hawaiian Salad
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Marinating the Chicken:
Marinating the chicken for a longer period allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat. The best results are achieved with an entire night marinating.
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Balancing the Flavors:
The combination of sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Adjust the seasoning and sweetness of the dressing according to your taste preferences.
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Presentation:
Presenting the salad on a large platter not only makes it visually appealing but also allows for easy serving. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Nutritional Information
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Caloric Content:
A serving of Chicken Hawaiian Salad typically contains around 350-400 calories. This wholesome meal provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious option for any occasion.
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Health Benefits:
Chicken: A great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Avocado: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vegetables: Rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants beneficial for better health.
Conclusion
Chicken Hawaiian Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that brings the taste of the tropics to your table. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a fancy meal with your loved ones. By following these simple steps, you can create a vibrant and satisfying salad that will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy this culinary journey and savor the delightful combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing. Happy cooking!
