Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: I recommend using grilled or rotisserie chicken for its great flavor and tenderness. If you are vegetarian, try substituting with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost.

Mixed Greens: A mix of romaine and spinach works wonderfully, but feel free to swap with kale, arugula, or whatever greens you have on hand. Each will give a different taste and texture.

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds brightness, but canned pineapple works too. If you can’t have pineapple, mango chunks or diced peaches can give a nice tropical twist.

Sliced Almonds: Toasted almonds add crunch, but walnuts or sunflower seeds can also be good substitutes if you’re looking for variety or a nut-free option.

Hawaiian Dressing: The dressing has a great balance. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, while agave syrup can replace honey if you prefer a vegan-friendly option.

How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Salad Stays Fresh and Tasty?

To keep your Hawaiian Chicken Salad fresh, combine the dressing right before serving. This prevents the greens from wilting. Here are a few tips:

• Store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in the fridge.
• Prepare all ingredients and toss them in a large bowl only when you’re ready to eat.
• If you have leftovers, you can save them in an airtight container for the next day but consume them quickly to maintain freshness.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably grilled or rotisserie)
• 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine lettuce, spinach)
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup carrots, grated
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup Hawaiian dressing (see below for recipe)

For the Hawaiian Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Hawaiian Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can whip up the dressing and assemble the salad in no time, making it a perfect dish for a quick lunch or dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Hawaiian Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is well combined, set the dressing aside, and let the flavors mingle!

2. Prepare the Salad Mix:

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, finely shredded red cabbage, and grated carrots. Add the chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. This combination creates a colorful base for your salad!

3. Add the Tasty Ingredients:

Gently add the shredded chicken, pineapple chunks, toasted sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the salad mix. Each ingredient will bring a unique flavor that complements the others perfectly!

4. Dress and Toss:

Drizzle the prepared Hawaiian dressing over the salad mixture. Now, toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated in that delicious dressing. This is where the magic happens—everything should blend beautifully!

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer your Hawaiian Chicken Salad to individual plates or bowls and serve immediately. Feel free to garnish with extra pineapple and sliced almonds on the side for an added treat. Enjoy your refreshing and tasty salad!

Can I Use Different Greens in This Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute mixed greens with your favorite lettuce or greens, like arugula, kale, or even baby spinach. Just keep in mind that different greens can affect the flavor and texture of the salad.

Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Yes, you can! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a plant-based dressing, such as a tahini or avocado dressing. Make sure to check that the honey is swapped out for maple syrup for a fully vegan option!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. When ready to enjoy, just toss everything together again!

What Other Ingredients Can I Add?

You can enhance this salad with additional ingredients like diced avocado, cucumbers, or other nuts like walnuts or pecans. The salad is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!