Imagine a burst of tropical flavors dancing on your palate - sweet pineapple, zesty lime, and tender chicken combining in a refreshing salad that screams Hawaiian vacation! This Hawaiian Chicken Salad with Coriander Lime Vinaigrette isn't just a meal; it's a culinary escape that brings the vibrant, sun-soaked essence of the islands right to your dining table. Whether you're craving a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing summer dish, this recipe promises to deliver an explosion of fresh, exciting flavors that will make your taste buds do a happy hula dance!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken, pineapple, and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Slice the green onions and chop the fresh cilantro. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the coriander lime vinaigrette. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Whisk the olive oil and lime juice together until well combined and emulsified. If you like a stronger lime flavor, feel free to add more lime juice according to your taste.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the vinaigrette evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Before serving, give the salad one final toss and taste it. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or served over a bed of greens for added freshness.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, use freshly grilled or roasted chicken instead of pre-cooked. The char adds an extra layer of depth to the salad.
- Ensure your pineapple is ripe but firm - this provides the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld together, but don't let it sit too long to maintain the fresh, crisp vegetable texture.
- For a more authentic Hawaiian touch, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
- If you want to make this ahead, keep the vinaigrette separate and add just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- For a low-carb version, serve over mixed greens or in lettuce cups instead of traditional serving methods.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 171kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
