Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe: A Taste of the Islands

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy celery, and creamy mayonnaise. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a summer picnic.

History

Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a popular dish that originated in Hawaii, where fresh ingredients like pineapple and chicken are abundant. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this salad has made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

2.5 cups cooked chicken, cut into 0.5-inch pieces
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup celery, cut into 0.5-inch squares
3 tbsp salad oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
0.25 tsp salt
5 tbsp mayonnaise
0.25 cup slivered almonds

How to prepare

Combine chicken, pineapple, and celery. Add salad oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Mix well. Marinate the salad for 1 hour. Add mayonnaise and mix well. Serve on a bed of lettuce and sprinkle almonds over the top.

Variations

Add diced mango or papaya for a tropical twist.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Top with crispy bacon or toasted coconut for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to marinate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

- You can add other ingredients like raisins, shredded coconut, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

- Use a rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or with a side of rice for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a slice of fresh pineapple or a tropical fruit salad.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. Be sure to cut the ingredients into uniform pieces for a visually appealing dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned or fresh pineapple chunks in this recipe. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey instead of fresh chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

Hawaiian Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the almonds right before serving to keep them crunchy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hawaiian Chicken Salad in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hawaiian Chicken Salad with a glass of chilled white wine or a tropical fruit smoothie for a refreshing meal. It also pairs well with grilled shrimp or fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Hawaiian Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g

Fats

Total Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Proteins

Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains nuts (almonds) and eggs (mayonnaise)

Summary

Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of Vitamin C and iron.

Summary

Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a summer picnic. With its combination of sweet pineapple, juicy chicken, and crunchy almonds, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Margaret, who had just returned from a trip to Hawaii. She had brought back with her a treasure trove of recipes and culinary secrets from the islands, and she was eager to share them with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on fruity cocktails and catching up on each other's lives, Margaret suddenly jumped up and disappeared into her pantry. She emerged a few minutes later, holding a tattered, stained piece of paper in her hand. "You have to try this Hawaiian Chicken Salad recipe," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I eagerly took the paper from her outstretched hand and scanned the ingredients and instructions. The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, crunchy macadamia nuts, and tangy dressing sounded like a symphony of flavors in my mouth. I knew I had to make this dish as soon as possible.

Margaret and I spent the rest of the afternoon chopping, mixing, and tasting our way through the recipe. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of grilled chicken and fresh pineapple, and the sound of our laughter echoed off the walls. By the time we sat down to eat, I felt like I had been transported to a tropical paradise.

The first bite of Hawaiian Chicken Salad was nothing short of magical. The tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and crunchy nuts danced on my taste buds, and the tangy dressing tied everything together perfectly. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, grateful for the culinary journey that had brought me to this delicious dish.

As I licked my plate clean, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Margaret profusely for sharing it with me, and she smiled and hugged me tightly. "Food has a way of bringing people together and creating memories," she said softly. "I'm glad we could share this moment."

In the weeks that followed, I made Hawaiian Chicken Salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I happily shared it with anyone who asked, knowing that a little taste of Hawaii was spreading far and wide.

Over the years, I continued to make Hawaiian Chicken Salad, adding my own twists and variations to the original recipe. Sometimes I would throw in a handful of toasted coconut or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Other times, I would experiment with different types of nuts or fruits. No matter how I made it, the dish always brought smiles to the faces of those who ate it.

As I grew older, I started to think about all the recipes I had collected over the years – from my grandmother, my friends, and my travels. Each one held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the people and places that had shaped me into the cook I had become.

I realized that cooking was more than just following a set of instructions – it was a way to connect with others, to share stories and create memories. And so, as I passed on the recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Salad to my own grandchildren, I knew that I was passing on a piece of myself as well.

And as they took their first bites of the dish, their eyes widening with amazement and delight, I knew that the magic of that Hawaiian Chicken Salad recipe would continue to bring joy and connection for generations to come. Cooking truly is a gift that keeps on giving.