Hawaiian Turkey Salad
Hawaiian Turkey Salad Recipe - A Taste of the Tropics
Introduction
Hawaiian Turkey Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of turkey, pineapple, water chestnuts, apple, and macadamia nuts. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.
History
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, which often incorporates tropical fruits, nuts, and fresh ingredients. The combination of turkey and pineapple in this salad creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cups cooked turkey cubes
- 1 x 8 oz (227 g) can pineapple chunks in juice (drained; reserve 1 tbsp juice)
- 1 x 8 oz (227 g) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 medium unpeeled apple, cored and chopped
- 0.33 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup (4 oz (113 g)) plain yogurt
- lettuce leaves
- 0.25 cup shredded coconut, toasted, for garnish
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine rice, turkey, pineapple, water chestnuts, apple, nuts, and salt.
- Toss the mixture lightly with yogurt and 1 tbsp of pineapple juice.
- Serve the mixture on lettuce leaves and garnish with coconut.
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Substitute chicken for turkey for a different flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the brown rice according to package instructions to ensure it is cooked perfectly.
- Use leftover turkey from a holiday meal or roast a turkey breast specifically for this recipe.
- Toasting the coconut adds a delicious nutty flavor to the salad.
- Feel free to add additional fruits or vegetables to customize the salad to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the brown rice until it is tender but still slightly chewy.
- Toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use canned pineapple chunks instead of sliced pineapple.
- Substitute almonds or cashews for macadamia nuts.
- Use a different type of yogurt, such as coconut or almond milk yogurt.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the toasted coconut right before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or fresh herbs.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a tropical fruit smoothie or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.
Carbohydrates
This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.
Proteins
This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of protein per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains tree nuts (macadamia nuts) and dairy (yogurt).
Summary
This Hawaiian Turkey Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Hawaiian Turkey Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light meal or side dish. With the flavors of turkey, pineapple, water chestnuts, apple, and macadamia nuts, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Hawaiian Turkey Salad. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt on the beautiful island of Maui. My aunt, who was a fantastic cook, had invited me to help her prepare a special meal for our family gathering. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, she shared with me the story behind this unique and delicious dish.
She told me that the recipe for Hawaiian Turkey Salad had been passed down through generations in our family. It was a dish that had originated from a blend of traditional Hawaiian flavors and ingredients, combined with a modern twist that made it truly special. My aunt explained that the key to making this salad stand out was the use of fresh, local ingredients such as pineapple, macadamia nuts, and of course, succulent turkey meat.
As we continued to prepare the salad, my aunt shared with me how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had first introduced it to the family many years ago. She told me stories of how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully crafting this dish with love and care. The flavors of the salad were a reflection of the vibrant and diverse culture of Hawaii, a mix of sweet and savory that captured the essence of the island.
I watched in awe as my aunt deftly diced the turkey meat, tossed in the juicy chunks of pineapple, and sprinkled in the crunchy macadamia nuts. The colors and aromas of the ingredients filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.
Finally, the salad was ready, and we all gathered around the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. As I took my first bite of the Hawaiian Turkey Salad, I was transported to a place of warmth and comfort. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, crunchy and juicy. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.
Over the years, I have continued to make the Hawaiian Turkey Salad for my own family and friends, each time adding my own personal touch to the recipe. I have experimented with different variations, adding in extra ingredients or adjusting the seasonings to suit my taste. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of tradition and family, a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down through the generations.
As I look back on that day in my aunt's kitchen, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe for Hawaiian Turkey Salad. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a connection to my roots and a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal I prepare. And as I continue to share this recipe with others, I know that I am passing on a piece of my family's history, a taste of Hawaii that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Categories
| American Recipes | American Salads | Apple Recipes | Brown Rice Recipes | Coconut Recipes | Hawaiian Recipes | Lettuce Recipes | Macadamia Nut Recipes | Main Dish Poultry Recipes | Main Dish Salad Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Turkey Meat Recipes |