Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe from Hawaii - Ingredients include Chicken, Celery, Pineapple, Almonds, and Raisins

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a delicious and unique twist on traditional chicken salad. The combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy celery, smoky almonds, and plump raisins creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The creamy Miracle Whip binds everything together for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

History

The inspiration for this recipe comes from the flavors of Hawaii, where tropical fruits and nuts are commonly used in dishes. The addition of smoked almonds adds a unique twist and depth of flavor to the traditional chicken salad recipe.

Ingredients

3 cups of boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or finely chopped
0.75 cup of diced celery
1 cup of drained pineapple tidbits
1 cup of finely chopped smoked flavor almonds (almost ground)
0.5 cup of raisins
1 cup of miracle whip

How to prepare

Toss together the first five ingredients until the almond chips coat all of the ingredients. Fold in the Miracle Whip and blend well. Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop (cooking time is actually chill time). Serve a generous scoop on a bed of lettuce with buttery crackers.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a different flavor profile.
Add diced bell peppers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip for a lighter dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop or shred the chicken breasts for the best texture in the salad.

- Drain the pineapple tidbits well to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

- Toasting the almonds before chopping them will enhance their smoky flavor.

- Adjust the amount of Miracle Whip to your preference for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce with buttery crackers on the side for a complete meal. It can also be served in a sandwich or wrap for a portable lunch option.

Cooking Techniques

Boil or bake the chicken breasts until fully cooked before shredding or chopping.

- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before chopping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried cranberries or apricots instead of raisins for a different flavor.

- Substitute cashews or pecans for the almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad with a side of fresh fruit salad or grilled vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. It also pairs well with a glass of iced tea or a tropical fruit smoothie.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 25g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 18g

Fats

Total Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

Vitamin C: 10%

Calcium: 4%

Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains: Tree nuts (almonds)

Summary

This Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy celery, smoky almonds, and plump raisins creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress. Enjoy it on its own or as a sandwich or wrap for a portable meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Margaret. She was known for her incredible cooking skills and had a knack for finding the most delicious recipes. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad caught my eye. The combination of sweet pineapple, smoky grilled chicken, and crunchy vegetables sounded absolutely mouthwatering.

I immediately knew that I had to try it out, so I gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. The smell of the marinated chicken grilling on the barbecue filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. I mixed together the pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro to create a colorful and flavorful salad. Once the chicken was cooked to perfection, I chopped it up and added it to the salad, along with a generous drizzle of the smoky homemade dressing.

As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe was a keeper. The combination of flavors was simply divine – the sweetness of the pineapple paired perfectly with the smokiness of the chicken, while the crunch of the vegetables added a delightful texture. I couldn't believe how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious.

I made the Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad for a family gathering that weekend, and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about how tasty and unique it was, and they couldn't stop asking me for the recipe. From that day on, it became a staple in my recipe repertoire, and I have been making it ever since.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe to suit my taste preferences. I like to add a bit of soy sauce and ginger to the marinade for the chicken, which gives it an extra depth of flavor. I also like to mix in some toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat and crunch.

I have shared the recipe with many friends and family members over the years, and it always receives rave reviews. It has become a go-to dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, and I love seeing the smiles on people's faces as they take their first bite.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe was when my granddaughter, Emily, asked me to teach her how to make it. She had always been interested in cooking and had spent many hours in the kitchen watching me work my magic. I was thrilled to pass down this recipe to her, knowing that it would be something she could cherish and share with her own loved ones.

As we worked side by side in the kitchen, I showed Emily how to marinate the chicken, grill it to perfection, and prepare the salad and dressing. She was a quick learner and had a natural talent for cooking, just like her grandmother. I could see the same passion and joy in her eyes that I felt when I first discovered this recipe all those years ago.

When we finally sat down to enjoy the meal together, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had passed down a piece of my culinary legacy to the next generation. The Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad had brought us together in the kitchen, creating lasting memories that we would cherish for years to come.

As I sit here reminiscing about the journey I have taken with this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the joy and happiness it has brought into my life. Cooking has always been a way for me to express my creativity and love for my family and friends, and this recipe has truly become a symbol of those sentiments.

So, whenever I make Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered it in Margaret's old cookbook. It reminds me of the power of good food to bring people together, create lasting memories, and pass down traditions from one generation to the next. And for that, I am forever grateful.