Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad

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Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Take your taste buds on a tropical getaway with this Hawaiian Chicken Salad—a vibrant mix of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, crisp romaine, and a tangy coconut-lime dressing. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and perfect for a light lunch or refreshing dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large chicken breast
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup light coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Let it rest, then slice thinly.

2. Build the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, garlic, ginger, lime zest, onion powder, red onion, and pineapple chunks.

3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the coconut milk, honey, lime juice, tamari sauce, and remaining olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed.

4. Add Quinoa:
Fold the cooked quinoa into the salad mixture.

5. Toss Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

6. Final Touches:
Sprinkle with ground cumin for a burst of warm spice. Just before serving, drizzle each portion with a little pineapple juice for a refreshing finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately in individual bowls and enjoy the tropical fusion of flavors.

Perfect Pairing Tip:

This salad pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of sparkling water with lime or a fresh mango smoothie for a truly tropical meal.

 

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