Recipe: Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Salad With Pineapple Dressing
Introduction
Hawaiian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and tropical ingredients. One popular dish that captures the essence of the islands is Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Salad. This refreshing salad combines juicy grilled chicken with a tangy pineapple dressing, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. In this article, we will share a delicious recipe for this Hawaiian delight.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh pineapple chunks
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Grilling the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every few minutes for extra flavor.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Preparing the Pineapple Dressing:
- In a blender, combine fresh pineapple chunks and ¼ cup of the reserved marinade.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss together mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Add the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the pineapple dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Serving
This Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Salad with Pineapple Dressing is best served fresh. Divide the salad into individual plates or bowls and enjoy it as a light and satisfying meal. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy pineapple dressing will transport you straight to the tropical paradise of Hawaii!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add a taste of the Hawaiian islands to your menu, this Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Salad is a must-try. With its juicy grilled chicken, refreshing salad greens, and zesty pineapple dressing, it’s a burst of tropical flavors in every bite. So fire up the grill, whip up this delicious recipe, and transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Hawaii!