Hawaiian Chicken Salad Recipe Gluten-Free

Aloha, health-conscious foodies! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that brings the flavors of the Hawaiian islands right to your plate – my Hawaiian Chicken Salad. Packed with the vibrant colors and tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts, this salad is not only gluten-free but also perfect for those following a Whole Health Flexi-Plan. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to paradise!

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
4 cups mixed salad greens
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Hawaiian Dressing:

1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons coconut milk
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, fresh pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, chopped macadamia nuts, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
Make the Hawaiian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), extra virgin olive oil, and grated fresh ginger until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the sliced chicken over the prepared salad. Drizzle the Hawaiian dressing over the salad, using as much or as little as you like.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top of the salad for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrusy goodness.

Tips:

For an extra tropical twist, try adding other fruits such as mango or papaya to your salad.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.
Feel free to customize your salad with additional toppings like avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, or crunchy bell peppers.

There you have it, my friends – a delightful Hawaiian Chicken Salad that’s not only gluten-free but also perfect for those following a Whole Health Flexi-Plan. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a summertime barbecue, this salad is sure to transport you to a sunny paradise with every bite. Mahalo and enjoy!