Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad that brings a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors to your table. Featuring tender, paprika-seasoned chicken breasts cooked to juicy perfection, this recipe is brightened by fresh pineapple chunks, crisp red bell pepper, and zesty red onion. Mixed greens and cilantro add a fresh base, while a homemade lime-honey dressing infused with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil ties everything together. For an extra flair, try grilling the pineapple to amplify the smoky essence. Ready in just 35 minutes, this wholesome, tropical-inspired salad is sure to be a hit for weekday lunches, light dinners, or as a stunning dish for entertaining.
Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings evenly over both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the inside reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. Keep the pineapple chunks fresh or grill them if desired for added smokiness.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create the dressing. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens. Top with sliced chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro leaves.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all the flavors or serve with the dressing on the side.
Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors of this Hawaiian-inspired chicken salad!
Calories |
1286 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.9 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 296 mg | 99% | |
| Sodium | 2156 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 99.1 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.8 g | ||
| Protein | 120.2 g | 240% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 274 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2917 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.