Dive into a tropical paradise with our Grilled Polynesian Chicken Salad! This vibrant dish combines tender grilled chicken, juicy pineapple, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all drizzled with a sweet honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a burst of color to your table. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be savoring the flavors of the islands in no time. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Polynesian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Ensure nice grill marks develop for added flavor.
- While chicken is cooking, toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin diagonal strips.
- In a large salad bowl, arrange mixed salad greens as the base.
- Top the greens with sliced grilled chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Drizzle honey mustard dressing evenly over the salad.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top as a final garnish.
- Serve immediately while chicken is still warm and enjoy the vibrant Polynesian-inspired flavors.
Tips
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken! A good sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the flavor and brings out the best in the grilled chicken.
- Perfect Grill Marks: To achieve those beautiful grill marks, resist the urge to move the chicken too much while it cooks. Let it sit for the recommended time before flipping!
- Coconut Toasting: Keep a close eye on the coconut flakes while toasting. They can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so stir frequently for even browning.
- Resting Time: Allowing the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite salad toppings! Avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds can elevate this dish even further.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the salad immediately while the chicken is still warm. This enhances the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
