Salad with chicken and pineapple

A salad with chicken and pineapple is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the juicy pineapple complementing the tender chicken. Here’s a simple yet tasty recipe to create this refreshing salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (you can also use canned pineapple, drained)
• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or cashews), toasted (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the pineapple or canned pineapple)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, grill, bake, or sauté it until fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow it to cool, then dice or shred it.

2. Prepare the Pineapple and Vegetables:

1. Dice Pineapple:

   • Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. If using canned pineapple, drain it well and cut it into chunks if necessary.

2. Slice Vegetables:

   • Slice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.

3. Make the Dressing:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, pineapple juice, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

1. Combine Salad Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken, diced pineapple, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.

2. Add Dressing:

   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.

3. Add Garnishes:

   • If using, sprinkle chopped cilantro and toasted nuts over the top of the salad.

5. Serve:

1. Serve Immediately:
   • Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness and flavor. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid wilting the greens.

Tips:

• Chicken Variations: You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded chicken from a slow cooker.
• Pineapple: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can use a small amount of pineapple and balance it with more vegetables.
• Add-Ins: Consider adding avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.

Enjoy your salad with chicken and pineapple—a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors!