Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Servings: 6
Description: Transport yourself back to the late ’80s with this nostalgic Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad, a delightful recipe inspired by the Long John Silver’s menu. After the salad was taken off their menu, I was driven by relentless cravings to recreate it at home. The magic ingredient that makes this salad stand out is the smokehouse almonds, which lend a distinctive smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweet pineapple and raisins. For an authentic taste, Miracle Whip works wonders, delivering a tangy contrast to the sweetness and smokiness of the other ingredients. This salad is not only incredibly tasty but also perfect for brunch or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- 1/2 cup smokehouse almonds, chopped
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking the boneless chicken breasts. You can either boil, grill, or bake them until they are thoroughly cooked. Once done, let the chicken cool completely. After cooling, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
-
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, pineapple tidbits, and raisins. Toss these ingredients together gently to ensure they are well mixed.
-
Add the Secret Ingredient: Fold in the smokehouse almonds, making sure that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The smoky crunch of these almonds will infuse the salad with an irresistible flavor.
-
Incorporate the Dressing: Gently fold in the Miracle Whip. Ensure that it is well blended with the rest of the ingredients, coating them evenly to create a creamy and flavorful salad.
-
Chill to Perfection: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
-
Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, serve the Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce. Pair it with buttery crackers for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 325
- Fat: 17.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 58.8 mg
- Sodium: 139.3 mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.5 g
- Fiber: 3.7 g
- Sugar: 10.8 g
- Protein: 26.5 g
Indulge in this hearty, sweet, and smoky chicken salad that’s sure to become a cherished favorite at your table. Enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a fulfilling lunch or a savory snack.
