POLYNESIAN CHICKEN SALAD

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Polynesian Chicken Salad image

After decades of sad salads made from cold iceberg lettuce and flavorless supermarket tomatoes, the people of the 1970s were ready for salad excitement. They started including "exotic" ingredients like mandarin oranges and macadamia nuts that had become readily available in supermarkets. Then they added lots of mayonnaise and sour cream (because this is still America) and served it all on a few leaves of iceberg lettuce, because that's what officially makes things a salad. Eventually we wised up and realized that Polynesian chicken salad shouldn't be considered a "healthy" salad -- but goshdarnit is it ever tasty (seriously).

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 first course servings or 4 entree servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 rotisserie chicken
One 8-ounce can crushed pineapple
One 11-ounce can mandarin oranges packed in juice, drained
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup halved seedless red grapes
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 small head iceberg lettuce

Steps:

  • Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken, then rip into small pieces and set aside. Remove the meat and discard the carcass, then shred the meat into small pieces.
  • Drain the canned pineapple, reserving the juice. Put the pineapple in a large bowl with the chicken meat, drained mandarin oranges, celery, carrots and grapes.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garam masala, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add a bit of the reserved pineapple juice to thin out until pourable.
  • Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken skin and macadamia nuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are toasted and the skin is crispy.
  • Pour the dressing over the chicken salad and toss well to coat.
  • Line four plates with whole iceberg lettuce leaves, then mound some chicken salad in the center of each. Top each salad with chicken skin and macadamia nuts. Serve immediately.

Tawana Tee
t-t@yahoo.com

I'm not a big fan of chicken salad, but this recipe is amazing! I'll definitely be making it again.


Jayde Mays
m.jayde11@yahoo.com

This is a great recipe. I've made it several times and it's always a hit.


Danielle Lunny
danielle20@yahoo.com

I love this salad! It's the perfect combination of sweet and savory.


Shirley Rommes
shirley92@hotmail.com

This salad is so easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family and friends.


Nikita Milne
n_milne38@gmail.com

I'm always looking for new and healthy salad recipes. This one is definitely a keeper!


Vickie Spell
spell71@hotmail.com

This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It's also a great make-ahead meal.


Candi Jaggers
jcandi35@yahoo.com

I love the sweet and tangy flavor of the dressing. It's the perfect complement to the chicken and pineapple.


Nondumiso Snesh
snesh_nondumiso89@gmail.com

I'm not a big fan of mayonnaise-based dressings, but this one is surprisingly light and refreshing.


Thabi Vcardi
thabi.vcardi@hotmail.com

This is a great recipe for a potluck or party. It's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.


Farabi Ahamed Rabby
r.f78@gmail.com

I love that this salad is so versatile. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your own taste.


Mohammad RiFaT
mrifat@gmail.com

I'm always looking for new and exciting salad recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. It's delicious and unique.


Anne Rebayla
anne.rebayla@hotmail.com

This salad is a great way to get your kids to eat more fruits and vegetables.


Sammy Osam
os99@gmail.com

My family loved this salad! Even my picky kids ate it all up.


Md Obaid
md-o96@yahoo.com

This salad is perfect for a summer cookout. It's light and refreshing, and it's easy to make ahead of time.


Ellena
ellena21@gmail.com

I've never had Polynesian chicken salad before, but this recipe was a great introduction. It's definitely a new favorite!


cfmgaming
cfmgaming@yahoo.com

This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. I love the combination of sweet and savory.


Farisai Ratchel
r@gmail.com

I made this salad for a picnic, and it was perfect! It's easy to transport, and it held up well in the heat.


Maria Calabrese
calabrese.maria@yahoo.com

This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I also like to add some chopped celery and grapes for extra crunch.


Pabitra Gaire
pabitra@aol.com

I've made this salad several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The dressing is so delicious, and the combination of chicken, pineapple, and almonds is perfect.


Ava Rose
r@gmail.com

This Polynesian Chicken Salad was a hit at my last potluck! Everyone loved the sweet and tangy dressing, and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I'll definitely be making this again soon.


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