Hawaiians enjoy plentiful fresh fish and produce in its tropical island setting.
Hawaii is a U.S. state comprised of a string of Pacific islands, and the cuisine there is a product of the state's tropical climate. Traditional Hawaiian cuisine features seafood, fresh coconut, mangoes and other tropical fruits, sweet potatoes and pork. Hawaiian-themed salads make flavorful and interesting additions to any meal.
Hawaiian Coleslaw
This is similar to a typical coleslaw and can be served during summer cookouts. Make Hawaiian coleslaw with shredded cabbage, mayonaise, small orange slices and pineapple chunks. Some recipes call for nutmeg, white pepper and ginger, but you can also add a small amount of hot pepper or coriander to give it a little more spice. To make it, combine the ingredients in a large bowl and chill before serving. For a decorative touch, serve the coleslaw inside of a pineapple rind, after removing the fruit for the salad.
Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Hawaiian chicken salad can be served as a side dish or on sandwiches. The dish includes cream cheese, mayonaise, chicken breasts, pineapple chunks and grapes. Personalize the recipe with almond slivers, cashews, onion slices or seasonings like hot peppers or cumin. Grill the chicken ahead of time, cut it into small cubes and allow the meat to cool overnight before making this salad. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and chill before serving. Serve the salad on its own or with sandwich rolls.
Tropical Salad
If you're looking for a low-key Hawaiian salad, the tropical salad might be a good place to start. It consists of lettuce, bacon, macadamia nuts, coconut and a pineapple vinaigrette dressing. The dressing can be served on the side for less adventurous eaters. Cook the bacon and allow it to cool before crumbling it on top of the lettuce, then add the other ingredients. You can also top the salad with grilled chicken, grilled pork, mango slivers, onions or red pepper slices. Make the dressing by combining pineapple juice with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Serve immediately after preparing.
Hawaiian Fruit Salad
The Hawaiian fruit salad makes a great side dish during a barbecue or as a fruity dessert. Simply mix pineapple chunks with mandarin oranges, strawberry slices, green grapes, vanilla yogurt and toasted coconut. Add mango slices, marshmallows banana slices and cashews to personalize the salad, based on your tastes. Sprinkle extra coconut on the top of the salad and let it chill before serving. This salad would fit nicely inside an empty pineapple rind, dressing up your dinner table.
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