Best 7 Polynesian Salad Recipes

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Polynesian salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with tropical flavors. Originating from the islands of Polynesia, this salad is a delightful blend of fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy lunch option or a colorful side dish to complement your main course, Polynesian salad is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors and exotic flavors, this salad is a perfect choice for a summer picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a potluck gathering.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

POLYNESIAN-INSPIRED MACARONI SALAD



Polynesian-Inspired Macaroni Salad image

I have always loved SPAM, so I decided to combine it with pineapple to make this Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad recipe. It reminds me of vacationing in Hawaii. -Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 can (12 ounces) regular or teriyaki SPAM, cubed
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
4 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook Spam until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, water chestnuts, cooled Spam and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 27g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

POLYNESIAN CHICKEN SALAD



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.

POLYNESIAN CHICKEN SALAD (DIABETIC)



Polynesian Chicken Salad (Diabetic) image

Make and share this Polynesian Chicken Salad (Diabetic) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ElaineAnn

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 10m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in medium-size bowl. Mix well.
  • Cover and refrigerate to chill.

POLYNESIAN CHICKEN SALAD



Polynesian Chicken Salad image

Dinner ready in 20 minutes! Try chicken salad in a new way - perfect if you love Island cuisine.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 teaspoons sesame seed
2 cups water
1 package (3 oz) chicken-flavor ramen noodle soup mix
1 can (8 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained, 2 tablespoons juice reserved
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup cut-up cooked chicken
8 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup shredded carrot

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In ungreased shallow pan, spread sesame seed. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and aromatic. Set aside.
  • In 2-quart saucepan, heat water to boiling. Break up ramen noodles before opening pouch. Remove seasoning packet from pouch. Add ramen noodles to boiling water. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender; drain. Rinse in cold water to cool; drain.
  • In small bowl or 1-cup measuring cup, mix reserved pineapple juice, 1/2 teaspoon seasoning from ramen seasoning packet, the vinegar, soy sauce, honey and ginger. Set aside.
  • In large bowl, mix noodles, pineapple, cabbage, chicken, onions and carrot. Stir in dressing and sesame seed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260, Carbohydrate 33 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 670 mg, Sugar 16 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g

POLYNESIAN RICE SALAD



Polynesian Rice Salad image

Make and share this Polynesian Rice Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Cadillacgirl

Categories     Rice

Time 5m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup cooked peas, cooled
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1 (170 g) can small shrimp
1 cup chinese dry noodles
1/2 cup oil
3 tablespoons soya sauce
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon Accent seasoning (optional)

Steps:

  • Put rice and veggies in a large bowl and place in fridge.
  • Just before serving, add the can of drained shrimp and Chinese noodles.
  • Pour dressing over top and serve!

POLYNESIAN CHICKEN SALAD WITH BABY SPINACH



Polynesian Chicken Salad with Baby Spinach image

Chicken, Fruit, Spinach, Romaine, all tossed into a salad? Yummy!

Provided by Debbie Quimby

Categories     Chicken Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 c baby spinach leaves
2 c torn romaine lettuce
1 large red pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 c canned mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 c red raspberry vinaigrette with poppy seed dressing
1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
2 Tbsp cashews
2 Tbsp flaked coconut, toasted

Steps:

  • 1. Toss spinach and romaine with the peppers and oranges in a bowl.
  • 2. Add dressing; mix lightly and spoon onto a serving platter or two salad plates.
  • 3. Top with chicken; sprinkle with cashews and toasted coconut.
  • 4. Note: to toast the coconut, spread evenly in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully, coconut can burn easily.
  • 5. Note: For a different taste, substitue 1/2 lb cooked, cleaned shrimp for the chicken.

POLYNESIAN SALAD



POLYNESIAN SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Fruit

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups diced chicken, cooked
1 Tbsp minced onion
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup diced celery
1 small can pineapple chunks
drained
1 can mandarin oranges
1 cup mayo
1 pkg. slivered almonds

Steps:

  • Mix all but fruit, chill 2 hours or more. Add fruit before serving.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients. The fresher the ingredients, the better your salad will taste. If possible, buy your fruits and vegetables from a local farmers market or organic grocery store.
  • Choose a variety of colors and textures. This will make your salad more visually appealing and interesting to eat. Some good options include leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and grilled or roasted vegetables.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making a Polynesian salad. Try different combinations of fruits, vegetables, and dressings until you find one that you love.
  • Make it a meal. Polynesian salads can be a light lunch or dinner option, or they can be served as a side dish. If you're making it a meal, add some protein, such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.

Conclusion:

Polynesian salads are a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of the islands. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, give one of these recipes a try.

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