Description
At its core, this salad is a masterful study in texture and flavor contrast. It moves far beyond the standard garden salad by incorporating a diverse array of elements that hit every part of the palate. The base consists of a fresh, crisp mix of greens that provide a neutral canvas for the more assertive ingredients. The inclusion of grilled chicken breast adds a high-quality protein source, making this bowl hearty enough to serve as a complete lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, green leaf, and red leaf lettuce)
- 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Peanut Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- 2–4 tbsp warm water, as needed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and enough warm water to create a smooth, pourable dressing.
- Arrange the mixed greens in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Top with grilled chicken, mango, pineapple, cucumber, tomato, carrots, red onion, and macadamia nuts.
- Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
Keywords: cheesecake factory luau salad recipe, copycat luau salad, tropical chicken salad with peanut dressing