An Edible Mosaic™

Everyday Fare With Extraordinary Flair

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • about
    • contact
    • accessibility
    • privacy policy
    • terms and conditions
  • cookbooks
  • recipes
  • explore world cuisine
    • arabic and middle eastern
    • asian
    • british
    • buffalo foods
    • czech
    • dutch
    • ethiopian
    • french
    • german
    • greek
    • indian
    • irish
    • italian
    • jamaican
    • jewish
    • latin
    • polish
    • russian and ukrainian
    • tex mex
    • thai
  • web stories
  • my other blog

Home » Type » Salads » Salad Bowls » Tropical Chicken Salad

Tropical Chicken Salad

April 29, 2010 by Faith 35 Comments

I know a lot of people who don’t think salad can be a satisfying meal.  They think of it as fine for a first course or a side dish, but never a main course.  If you’re one of those people, make this salad.  It will change your mind.  There are so many different flavors and textures going on…the tender, nutty chicken…the crispy, sweet banana chips…the tang from the yogurt-based poppy seed dressing.  It all works together amazingly well. 

img_9727-smallUnsweetened, desiccated coconut was the one thing I wanted to add to this salad but in my haste forgot (it’s so hard to be patient when something smells as good as this chicken does when it’s cooking).  I’ll take this as an excuse to make this salad again.  And it will give me a chance to pick up some King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread, since I think it would be a fantastic pair.

 

Not only is this salad a fabulously delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but there is something interesting about its main ingredients.  Coconuts, mango, and bananas grow abundantly in Haiti, which happens to be this month’s focus for Regional Recipes.  (For more on Haitian food, see here.)  I’m sending this salad to Joanne of Eats Well with Others for her Regional Recipes round-up of Haitian dishes! 

img_9728-smallTropical Chicken Salad

 

(Yield:  4 servings)

 

Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing (see below)

4 (4-6 oz) chicken breast cutlets

1/2 c macadamia nuts, divided

1/2 c Honey Nut Cheerios

1 large egg, beaten

Olive oil (to lightly coat the pan)

8-10 c lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces

1 ripe mango, diced

1/4 c banana chips

1/4 c unsweetened, desiccated coconut

Salt and pepper

King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread (optional, for serving)

 

Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:

1/4 c low-fat plain yogurt

1 TB canola oil

1 tsp each lemon juice and poppy seeds

1/2 to 1 tsp honey (depending on your taste)

Pinch salt and pepper

 

Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing.

 

Crush 1/4 c of the macadamia nuts and Cheerios to a coarse meal (a few larger pieces are ok).  Season the chicken with salt and pepper; dip the chicken in the beaten egg and let the excess drip off.  Coat the chicken in the crushed macadamia nut/Cheerio mixture.

 

Heat a large pan over medium to medium high heat and add enough oil to just cover the bottom of the pan (about 2 TB).  When the oil starts to ripple, add the chicken and cook about 3-4 minutes on the first side or until golden brown.  Flip the chicken over and cook another 3-4 minutes, or until golden.  Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

 

Arrange the salad in each of 4 large bowls:  put the lettuce on the bottom, then top with the mango, banana chips, remaining macadamia nuts, coconut, and a drizzle of the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing.  Place the chicken on top and serve.

img_9730-small

Filed Under: Chicken, Salad Bowls Tagged: Banana Chips, Chicken, Coconut, Honey Nut Cheerios, Macadamia Nuts, Mango, Recipes, Regional Recipes, Salads

Comments

  1. Michelle says

    March 28, 2011 at 9:43 am

    I was just looking around for something do make with some macadamia nuts and found your chicken salad. It sounds like such a great combination, but one I would never have thought of. Very summery!

    Reply
  2. Tasha says

    May 30, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    Sounds yummy!!! Im gonna try this recipe but fry the chicken in coconut oil ;)

    Reply
  3. Amy @ cookbookmaniac says

    May 8, 2010 at 4:50 am

    I love salad. This is such a creative and crazy chicken salad. I love it!

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth says

    May 8, 2010 at 2:46 am

    This is one of the most appetising dishes I’ve seen in ages. This looks fantastic. what a great mix of flavours! Great Blog!

    Reply
  5. Rosa says

    May 3, 2010 at 10:35 am

    That salad looks fantastic! What a scrummy combination!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  6. Nicole, RD says

    May 3, 2010 at 5:56 am

    I knew I picked up poppy seeds for a reason this weekend ;) I admit, I am one of those people who doesn’t find a salad appetizing as a meal itself, but I am going to try this…it looks fantastic!

    I also bought everything to make your spaghetti quiche this week! Can’t wait! <3 your recipes!

    Reply
  7. Erica says

    May 2, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    This looks like the perfect lunch to me!!! What a delicious salad, Faith!

    Reply
  8. Reeni says

    May 2, 2010 at 8:26 am

    I have no problem eating a salad as a main! Especially one as tasty as this with all the fresh ingredients. I can’t wait to make the poppy seed dressing!

    Reply
  9. Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes says

    May 1, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    I love the word “tropical” so if I see a recipe with that word in it, I will stop and look! :) This salad looks so delicious. I bet it tastes great.

    Reply
  10. Me, Myself & Pie says

    May 1, 2010 at 7:37 am

    This looks simply amazing. Especially the chicken. And Cheerios? Awesome.

    Reply
  11. zerrin says

    May 1, 2010 at 6:02 am

    This is absolutely a satisfying salad. I love its dressing.

    Reply
  12. Jen says

    May 1, 2010 at 4:11 am

    I love salads as a main course. This salad looks delicious! I love the addition of Cheerios!

    Reply
  13. MaryMoh says

    April 30, 2010 at 11:05 pm

    Ooooh…this look very delicious. I would enjoy that as a meal. I love that you add bananas and mangoes into this salad. Coconut will add extra flavour. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  14. Jessie says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:05 pm

    I love all the tropical ingredients in your salad! I’m definitely NOT one of those people who thinks a salad isn’t a meal (double negative??). This is a delicious, hearty salad that would make a great meal! I bet coconut would be really good with it, too, like you said.

    Have a great weekend, Faith!

    Reply
  15. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    April 30, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    I totally agree, salads can be great for dinner especially when paired with some nice protein like chicken or seafood or even beef or bread. And ooh that Hawaiian sweet bread sounds amazing Faith!!! :D

    Reply
  16. Emily says

    April 30, 2010 at 11:24 am

    Mmmm, this sounds great. I will have to keep this in mind for a side this spring/summer when we’re grilling all the time!

    Reply
  17. Ameena says

    April 30, 2010 at 9:46 am

    I love banana chips, even though I don’t particularly care for bananas. Have you tried Trader Joe’s Plantain Chips? They are delicious!

    Love the Cheerios idea…brillant.

    Reply
  18. [email protected] says

    April 30, 2010 at 9:31 am

    HOw cool is that to use cheerios for a crust, You are a genius, FAith!

    Reply
  19. Veronica M. says

    April 30, 2010 at 10:55 am

    I normally don’t find salads with fruit in them appealing (unless it is a fruit-only salad), but this is an exception! The combination of flavors here is inspired. How int he world did you think of using honey nut cheerios? Brillant.

    Reply
  20. Lazaro says

    April 30, 2010 at 10:33 am

    That is one gorgeous piece of chicken. Wonderful post. Cheers!

    Reply
  21. Mimi says

    April 30, 2010 at 7:41 am

    This sound like a great summer salad.
    Mimi

    Reply
  22. [email protected] says

    April 30, 2010 at 7:38 am

    faith i am not a chicken fan but that looks amazing-i could become a chicken fan with that chicken! happy friday!

    Reply
  23. Dorothy says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:24 am

    Boy, does that look good! I love salads that are chock full of “goodies,” though I could see myself hunting for and eating all the macadamia nuts before starting the salad.

    Reply
  24. 5 Star Foodie says

    April 30, 2010 at 7:25 am

    Terrific salad and sounds wonderful with the creamy poppy seed dressing!

    Reply
  25. Summer says

    April 30, 2010 at 4:36 am

    Hullo Faith , an i love the dressing u have to go with the lovely tropical and salad.
    Also wanted to tell ya am having my 1st GIVEAWAY , hoping u’ll love it:-)))

    http://brightmorningstarsfoodie.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-1st-sunshine-giveaway-thanxxx-aton.html

    Reply
  26. Blond Duck says

    April 30, 2010 at 3:40 am

    I might have to take you up on your challenge!

    Reply
  27. [email protected] says

    April 30, 2010 at 3:37 am

    That salad looks absolutely delicious! I’ll be dreaming of that chicken faith!! yummmmm

    Reply
  28. grace says

    April 30, 2010 at 3:32 am

    banana chips in a salad, eh? that’s a pretty terrific idea, as is the use of cheerios. i think the coconut would be a great addition too. yep, this is pretty outstanding, faith–bravo!

    Reply
  29. Joanne says

    April 30, 2010 at 4:23 am

    I love everything about this salad from the banana chips to the honey nut cheerios in the chicken breading (HOW FUN!) to the yogurt poppy seed dressing! Thanks so much for this submission. I really am going to have to try this!

    Reply
  30. Heavenly Housewife says

    April 30, 2010 at 12:45 am

    What a fabulous salad. I am loving all those tropical ingredients and the cheerios :D
    have a fab weekend ahead.
    *kisses* HH

    Reply
  31. theUngourmet says

    April 29, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    How cool! I would never have thought to use Cheerios this way. I would love to try this yummy salad!

    Reply
  32. marla {family fresh cooking} says

    April 29, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    I love your combination of flavors here!! How unique with the honey nut Cheerios and those dried bananas & macadamia nuts too! I love salads, and of course they can be a full meal. xo

    Reply
  33. tasteofbeirut says

    April 29, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Faith

    I think this salad is “royale” fit for a king! Love the macadamia nuts (I haven’t had those in ages!) I would love to eat it!

    Reply
  34. kim says

    April 29, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    This is a wonderful salad by the seashore. Love your creative take on the salad with cereal. :)

    Reply
  35. sophia says

    April 29, 2010 at 7:52 pm

    You know why I don’t think salads are fit for a main meal? Because most salads are sorely lacking in carbs. And this one? It’s got ALL components, and more. Amazing, Faith, I’m truly impressed. And I WANT that salad in a menu, right now.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

Affiliate Disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

meet faith

I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

an edible mosaic cookbook

affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

Home | About | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Contact

Copyright © 2022 | Faith Gorsky, An Edible Mosaic™ | All Rights Reserved