Hawaiian BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad & Pineapple Vinaigrette
BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad: A Tropical Twist on a Classic
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Imagine your taste buds setting off on a tropical adventure, right at your dining table. That’s the experience my BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad offers. This is not your average salad; this is a feast, combining the smoky flavor of BBQ chicken with the tropical freshness of pineapple and the unexpected kick of tequila. Yes, you heard right, tequila, specifically Pura Vida Gold Tequila.
In the past, I had the pleasure of meeting the CEO of Pura Vida Tequila and attending the Rockstar UpRoar Music Festival. It was an experience that left its mark on my culinary journey, inspiring me to create recipes using Pura Vida Tequila. You can read more about my adventures here.
A Recipe that Brings Summer to Your Plate
Let’s talk about the star of the show: my Hawaiian BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad. Even the name brings a smile to my face. And why not? Who couldn’t use a hint of summer flavor during these chilly winter months? This salad is a reminder of sunnier days and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Now, if you’re lucky enough to be able to grill outdoors, go ahead and grill your chicken and pineapples. But, if you’re stuck inside, don’t worry. A stovetop works just fine. I like to serve this salad with a homemade pineapple vinaigrette, but if you have picky eaters like my boys, who prefer ranch dressing, it still tastes just as good!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3 Large Chicken Breasts
- 2 Bottles of Hawaiian BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 Cup Pura Vida Gold Tequila
Salad:
- 1 Can of Pineapples, drained (or fresh if in season)
- 1 Head of Lettuce
- 1/2 Bag Fresh Spinach
- 2 Tomatoes
Vinaigrette:
- 1 Cup Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 Cup Extra Light Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup White Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Tsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper
- 1 Garlic Clove, Minced
Directions:
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to embark on the journey of making this BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad.
- Poke some holes into your chicken breasts.
- Place chicken breasts into a large ziploc bag or large bowl, add in the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce & Pura Vida Tequila. If you are cooking inside in a skillet, you can cut the breasts into strips for better marination.
- Let it marinate for at least 8 hours (leave overnight for more flavor).
- Toss salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients and whisk until well blended. Chill until ready to serve.
- Grill up the pineapple, or toss around in a skillet till they have “grill marks.”
- Cut pineapple into bite-sized bits.
- Cook your chicken breasts thoroughly.
And voila! Your BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad is ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious taste of summer, even during winter!
More Delicious Recipes with Pura Vida Tequila
My culinary adventures with Pura Vida Tequila don’t just stop at this salad. Be sure to check out some of my other recipes like the Big Red Margarita and Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos.
Remember to ALWAYS drink responsibly! And enjoy your cooking!
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
| | Hawaiian BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad & Pineapple Vinaigrette |
|—–|——————|
| Chicken | 3 Large Chicken Breasts, 2 Bottles of Hawaiian BBQ Sauce, 1/2 Cup Pura Vida Gold Tequilla |
| Salad | 1 Can of Pineapples (drained), 1 head of Lettuce, 1/2 bag fresh spinach, 2 Tomatos |
| Vinaigrette | 1 Cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup extra light olive oil, 1/2 cup white wine vinegar, 1/2 Tsp sugar, 1/2 Tsp salt, 1/4 Tsp red pepper, 1 garlic clove (minced) |
| Instructions | 1. Poke holes into chicken breasts 2. Marinate chicken in Hawaiian BBQ Sauce & Pura Vida Tequila for at least 8 hours 3. Toss salad ingredients in large bowl 4. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients and chill 5. Grill pineapple and cut into bite size bits 6. Cook chicken thoroughly |
| Tequila Used | Pura Vida Reposado Tequila |
| Other Recipes | Big Red Margarita, Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos |
| Sponsor | Pura Vida Tequilas |
| Disclosure | Sponsored post with compensation |
Why BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad?
When you first hear the term ‘BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad’, you might think it’s just another salad with a fancy name. However, this is where you’d be wrong. This salad is a culinary masterpiece, combining the smokiness of BBQ, the tropical tanginess of pineapple, and the unique kick of tequila. It’s a fusion of flavors that takes you on a tropical adventure right in the comfort of your home.
Choosing the Right Tequila
The tequila in this recipe is not just for show, it plays a key role in the flavor profile of the salad. I specifically use Pura Vida Gold Tequila for its smooth, full-bodied flavor. This premium tequila enhances the marination of the chicken, infusing it with a subtle, yet distinct, tequila taste. Remember, the quality of your tequila matters. The better the quality, the better your salad will taste.
Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce
Another crucial component of this salad is the Hawaiian BBQ sauce. This is not your average BBQ sauce; it’s a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a hint of tropical fruits and spices. This sauce gives the chicken its smoky, sweet flavor, while the tequila adds an unexpected kick. The result is a chicken that is flavorful, juicy, and simply irresistible.
Preparing the Salad
Preparing the BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. The key is in the marination. The chicken needs to be marinated in the BBQ sauce and tequila for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Grilling the Chicken and Pineapples
Once the chicken is well-marinated, it’s time for grilling. If you have the luxury of an outdoor grill, go for it. But if you’re stuck indoors, a stovetop grill pan will do just fine. Remember to grill the pineapple as well. Grilled pineapple not only adds a tropical touch to the salad, but it also brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, complementing the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
Assembling the Salad
Assembling the salad is the easy part. All you need to do is toss together the lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes, then add the grilled chicken and pineapple. The final touch is the homemade pineapple vinaigrette. This fruity, tangy dressing brings all the flavors together, making every bite a tropical delight.
Pairing the Salad
The BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad is a complete meal in itself. However, if you want to take your dining experience to the next level, consider pairing it with a glass of Pura Vida Tequila. The smooth, rich flavors of the tequila perfectly match the tropical, smoky flavors of the salad, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
Variations of the Salad
If you want to switch things up a bit, you can easily modify the BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad. For instance, you can add some grilled bell peppers for an extra crunch, or some mango slices for a sweet, tropical touch. Feel free to experiment and create your own version of this tropical delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of alcohol instead of tequila?
Yes, you can use rum or bourbon as a substitute for tequila. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor of the salad.
Can I use another type of BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can use any BBQ sauce of your choice. However, I recommend using a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce to complement the flavors of the tequila and pineapple.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. This ensures the salad remains fresh and crisp.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad is not just a salad, it’s a culinary journey. It’s an adventure of flavors, a tropical delight that brings the essence of summer to your plate, no matter the season. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this tropical delight in your own kitchen. So, why wait? Embark on your culinary journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of tequila for the BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad?
Yes, you can use a different type of tequila. However, using Pura Vida Gold Tequila is recommended for its unique flavor that complements the BBQ and pineapple in the salad.
2. Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can use your preferred BBQ sauce. However, the Hawaiian BBQ sauce is suggested for its sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the salad.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 8 hours. For more flavor, you can leave it to marinate overnight.
4. Can I make the salad without the tequila?
Yes, you can make the salad without the tequila. However, the tequila gives the salad a unique and unexpected kick that sets it apart from other salads.
5. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, you can use your preferred type of lettuce. The recipe suggests using a head of lettuce, but you can substitute it with other types of greens like romaine or iceberg lettuce.
6. Can I use fresh pineapples instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapples if they are in season. They will give the salad a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
7. Can I substitute the pineapple vinaigrette with a different dressing?
Yes, you can use a different dressing if you prefer. The recipe suggests a homemade pineapple vinaigrette, but you can use other dressings like ranch or caesar if you prefer.
8. Can I cook the chicken and pineapples on the stovetop instead of grilling?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pineapples on the stovetop if you are unable to grill outdoors. Just make sure to cook them until they have “grill marks” for that grilled flavor.
9. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes enough BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad for a family meal. The exact number of servings will depend on the portion size.
10. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. However, it is recommended to add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
SEO Optimized Content:
Our BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad is not just a salad, it’s a culinary journey that combines the smoky flavor of BBQ chicken with the tropical freshness of pineapple and the unexpected kick of Pura Vida Gold Tequila. This Hawaiian-inspired feast is a perfect escape from the winter chill, bringing a hint of summer to your plate. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking on your stovetop, this salad is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy the tropical twist on this classic salad with our BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.
Table 1: BBQ Tequila Grilled Chicken Salad Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| ————- | ——— |
| Chicken Breasts | 3 Large |
| Hawaiian BBQ Sauce | 2 Bottles |
| Pura Vida Gold Tequila | 1/2 Cup |
| Pineapples (drained or fresh) | 1 Can |
| Lettuce | 1 Head |
| Fresh Spinach | 1/2 Bag |
| Tomatoes | 2 |
Table 2: Pineapple Vinaigrette Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| ————- | ——— |
| Pineapple Juice | 1 Cup |
| Extra Light Olive Oil | 1/2 Cup |
| White Wine Vinegar | 1/2 Cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 Tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 Tsp |
| Red Pepper | 1/4 Tsp |
| Garlic Clove, Minced | 1 |
