19 Tropical Hawaiian Salad Recipes

There’s something about Hawaiian food that just makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even if I’m just at my kitchen table. I think it’s the combination of sweet fruit, fresh seafood, and simple, bright flavors.

These salads are my way of bringing a little bit of that island feeling home.

They’re easy to put together, often using canned or frozen fruit, which makes them practical for any day of the week.

1. Classic Macaroni Salad

The iconic creamy side dish from plate lunches. Elbow macaroni with carrots, onion, and a rich, slightly sweet mayonnaise dressing. It’s a must-have.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 17g
5. Fiber: 2g

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2. Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

Shredded cabbage and carrots with chunks of fresh pineapple. A light, creamy pineapple dressing makes it sweet and crunchy.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 150
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 4g

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3. Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Salad

Grilled chicken breast and pineapple slices over mixed greens with a coconut lime vinaigrette. Topped with toasted macadamia nuts.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 29g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 20g
5. Fiber: 5g

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4. Lomi Lomi Salmon

A traditional salad of salted salmon, tomatoes, and sweet Maui onions, gently massaged together. It’s refreshing and savory.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 120
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 8g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 2g

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5. Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut

A mix of pineapple, mango, papaya, and banana tossed with lime juice and toasted coconut flakes. Simple and sweet.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 6g

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6. Spam and Egg Mac Salad

A hearty take on classic mac salad with diced Spam and hard-boiled eggs mixed in. It’s a full meal from a local deli.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 410
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 23g
5. Fiber: 2g

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7. Ahi Poke Bowl Salad

Fresh ahi tuna poke served over a bed of greens instead of rice. All the classic poke flavors with extra crunch from the lettuce.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 25g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 5g

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8. Haupia Fruit Salad

Cubes of haupia (coconut pudding) mixed with fresh tropical fruit. It’s a creamy, sweet, and cooling dessert salad.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 4g

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9. Grilled Shrimp and Papaya Salad

Grilled shrimp on a bed of greens with papaya, avocado, and a ginger lime dressing. Light, fresh, and full of flavor.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 270
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 7g

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10. Hawaiian Chicken Long Rice Salad

A chilled version of the classic soup. Glass noodles with shredded chicken, ginger, and green onions in a light broth dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 2g

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11. Mango and Black Bean Salad

Diced mango with black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro in a citrus vinaigrette. A colorful and healthy side.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 11g

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12. Kalua Pork and Cabbage Salad

Shredded kalua pork with crunchy cabbage and a simple, tangy dressing. All the smoky flavor without the plate lunch rice.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 22g
3. Carbs: 12g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 5g

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13. Tropical Crab Salad

Imitation crab with mango, cucumber, and avocado in a creamy wasabi-lime dressing. Served in a hollowed-out pineapple half.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 6g

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14. Pineapple Fried Rice Salad

Cooled pineapple fried rice with peas, carrots, and ham served over lettuce. It’s a fun, deconstructed version.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 52g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 5g

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15. Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Vinaigrette Salad

Mixed greens with passion fruit dressing, goat cheese, and pecans. The dressing is tangy, sweet, and uniquely tropical.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 18g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 5g

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16. Teriyaki Steak Salad

Sliced grilled teriyaki steak over salad greens with pineapple, cucumber, and sesame seeds.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 26g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 5g

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17. Coconut Shrimp Salad

Crispy coconut shrimp served on a salad of greens, mango, and a sweet chili dipping sauce dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 6g

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18. Guava and Strawberry Salad

Mixed greens with sliced strawberries, guava, and red onion. A poppy seed dressing with a touch of guava nectar.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 170
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 6g

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19. Huli Huli Chicken Salad

Grilled Huli Huli chicken chopped and served over cabbage with grilled pineapple. The sweet and savory sauce is the star.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 28g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 4g

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