Huli Huli Chicken, Creamy Mac Salad, and Pineapple Carrot Slaw (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

Transport Yourself to the Islands with Huli Huli Chicken, Creamy Mac Salad, and Pineapple Carrot Slaw

Let the spirit of aloha infuse your table this week with a Hawaiian-inspired meal that brings the flavors, colors, and warmth of the islands into every bite. This vibrant trio of dishes—sweet and smoky Huli Huli Chicken, velvety Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, and a bright Carrot Pineapple Salad—captures the heart of island cooking: bold flavors, joyful pairings, and a deep sense of community.

The star of the plate is Huli Huli Chicken, a beloved Hawaiian classic that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Marinated in a sweet-savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic with a touch of heat, the chicken is grilled until caramelized and golden. “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, and as the chicken is turned and basted over the heat, it develops a rich glaze that’s impossible to resist. It’s a dish that speaks of beachside gatherings, music in the air, and the comforting aroma of something truly special sizzling on the grill.

I’m serving a traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad to complement the chicken—simple, creamy, and surprisingly complex in its understated richness. Made with elbow pasta, grated onion, shredded carrot, and a perfectly seasoned mayo-based dressing, this mac salad is a staple on every island plate lunch and brings a cool, silky balance to the meal.

For a pop of color and freshness, I’ve added a Carrot Raisin Pineapple Slaw—a naturally sweet, tangy, and crunchy counterpoint. With juicy pineapple, tender carrots, and chewy golden raisins folded into a light dressing, it’s sunshine in a bowl, refreshing and playful.

This menu holds special meaning for me. When I was 14, my parents took us on a trip to Hawai‘i, where I fell in love with the laid-back rhythm of island life. I remember the breeze, the lush landscapes, the scent of plumeria in the air. I soaked in every bit of the beauty and warmth of the islands. Recreating this meal now—decades later—feels like a way of returning to that peaceful, joyful place. Food has that power: to transport, to evoke, to connect us with moments and places that stay in our hearts.

While this meal is rooted in comfort and tradition, it also offers a nourishing balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients—with a few wholesome twists. The Huli Huli Chicken is marinated and grilled for maximum flavor and minimal fat, infused with ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice for a sweet-savory kick that’s as good for the body as it is for the taste buds. The tropical carrot salad brings vibrant crunch and natural sweetness, packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin C. And the classic Hawaiian macaroni salad? It’s made gluten-free, so more folks can enjoy it without missing out on that creamy, nostalgic goodness. Everything is prepared using organic ingredients wherever possible, making this sunny, island-inspired meal not only satisfying and nostalgic—but truly feel-good food in every sense of the word.

These dishes are more than just delicious—they’re memories made edible. They remind me of the gentle breeze on the North Shore, the sound of ukuleles in the background, and the kindness of people who treat strangers like family. I hope this meal brings a little bit of that spirit to your home.

Aloha from my table to yours!