This simple chicken salad is our version of chicken kelaguen, a favorite recipe from Micronesia. Enjoy the blend of crisp vegetables, chicken, coconut, hot peppers and fresh lemon. Excellent the next day, too!
Coconut Chicken Salad
Ingredients
2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken (see Notes)
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 green onions, white and green chopped small
½ cup finely chopped carrot
1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
½ cup shredded fresh or frozen unsweetened coconut flakes (or ¼ cup dried)
1 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes or 1 hot pepper, finely chopped (Thai bird, serrano or jalapeño)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup lemon juice (juice from about 1 lemon)
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables and fruit under running water before preparing.
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken and vegetables. Add coconut, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper and mix well.
- Add lemon juice and mix again.
- Serve right after preparing.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- 1 pound uncooked skinless and boneless chicken can be marinated and grilled for shredding. You can also use the meat from a whole cooked chicken.
- Add more cabbage, carrot and green onion or other vegetables such as chopped bell pepper.
- Serve with titiyas (or flour tortilla) or rice.
Thanks to the Food Hero Pasifika work group for this recipe.
You might also like...
Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Roasted snap peas with savory soy make this 5 ingredient recipe a tasty and satisfying side dish or snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Tofu "Egg" Salad
Tofu "Egg" Salad
A great make-ahead tofu lunch recipe with crunchy celery and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup
Jollof Rice
Jollof Rice
This flavorful variation of a West African favorite includes brown rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, broth and seasonings. Thanks to the OSU Extension African Heritage Work Group for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
55 to 60 minutes
Makes:
8 to 9 cups
Succotash
Succotash
Combine sweet corn and tender lima beans with okra and tomato to make the perfect side dish of summer or any time of the year. Succotash is a blend of indigenous and African Heritage foods and we thank those who have shared this recipe with Food Hero.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
5 ½ cups
Ham and Vegetable Chowder
Ham and Vegetable Chowder
A hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for the cold weather.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Cranberry Applesauce
Cranberry Applesauce
A new way to enjoy applesauce that is bright, flavorful and kid-approved.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups

Comments
We love this recipe! It is very easy to make and tasty. I like the crunchy vegetables and spicy heat.