This Pineapple Avocado Dressing is made with DOLE pineapple juice, fresh herbs, and a ripe avocado, for a creamy dressing great on kale or broccoli slaw!
**This post has been compensated by DOLE as part of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network. All opinions are mine alone. #DolePineappleJuice #AYearofSunshine
Creamy Pineapple Avocado Dressing & Tropical Island Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate Summer Meal
As the sun graces us with its warmth and the days stretch long and inviting, there’s an undeniable shift in our culinary cravings. We yearn for dishes that are light, refreshing, yet bursting with flavor – meals that capture the joyous spirit of summer. This season, elevate your kitchen adventures and outdoor grilling sessions with two extraordinary recipes that perfectly embody this vibrant ethos: a lusciously creamy Pineapple Avocado Dressing and tantalizing Island Chicken Skewers. Both feature the bright, natural sweetness of DOLE Pineapple Juice, transforming everyday ingredients into an unforgettable tropical feast. Get ready to infuse your summer with a taste of pure sunshine!
Discovering the Delight of Homemade Pineapple Avocado Dressing
Forget bland, store-bought options; this Creamy Pineapple Avocado Dressing is a revelation. It’s a delightful blend that brings together the best of fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a condiment that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. The star of the show, ripe avocado, lends an unparalleled creaminess and a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats, making this dressing incredibly satisfying without relying on heavy creams or excessive oils. Its velvety texture is naturally achieved through the simple magic of blending, giving you a smooth, rich dressing that coats your greens beautifully.
What truly sets this dressing apart is the harmonious fusion of flavors. The tropical brightness of DOLE pineapple juice introduces a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the avocado’s richness, while a carefully selected ensemble of fresh herbs – basil, chives, and tarragon – infuse it with an aromatic freshness that’s simply irresistible. A hint of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, adding a zesty zing, and a touch of minced garlic provides a subtle depth. The result is a dressing that’s sweet, savory, tangy, and herbaceous all at once, creating a truly dynamic flavor experience.
This versatile dressing is not just limited to salads. While it shines brightly on a crisp kale salad or transforms a simple broccoli slaw into a gourmet side dish – offering a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based coleslaws for your summer cookouts – its uses extend far beyond. Consider:
- Drizzling it over grilled shrimp or chicken for a vibrant flavor boost.
- Using it as a unique and flavorful spread for whole-grain sandwiches or wraps.
- Serving it as a delightful dip for crudités, crispy plantain chips, or even air-fried sweet potato fries.
- Tossing it with quinoa or couscous for a refreshing grain salad.
Crafting this dressing at home is wonderfully simple, requiring just a few minutes and a blender. It’s an effortless way to inject fresh, wholesome flavors into your meals and impress your family and friends with a homemade touch. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into your food brings an added layer of peace of mind. Prepare a batch and keep it in the fridge for a week of easy, healthy meal enhancements.
Grilling Adventures: Succulent Island Chicken Skewers
No summer menu is complete without the sizzling allure of the grill, and our Island Chicken Skewers with DOLE Pineapple Chunks are poised to become your new favorite grilling sensation. These skewers are a celebration of tropical flavors and perfect for any outdoor gathering, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched beach.
The magic begins with a homemade pineapple juice glaze that coats every piece of tender, boneless, skinless chicken breast and fresh DOLE pineapple chunk. This irresistible glaze is a masterful concoction of DOLE pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, tangy fresh lime juice, savory low-sodium soy sauce, aromatic minced garlic, and thinly sliced green onions. Simmered to perfection and thickened slightly with a cornstarch slurry, it forms a glossy, flavorful coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating those coveted char marks and an incredible depth of flavor.
Assembling these skewers is an engaging and enjoyable process, perfect for involving the whole family. Simply thread the marinated chicken chunks and vibrant pineapple pieces onto water-soaked wooden skewers, alternating for a visually appealing and evenly cooked result. The fresh pineapple not only adds bursts of juicy sweetness but also tenderizes the chicken slightly, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Grilling them over medium heat, with regular basting of the reserved glaze, yields chicken that’s perfectly cooked, boasting a sticky, sweet-and-savory crust that’s utterly addictive.
These Tropical Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with various sides. Serve them:
- Over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or wholesome brown rice to soak up every drop of the delicious glaze.
- Alongside a fresh green salad or our Pineapple Avocado Dressing-tossed broccoli slaw for a complete meal.
- With grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion threaded onto separate skewers.
- As part of a larger buffet at your next backyard party, where they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
They offer a fantastic way to enjoy lean protein and fresh fruit, making them a healthy yet incredibly satisfying option for lunch or dinner. The captivating aroma of the grilling chicken and pineapple will undoubtedly draw everyone to the patio, ready to dive into this island-inspired culinary delight.
The Unsung Hero: DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice
The vibrant flavors in both our dressing and skewers owe much to one exceptional ingredient: DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice. Often overlooked beyond its role in tropical cocktails, this pantry powerhouse is a culinary game-changer. DOLE has long been a trusted name, and their pineapple juice lives up to this reputation with its unwavering quality and commitment to natural goodness. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your pantry:
- Pure & Unconcentrated: DOLE pineapple juice is 100% juice, never from concentrate. This means you’re getting the pure, authentic taste of pineapple, unadulterated and full of natural flavor, which is crucial for the bright notes in our recipes.
- Nutrient-Rich: Beyond its delicious taste, DOLE pineapple juice is a fantastic natural source of essential vitamins. It’s packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant known for immune support, as well as Vitamins A and E, which contribute to overall health and well-being. It’s a simple way to add valuable nutrients to your diet.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: For those managing dietary restrictions, it’s reassuring to know that DOLE pineapple juice is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for a wider range of eaters.
- Responsible Packaging: DOLE is committed to consumer safety and environmental responsibility. Their pineapple juice is stored in BPA-free packaging, ensuring that you and your family can enjoy their products without concern for harmful chemicals.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: With a focus on natural ingredients, DOLE pineapple juice is Non-GMO Project Verified, reinforcing their dedication to providing wholesome products.
From marinades and glazes to smoothies and dressings, its consistent quality and distinct tropical flavor make it an indispensable ingredient for countless culinary creations. Stocking up on DOLE pineapple juice means you’re always ready to add a splash of natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to your dishes, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. It’s truly a versatile staple that makes healthy and delicious cooking easier than ever.
DOLE’s “Year of Sunshine” campaign encourages us all to pause and appreciate the simple joys in life, celebrating everyday moments, special occasions, and holidays with the refreshing addition of pineapple juice. These recipes are an invitation to do just that – to gather around the table, share good food, and make lasting summer memories, all infused with the radiant spirit of sunshine.
Your Recipes for a Radiant Summer Feast
Pineapple Avocado Dressing
Average rating: 5 from 1 rating
This Pineapple Avocado Dressing is a creamy, fresh, and vibrant addition to any salad or slaw, powered by DOLE pineapple juice, ripe avocado, and aromatic herbs.
Created by: Amber Brady
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- ¼ tsp garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 avocado, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine DOLE pineapple juice, fresh basil, fresh lemon juice, chopped chives, chopped tarragon, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and chopped avocado in a high-speed blender.
- Cover the blender and process the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and achieves a creamy, uniform consistency. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste the dressing and season generously with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Blend briefly again to mix in the seasonings.
- Serve this delightful Pineapple Avocado Dressing immediately over kale, broccoli slaw, mixed green salads, or as a vibrant dipping sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- If the dressing appears too thick or you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add 1 tablespoon of additional DOLE pineapple juice and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, blending after each addition until your desired texture is achieved.
- For a slightly spicier kick, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the blender.
- Recipe adapted from DOLE.
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
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Island Chicken Skewers with DOLE Pineapple Chunks
Average rating: 5 from 1 rating
These Island Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken and fresh DOLE pineapple chunks, coated in a sweet and savory pineapple juice glaze, perfect for grilling.
Created by: Amber Brady
Yields: 4 servings
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp COLD water
- 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ of a fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine DOLE pineapple juice, packed brown sugar, fresh lime juice, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Thicken the Glaze: While the glaze simmers, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and COLD water in a small, separate bowl until no lumps remain. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce in the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue whisking and cooking until the sauce boils and thickens to a glossy, glaze-like consistency.
- Divide the Glaze: Once thickened, carefully divide the prepared glaze in half. Set one half aside to use specifically for basting the skewers during grilling. Keep the other half separate; this will be served as a dipping sauce or poured over rice later.
- Assemble Skewers: Take your water-soaked wooden skewers. Thread the boneless, skinless chicken breast chunks and fresh pineapple pieces onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and pineapple for an attractive presentation and even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking spray or a paper towel dipped in cooking oil to prevent the skewers from sticking.
- Baste and Cook: Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the grilling process, baste the skewers generously with the first half of the prepared pineapple glaze. This step helps to build a rich, sticky, and flavorful crust on the chicken and pineapple.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the Island Chicken Skewers from the grill. Serve them immediately, either directly from the skewer or carefully slid off onto a plate. Offer the reserved second half of the glaze as a delectable dipping sauce on the side, or drizzle it generously over a bed of steamed rice or your preferred grain.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is crucial. This prevents them from burning and charring excessively on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, this step is not necessary.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a small pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the glaze mixture along with the other ingredients in step 1.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and retains moisture, avoid overcrowding the grill. Cook the skewers in batches if necessary.
- Recipe lightly altered from DOLE.
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
Did you make this?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!
Embrace the vibrant tastes of summer with these delightful recipes. From the refreshing zest of the Pineapple Avocado Dressing to the savory sweetness of the Island Chicken Skewers, each dish offers a unique way to enjoy the season’s bounty. Made with the quality and natural sweetness of DOLE Pineapple Juice, these recipes are not just meals; they’re an invitation to slow down, savor, and celebrate every moment. Happy cooking, and may your summer be filled with sunshine and delicious food!