Aloha Chicken Salad with Pina Colada Dressing

My mom is an amazing cook.  Recently she has been making this amazing salad.   It was inspired by a salad a  Zupas.  This salad is perfect for a holiday party. Feel free to substitute fresh lettuce from your garden, freeze dried chicken, pineapple and oranges from your pantry for a food storage salad. 

Aloha Chicken Salad with Pina Colada Dressing

3 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped

2 large cans mandarin oranges, drained

1 large can pineapple tidbits, drained

1 red onion, diced

1 1/2 cups tortilla strips

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

3-4 chicken breasts, cooked, cooled & cubed

toasted coconut, optional

Toss all of the ingredients together in a large bowl or layer on a platter.  Serve with Pina Colada Vinaigrette dressing.

PINA COLADA VINAIGRETTE

1/2 cup plus 2 TBSP sugar

1/3 cup mr. & mrs. T's pina colada drink mix

1/3 cup rice or apple cider vinegar- rice will make it more mild or 

apple cider will make it stronger tasting

1/2 tsp. ginger powder

1 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/4 cup vegetable oil

In a blender combine all ingredients except the oil.  Blend well until light & frothy.  With the blender still on, slowly add oil in a steady stream.  Keep blending until the dressing is emulsified & thickened.