15-Minute Hawaiian Pulled Pork Salad
A vibrant salad that transforms leftover slow-cooked hoisin pork into a fresh, satisfying meal. Sweet pineapple and crisp bell peppers complement the savory pork, while crunchy cashews add texture. The warm sesame-miso vinaigrette ties everything together with umami depth and Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for using up leftover pulled pork or as a light dinner that feels both healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 bell pepper, red, diced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced (fresh or canned)
- 2 romaine hearts, chopped
- 3 cups slow cooker hoisin pork, leftover
- ½ cup cashews, roasted and unsalted
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce, low-sodium
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp miso paste, any type
- 1 Tbsp white sesame seeds(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat vinaigrette in microwave or small saucepan over medium heat, whisking frequently, until sugar and miso paste dissolve
- 2
Stir sesame seeds into vinaigrette and set aside
- 3
Heat leftover pork in microwave
- 4
Toss lettuce, pineapple, and bell peppers with half the vinaigrette
- 5
Top salad with warm pork and cashews
- 6
Add additional vinaigrette as desired and serve
Tips
Warm the vinaigrette to help dissolve the miso paste completely and prevent clumping when mixed with the salad.
Add the vinaigrette gradually - you can always add more but can't take it away once the salad becomes overdressed.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled salad up to 1 day, though lettuce may wilt slightly. Store vinaigrette separately for best results.
Make vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead. Prep vegetables and store separately from lettuce to maintain crispness.
Serve immediately after assembling for best texture contrast between warm pork and cool salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't overdress the salad - start with half the vinaigrette to avoid soggy greens
Heat the pork thoroughly to avoid cold spots that make the dish less appealing
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without leftover pork?
Yes, cook 1 pound pork shoulder in slow cooker with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and garlic for 6-8 hours until tender and shreddable.
What if I don't have miso paste?
Substitute with additional soy sauce or a small amount of anchovy paste for umami depth, though the flavor will be different.
How long will leftovers keep?
Assembled salad keeps 1 day refrigerated but lettuce may wilt. Store components separately for up to 3 days for best quality.