Pineapple Jerk Chicken Salad

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Jerk Chicken:

1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless

2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, romaine)

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Jerk Chicken:

Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.

Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Prepare the Salad:

Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, and avocado slices.

Add the Chicken: Top the salad with the sliced jerk chicken.

Prepare the Dressing:

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Serve:

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Tips:

Marinate for More Flavor: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the jerk seasoning mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.

Grill Option: If grilling, you can also grill the pineapple slices for added flavor before dicing them for the salad.

Spice Level: Adjust the jerk seasoning to your taste; if you prefer it milder, reduce the amount or choose a milder seasoning blend.

Enjoy your Pineapple Jerk Chicken Salad, a vibrant mix of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors perfect for a refreshing meal! 🍍🍗🥗🌶️