This easy Jerk Chicken Salad is loaded with fresh greens, grilled red bell peppers, sweet pineapple, cucumbers, and avocado. It’s topped with juicy jerk chicken marinated in a blend of island spices and smoky habanero peppers.
The final touch is a drizzle of Newman’s Own Honey Mustard Lite Dressing that everyone loves! Newman’s Own has a special contest this summer called the “Greens for Good” Salad Recipe Contest, and you can join in!
This Spicy Sweet Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad with Newman’s Own Honey Mustard Lite Dressing is a summer dinner that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, no matter where you enjoy it!
The Greens for Good Salad Recipe Contest is a great way to get your daily dose of healthy greens while supporting a charity you care about.
If you want to make your jerk chicken salad ahead of time, prepare each ingredient separately and store them until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the veggies crisp. Plus, you can use some of that tasty Jamaican-style chicken in other recipes too!
Jerk Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Jamaican Jerk Chicken:
- 2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2-4 Habanero peppers seeded
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 Small red onion
- 1 tbsp Fresh grated ginger
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tsp Ground allspice
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
For the Salad:
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 large Red bell peppers seeded and cut into rings
- 2 ripe Avocados peeled and sliced
- 1 English cucumber sliced
- 1/2 ripe Pineapple cut into chunks
- 1 bottle Newman’s Own Honey Mustard Lite Dressing
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place all the ingredients, except the chicken, in a food processor and puree until smooth. If you prefer less heat, use only 1-2 habanero peppers.
- Pour the marinade into a large ziplock bag and add the chicken. Marinate for at least one hour, up to 16 hours.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Grill for 5 minutes per side.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
Grill the Peppers:
- Grill the red pepper rings for 1-2 minutes per side to soften.
Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange the romaine lettuce on a large platter, topped with grilled peppers, cucumber slices, pineapple chunks, and avocado slices.
- Cut the rested chicken into strips and fan them over the salad.
- Drizzle with Newman’s Own Honey Mustard Lite Dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, use only 1-2 habanero peppers instead of 4.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight, but even one hour will infuse great flavor.
- Grill Veggies for Extra Flavor: Grilling the red peppers adds a smoky sweetness that complements the spicy jerk chicken perfectly.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 635 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Protein | 55g |
| Fat | 47g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 2203mg |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 17g |
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare parts of the salad ahead of time to save time. Marinate the chicken overnight and grill it a day in advance, then store it in the fridge. You can also chop the vegetables and store them in separate containers. However, it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What Can I Use As a Substitute For Newman’s Own Honey Mustard Lite Dressing?
If you don’t have Newman’s Own Honey Mustard Lite Dressing, you can easily make a similar dressing at home. Mix together 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This homemade version will give you a similar sweet and tangy flavor.