Chicken Jerk Salad
Chicken Jerk Salad consists of mixed greens topped with mozzarella cheese, avocado, grilled green and red peppers, grilled chicken breast all marinated with a slightly spicy jerk sauce.
There are three ways to make your chicken.
First off you can easily buy the Deli strips in your and char them on the grill.
Use your charcoal grill to cook your chicken. That is a good option for cooking other items you want to serve later in the day or during your week. You don’t want to waste a good fire!
Lastly you can use your gas grill. This option is a bit cleaner and faster than using charcoal.
these are the INGREDIENTS you will need:
For the salad:
- 1 pkg DEL MONTE spring mix salad greens
- 1 medium Red Pepper, cut into strips
- 1 medium Green Pepper, cut into trips
- 1 medium Avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella
- 4 breasts boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil for sauteeing peppers.
For jerk marinade:
- 3 small scallions, chopped
- 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-1/2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
these are the INSTRUCTIONS for preparation:
Make marinade:
- Blend all marinade ingredients in a blender until smooth. Prepare the night before.
- Set aside.
Marinate and grill chicken:
- Divide chicken pieces and marinade between 2 sealable plastic bags.
- Seal bags, pressing out excess air, then turn bags over several times to distribute marinade. Put bags of chicken in a shallow pan and marinate, chilled, turning once or twice, 1 day.
- Let chicken stand at room temperature 1 hour before cooking.
To cook chicken using a charcoal grill:
- Open vents on bottom of grill and on lid. Light a large chimney of charcoal briquettes (about 100) and pour them evenly over 1 side of bottom rack (you will have a double or triple layer of charcoal).
- When charcoal turns grayish white and you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds, sear chicken in batches on lightly oiled rack over coals until well browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per batch.
- Move chicken as seared to side of grill with no coals underneath, then cook, covered with lid, until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes more.
To cook chicken using a gas grill:
- Preheat burners on high, then adjust heat to moderate. Cook chicken until well browned on all sides, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Adjust heat to low and cook chicken, covered with lid, until cooked through, about 25 minutes more.
- While chicken is cooking prepare salad.
- Rinse the greens thoroughly.
- In large saucepan sautee the peppers in extra virgin olive oil. About 10 minutes.
- Toss together lettuce, pepper and avacado.
- Add chicken when cooled.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the salad and serve.
NOTES:
Prepare the marinade the night before.
If you can’t grill, you can roast chicken in 2 large shallow (1-inch-deep) baking pans in upper and lower thirds of a 400°F oven, switching position of pans halfway through roasting, 40 to 45 minutes total.
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In my home we have always enjoyed using a charcoal grill. And since my husband always does the outdoor cooking we stick with his favorite.
This brightly colored salad is full of a robust flavor bringing out the jerk flavor after teasing your palate with the avocado and peppers.
Chicken Jerk Salad is a treat for any meal. Make it a meal on its own!
I especially love to serve a salad on the back deck on a breezy summer day.
There is something about the birds singing and the movement of the umbrella that makes for a peaceful meal.
The colors and flavors add to the festivity of the meal.
Enjoying the meal with your family is a great way to catch up on the events of the week.
Serving this salad also makes for a great conversation starter for a girls day out, card game, or to just enjoy nature.
Even though I used a spring mix of greens a fresh spinach leaf could also be used.
The spicy marinade adds a just a touch of flavor and is not heavy.
Perfectly balanced in texture, color and flavor, this salad is just the treat for a luncheon or light supper as well.
And when served for a gathering of family the ease of preparation allows you to get to the table and eat all together.
Give it a try! This salad is well worth the wait.
Chicken Jerk Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 pkg DEL MONTE spring mix salad greens
- 1 medium Red Pepper, cut into strips
- 1 medium Green Pepper, cut into trips
- 1 medium Avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella
- 4 breasts boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil for sauteeing peppers.
For jerk marinade:
- 3 small scallions, chopped
- 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-1/2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Make marinade:
- Preparing the night before. Blend all marinade ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Set aside.
Marinate and grill chicken:
- Divide chicken pieces and marinade between 2 sealable plastic bags.
- Seal bags, pressing out excess air, then turn bags over several times to distribute marinade. Put bags of chicken in a shallow pan and marinate, chilled, turning once or twice, 1 day.
- Let chicken stand at room temperature 1 hour before cooking.
To cook chicken using a charcoal grill:
- Open vents on bottom of grill and on lid. Light a large chimney of charcoal briquettes (about 100) and pour them evenly over 1 side of bottom rack (you will have a double or triple layer of charcoal).
- When charcoal turns grayish white and you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds, sear chicken in batches on lightly oiled rack over coals until well browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per batch.
- Move chicken as seared to side of grill with no coals underneath, then cook, covered with lid, until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes more.
To cook chicken using a gas grill:
- Preheat burners on high, then adjust heat to moderate. Cook chicken until well browned on all sides, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Adjust heat to low and cook chicken, covered with lid, until cooked through, about 25 minutes more.
- While chicken is cooking prepare salad.
- Rinse the greens thoroughly.
- In large saucepan sautee the peppers in extra virgin olive oil. About 10 minutes.
- Toss together lettuce, pepper and avacado.
- Add chicken when cooled.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the salad and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.
Conversion Information We get a lot of requests to help with conversions especially between various countries like Canada, the U.K. and Australia. These tables should help you make those conversions. For your convenience we have included a Conversion Chart.
Disclaimer Unless indicated recipes influenced by cookbooks, magazines or family traditions.
This looks so good!! Can’t wait to try it! Coming from Friday with Friends! Pinned.
Thank you Cheryl. I hope you do get to try it! Tell Rachelle hello and thanks for coming to visit me. Enjoy!
Congratulations, your jerk chicken salad is featured in the Friday with friends link party!
This looks so yummy, and it’s everything I look for in a salad as a main meal.
Thanks for adding your posts Marilyn 🙂
RR
Thank you so much Rachelle for the feature! I am honored. I will see you at the party!
Marilyn, I’m a salad gal, so this sounds delish. The chicken could even be cooked in a pan on top of the stove and that would make me happy too!
Thanks you for sharing your posts at Friday with Friends link party.
Glad you like it Rachelle. And as you said anyway you cook the chicken works. I do it different ways depending on time restraints. Enjoy!
Sounds super-tasty. A perfect mid-week meal.
Thanks for hosting xx
Thanks Kate. I love salad anytime. This one makes it a bit different yet tasty! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday,444 and hope you have a great week!
Miz Helen
Thank you Miz Helen for allowing me to post my links! Enjoy your week!
Hi Marilyn!
Thank you for sharing your salad recipes with us on Farm Fresh Tuesdays! I featured the Chicken Jerk Salad this week! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us today. 🙂
You are welcome Lisa! I love serving this salad to my family. And thank you for providing the opportunity to share my recipes! Enjoy your week!
This looks so tasty. I could just eat some. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂
Thank you Claire. I enjoy having my protein mixed with a salad. Enjoy this wonderful day!
That is one beautiful salad! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for dinner party! Hope to see you again this Sunday!
Thank you Helen for the kind words. I love your party! Enjoy your week!
Sounds delicious, and another wonderful recipe to add to my list Marilyn. Now I just need time to make all of them 🙂
I totally understand the time issue Chas. We are living on salads and nachos here to help with time restraints. It also allows the family to eat when they are ready. I am glad you like the recipes Chas. Enjoy!
This looks delicious, Marilyn! I would love to have you share this post on Farm Fresh Tuesdays! Hope to see you there!
Thank you Lisa. I am never sure when my posts fit your rules. Have an awesome week!
Hi Marilyn,
I think all of your posts fit under the homemaking subject! I hope to have you join the party:)
Thanks Lisa. I linked up and got you added to the directory! Enjoy your day!
This looks wonderful, Marilyn. I’ve had jerk chicken but I love this idea for a salad!
Thank you Marva. I love combining my protein with my salad. In the warmer weather I eat better that way. I am glad you find this jerk chicken salad interesting. I hope you give it a try. Enjoy!
This looks so wonderful! And avocado for the win!
Thank you Michele. I think avocado goes with everything! Have a great evening!
Another scrumptious salad for summer recipe. I love your comfort food recipes but you have totally knocked it out of the park this summer with your summer salads. TFS
Thank you Clearissa. I always appreciate your comments and engagement. I wish I could make this for you! Enjoy your week.
Another salad that we would love. The marinating and the chicken make this salad sound exquisite.
Thank you Amy. Have an awesome week!
Jerk chicken is one of my favorite types of chicken Marilyn!!! I’m so excited about this one! Maybe I will be able to get my kids to eat the salad too because I know how much they will like the chicken;). Thanks so much!!
That is cool. I just started liking the jerk myself. My family has always loved it. I hope you have a great experience with it. Thx for all you do.
What a hearty and delicious looking salad!
Thank you Amy. I glad you like it. Enjoy a wonderful week.
Wow, that looks amazing! I am always looking for new salad recipes.
Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!
Blessings,
Amy
This is a great summer salad. Enjoy your week Amy.
Hi Marilyn,
Your Chicken Jerk Salad will be a great summer salad! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
This is a great salad to eat out on the deck on a nice summer evening. Thank you Miz Helen! Enjoy your week!
I can see my hubby loving this jerk salad since he likes salads with some oomph to it. Thanks for sharing it on Merry Monday.
I hope he gets to try this. It fits all his requirements. Enjoy!
Marilyn this sounds so good and my husband loves jerk chicken. I have chosen your recipe as one of my features for next weeks OVER THE MOON LINK PARTY which goes live on Sunday evening at 5 pm central. Please stop by to see your feature and link up again!
🙂 gwingal
Thank you Nikki! I am glad you liked it and the feature just made my day!!
Looks delicious Marilyn! Say hi next time you’re lurking! 😀
Jennifer
I sure will. I sometimes am enjoying a post so much I forget to comment. You would think I woudln;t, duh! Enjoy your week.
Sounds delicious! Printed out the recipe to give it a shot! Thank you!
Thank yoy Patricia. Let me know how the salad turn out. Enjoy your week.
Another great sounding recipe Marilyn. Perfect for summer when you don’t want to turn the oven on 🙂 Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
Thank you Chas!! Enjoy your vacation. Enjoy your week.
Yummy! This looks perfect for summer. We eat a lot of marinated chicken salads as they are so tasty and I love how a marinade adds so much flavour to the chicken once it’s cooked.
I love all sorts of grilled chicken dishes. This salad is so delicious! Enjoy your week!
What a yummy looking salad! Perfect for the summer 🙂
Thank you Priya. I also love this for summer. Enjoy your week.
What a delightful blend of flavors. This Chicken Jerk Salad sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing at Saturday Shuffle Blog Hop.
Thank you so much! Love the party. Have a great week.
Oh Marilyn – that looks like a wonderful salad! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope your week is fantastic.
Summer salads are the best! I eat better when I have too. Enjoy your week,
‘Hopping over from the “What’s for Dinner” party. I love how the prep is done the night before. Our jobs keep us so busy during the week, this would be wonderful for a Monday evening dinner with prep done on Sunday. Thank you for the recipe! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
I agree Marci. The more I can fix the night before the sooner dinner is ready and the better chance the entire family, including ther cook, can sit down to the table together. Enjoy your week!
oh my goodness this looks tasty! yum xo
Thank you Katherine. I am glad you like the salad. I hope there is some piece of it you are able to eat. Enjoy!
Great recipe! This looks fabulous!
Thanks Jen Much appreciated. Enjoy your day.
I’m not a meat eater, however, I will try this with either oyster mushrooms or portobello mushroom cut into strips. It will be delicious. My mouth is already watering.
That sounds so delicious Yvonne! My kids don’t eat meat either. I will be passing these suggestions on to them. Thank you!
What a adorable blog, love if you share your posts on Fabulous Friday, its every two weeks, hope to see you there!
Ciao Maria
Thank you so much for the visit, the praise and the invitation! I would love to party with you. Please feel free to add your party yo mrcDirectory so others may also find it! Just scroll to the Friday Parties and link up your home page!
This looks so good! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks Jessica for stopping by and for letting me know by commenting.