Spicy Jamaican Grilled Chicken Salad

Name: Spicy Jamaican Grilled Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 cups mixed salad greens; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Global Recipes

I absolutely love making my Spicy Jamaican Grilled Chicken Salad when I want to enjoy a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and fresh, which makes each bite absolutely delightful. The grilled chicken is marinated in a mix of Jamaican spices that take it to a whole new level, and pairing it with crisp vegetables makes it an amazing meal. Whether for lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to add a little tropical sunshine to your dining experience.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:41:01.831Z

Making this Spicy Jamaican Grilled Chicken Salad is always a fun experience for me. I enjoy the marination process where I combine fresh herbs, spices, and a hint of lime juice. It not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also brings the entire salad to life. During the grilling process, the smoky flavors build up beautifully, creating that irresistible aroma that fills my kitchen and makes my family excited for dinner.

To make sure every bite of the salad is packed with flavor, I like to use a mix of crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing that complements the spices. I often add a touch of mango for sweetness, which contrasts perfectly with the spice of the chicken. This balance adds another layer of taste that elevates the dish even more and keeps everyone coming back for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect mix of spicy and fresh flavors
Grilled chicken that’s infused with Jamaican spices
Colorful and nutritious ingredients for a satisfying meal

      

Marination Magic

The marinade is crucial in elevating the flavor of the chicken. The Jamaican jerk seasoning not only adds heat but also complex spices that penetrate the meat. For the best results, consider marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours if time allows. This longer marination will enhance the infusion of flavors, creating a juicier and more aromatic grilled chicken. If you're in a pinch, however, even a 20-minute soak will still yield delicious results.

When combining the marinade, ensure that you thoroughly mix the jerk seasoning with lime juice and olive oil to achieve a uniform coating. The acid from the lime juice acts as a tenderizer, helping to break down proteins. That means not only enhanced taste but also a more tender bite, which is essential for achieving that desired grilled texture.

Perfect Grilling Techniques

Achieving perfectly grilled chicken requires attention to detail. Preheating the grill to medium-high heat is vital, as this helps create a beautiful sear that locks in moisture. To test if the grill is ready, you can hold your hand about six inches above the grates; if you can't keep it there for more than 2-3 seconds, it’s hot enough. When grilling, avoid flipping the chicken too frequently; letting it cook undisturbed allows the natural grill marks to form and keeps the juices intact.

Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite remains juicy and flavorful. Cutting immediately often leads to dry chicken, which is a common mistake.

Salad Assembly Tips

When preparing the salad, the key is to combine ingredients that provide different textures and flavors, contributing to an overall delightful experience. For instance, the crispness of the bell pepper and cucumber complements the creaminess of the avocado and mango beautifully. Besides taste, visually, the shades of greens, reds, yellows, and greens create a vibrant dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

If you want to save time, consider chopping the salad ingredients while the chicken marinates. You can store the prepped veggies in the refrigerator for several hours; just be sure to keep aways from salt, which can cause moisture loss. Additionally, this will give you more control over the salad's freshness right at serving time. As for variations, feel free to substitute vegetables based on seasonal availability, or throw in some black beans for a heartier touch.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Chicken Marinade

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

For the Salad

4 cups mixed salad greens
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ripe mango, diced
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the delicious salad:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the Jamaican jerk seasoning, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mango, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix well.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

Slice the grilled chicken and layer it over the salad. Drizzle with the dressing before serving, and enjoy your tropical creation!

Serve immediately for the freshest taste!

Pro Tips

Feel free to adjust the level of spice in the marinade according to your preference. Adding more honey to the dressing can balance the heat if you find it too spicy.

Dressing Notes

Making the dressing from scratch allows you to personalize the balance of sweetness and acidity according to your taste. The honey in the dressing can be swapped with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan alternative. I recommend tasting the dressing after whisking; adjusting with a pinch of salt or a dash of extra vinegar can enhance the overall flavor profile, making it more vibrant.

Allow the dressing to sit for about 10 minutes after mixing. This resting period allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more complex dressing. You can also prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

This salad can be made ahead of time, but it's best to store the components separately until you are ready to serve. The grilled chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, keep the sliced chicken pieces evenly spaced to minimize moisture loss; this will help maintain the chicken’s juicy nature over time.

For the salad greens and vegetables, washing and chopping can typically be done a day in advance. Store them in a dry, airtight container to maintain their crispness. If you're prepping for a gathering, consider assembling the salad without the dressing, allowing guests to add it according to their preferences. This way, everything stays fresh and crunchy while providing an interactive experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! Thighs or drumsticks work well, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ Is the salad good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

→ Can I substitute the mango?

Definitely! Pineapple or peach can make great substitutes, providing a similar sweetness.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a light dish.