Spicy Jamaican Chicken Salad Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Jamaica with this Spicy Jamaican Chicken Salad Delight. Featuring tender, shredded chicken breast tossed with a zesty blend of jerk seasoning, this dish is enriched with a melange of fresh, crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing that ties all the elements together. Topped with a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese and finished with toasted almonds for an irresistible crunch, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner option. Serve it over a bed of fresh salad greens to let the flavors shine!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken Breasts
2 1/2 cups (shredded)
Jerk Seasoning
1 teaspoon, divided (mix with chicken and dressing)
Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese Blend
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Julienne Carrot
3/4 cup (julienned)
Cucumber
1/2 cup (diced)
Sliced and Toasted Almonds
1/4 cup (toasted)
Light Mayonnaise
1/4 cup (mixed with vinegar and seasoning)
Seasoned Rice Vinegar or Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons (add to dressing)
Salad Greens
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cooked chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of jerk seasoning until well coated.
2
Add the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend, julienne carrots, diced cucumber, and sliced toasted almonds to the bowl, combining everything gently.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, seasoned rice vinegar (or cider vinegar), and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of jerk seasoning until you have a smooth dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5
Serve the chicken salad over a bed of fresh salad greens and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Jamaican Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant salad featuring shredded chicken breast tossed in jerk seasoning, mixed with crunchy vegetables, cheese, and almonds in a creamy dressing.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breasts.
What gives the salad its spicy flavor?
The heat comes from one teaspoon of jerk seasoning, which is divided between the chicken and the dressing.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Use 1 1/2 cups of a shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend.
Which vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad features 3/4 cup of julienne carrots and 1/2 cup of diced cucumber.
How are the almonds prepared?
The 1/4 cup of sliced almonds should be toasted to provide an irresistible crunch.
What is in the dressing?
The dressing is a smooth blend of light mayonnaise, seasoned rice vinegar (or cider vinegar), and jerk seasoning.
How do I assemble the salad?
Toss chicken with seasoning, add veggies, cheese, and almonds, then pour over the whisked dressing and toss again.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It should be served over a bed of fresh salad greens to let the flavors shine.
Can I use cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Yes, cider vinegar is a suitable alternative for the seasoned rice vinegar in the dressing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutritious, and protein-rich salad option.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe, especially if you have pre-cooked chicken.
Can this be eaten for dinner?
Absolutely, it is recommended as both a light lunch and a refreshing dinner option.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be julienned, which means cut into long, thin matchstick-sized strips.
Is the chicken breast the only protein source?
While chicken is the main protein, the cheese and almonds also contribute small amounts of protein.
Can I use regular mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute light mayonnaise with regular mayonnaise if preferred.
What is the preparation for the cucumber?
The cucumber should be diced into small pieces before being added to the mix.
How much jerk seasoning goes into the dressing?
Half a teaspoon of jerk seasoning is whisked into the dressing, while the other half is used on the chicken.
What type of salad greens should I use?
Any variety of fresh salad greens will work as a base for this chicken salad.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your jerk seasoning and mayonnaise labels to be sure.
How much rice vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of seasoned rice vinegar or cider vinegar.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it contains toasted almonds. If you have a nut allergy, you should omit them.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead, but it is best to toss with dressing shortly before serving to keep it fresh.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad has a mix of tender shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables and almonds, and a creamy dressing.
Can I use different types of nuts?
While the recipe calls for almonds, you could substitute them with pecans or walnuts if desired.
Is this a traditional Jamaican recipe?
It is a Jamaican-inspired dish that utilizes traditional jerk seasoning for authentic Caribbean flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used to create this chicken salad.
Is this salad very spicy?
It has a 'spicy' profile due to the jerk seasoning, but the creaminess of the mayo and cheese help balance the heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, cooked and shredded chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative to chicken breasts.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
Seasoned rice vinegar provides a subtle sweetness, but cider vinegar is also a great choice for a slightly tangier taste.