Tropical Jerk Chicken Pasta Salad
Experience a culinary escape with this vibrant Tropical Jerk Chicken Pasta Salad. This refreshing dish combines tender rotini pasta with savory jerk chicken, juicy pineapple, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, all brought together in a zesty lime and mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a quick meal, this salad can be made in under 30 minutes and serves as a delightful addition to picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering. The hint of sweetness from pineapple preserves adds a unique twist, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavor that will transport you straight to the tropics!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
16 ounces (Cooked and rinsed under cold water)
Garlic oil
3 tablespoons (Divided)
Limes
2 (Zested and juiced)
Low-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup (N/A)
Pineapple preserves
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Jamaican jerk spice rub
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Chicken tenders
1 pound (Marinated)
Pineapple chunks
20 ounces (Drained)
Red bell pepper
1 (Thinly sliced)
Bacon
6 slices (Cooked and crumbled)
Green onions
3 (Thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Toss with 2 tablespoons of garlic oil and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2
In a small mixing bowl, zest one lime and juice both limes. Combine the lime zest and juice with low-fat mayonnaise and pineapple preserves. Stir until smooth and set this dressing aside.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of garlic oil with the Jamaican jerk spice rub. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade.
4
Preheat a grill pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the marinated chicken tenders to the pan and cook for 6-10 minutes, flipping once, until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks. Remove the chicken from the pan and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
5
In the same grill pan, add the drained pineapple chunks and cook for 2 minutes, turning once until caramelized and slightly charred.
6
In a large serving bowl, combine the pasta, grilled chicken pieces, caramelized pineapple, thinly sliced red bell pepper, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
45g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Jerk Chicken Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining rotini pasta, savory jerk chicken, juicy pineapple, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables in a zesty lime and mayonnaise dressing.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This refreshing salad can be made in under 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of rotini pasta, which is excellent for holding the dressing.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 17g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 17.5g of protein.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from lime zest, lime juice, low-fat mayonnaise, and pineapple preserves.
How is the chicken seasoned?
The chicken tenders are coated in a marinade of garlic oil and Jamaican jerk spice rub.
How long should I cook the chicken?
The marinated chicken should be grilled for 6 to 10 minutes, flipping once, until fully cooked.
Do I need to cook the pineapple?
Yes, the recipe suggests grilling drained pineapple chunks for 2 minutes until they are caramelized and slightly charred.
What gives the dressing its sweetness?
Two tablespoons of pineapple preserves are added to the dressing to provide a unique sweetness.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This pasta salad can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast; just ensure it is grilled thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces.
How many limes are needed for this recipe?
You will need two limes, which are both zested and juiced for the dressing.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad features thinly sliced red bell pepper and thinly sliced green onions.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
Yes, the rotini is drained and rinsed under cold water to cool it down before being tossed with garlic oil.
How much garlic oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of garlic oil, divided between the pasta and the chicken marinade.
What provides the smoky flavor in the salad?
Six slices of cooked and crumbled bacon add a savory, smoky element to the dish.
Can this recipe be made for a picnic?
Absolutely, its refreshing profile and ability to be served chilled make it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
What type of spice rub is recommended?
A Jamaican jerk spice rub is used to provide the signature Caribbean flavor.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of low-fat mayonnaise for the dressing base.
How much pineapple is included?
A 20-ounce can of drained pineapple chunks is used, plus two tablespoons of preserves in the dressing.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The current nutritional data provided does not specify the fiber content.
What is the primary protein source?
One pound of chicken tenders provides the main source of protein for this meal.
Is the red bell pepper cooked?
No, the red bell pepper is added raw and thinly sliced to provide a fresh crunch.
Can I use a regular grill instead of a grill pan?
Yes, an outdoor grill will work perfectly well for both the chicken and the pineapple.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe calls for 3 thinly sliced green onions.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side?
Because it contains pasta, chicken, and vegetables, it can be served as a complete quick meal or a hearty side.
What is the preparation for the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled before adding it to the salad.
How much pasta is in the recipe?
The recipe uses a standard 16-ounce package of rotini pasta.
Can I substitute the low-fat mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt if you prefer a different tang.
What makes this salad 'tropical'?
The combination of Jamaican jerk spices, grilled pineapple, lime juice, and pineapple preserves gives it a distinct tropical flavor profile.