Festive Jerk Chicken Salad

Recipe Introduction

Spice up your dining experience with our Festive Jerk Chicken Salad, a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the bold, spicy notes of jerk seasoning with the freshness of mixed salad greens. This recipe offers perfectly marinated chicken cooked to juicy perfection and served atop a bed of crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and croutons.

Finished with a drizzle of a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a festive meal at home, this Jerk Chicken Salad is sure to delight you.

Ingredients

For the Jerk Chicken:

- 1 Small tray of Chicken parts (About 4lbs chicken)
- 3/4 cup BackYard Blendz Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable/olive oil

For the Salad:

- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup croutons
- 2 small cucumber

For the Salad Dressing:

- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

- Clean chicken to your personal choice.
- In a bowl, combine jerk seasoning, vegetable oil and coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Cook the Chicken:

- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill rack or in a roasting pan if using an oven.
- Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Prepare the Salad:

- In a large bowl, toss the salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and croutons.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble and Serve:

- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat.
- Arrange the salad on a plate and place the cooked jerk chicken on top.
- Serve while the chicken is still warm.

1hr meal, jamaica, jerk, salad
April 21, 2024

Seasoning

Cooking Tips

Seasoning in layers by adding salt and seasonings at different stages in cooking process
Incorporating fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley at the end of cooking adds a burst of freshness and brightens up the entire dish.
A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon or lime can balance and enhance the natural flavours of a dish.
Toasting spices and nuts in a dry pan before adding them to your recipes can intensify their flavors and add a new dimension of taste.
Allowing ingredients like onions, meat, and even vegetables to brown in the pan creates a rich, complex flavor foundation

Flavour Quote

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

This quote, though its exact origin is debated, is often used to emphasize the importance of eating well and using natural ingredients, like herbs, to promote health. It reflects the ancient belief in the healing powers of food and the idea that what we eat can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.