Caribbean Chicken Salad

This vibrant Caribbean Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tropical fruits, grilled chicken, and a zesty citrus dressing. The tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a blend of island-inspired spices before being grilled to perfection. Paired with fresh mango, pineapple, and crisp vegetables, this salad brings the flavors of the Caribbean right to your table. A light drizzle of tangy lime dressing ties everything together, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. It’s a colorful, nutritious, and delightful meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, allspice, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Once done, set aside to rest for a few minutes, then slice the chicken thinly.
3. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, mango, pineapple, red onion, cucumber, carrots, and avocado.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble the Salad: Top the salad with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the lime dressing. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes if desired.
6. Serve: Toss the salad gently and serve immediately. Enjoy the tropical flavors!