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Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Mango Dressing

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A vibrant and flavorful Jamaican jerk chicken pasta salad with a sweet and tangy mango dressing, perfect for summer parties and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning blend
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large ripe mango or 1 cup (165g) frozen mango chunks, thawed
  • ½ cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning, and juice of 1 lime. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Place pasta in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
  4. In a blender, combine chopped mango, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, juice of 1 lime, grated ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or tang as needed.
  5. Add diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with pasta. Toss gently to combine. Top with sliced jerk chicken.
  6. Pour mango dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free dish. Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for dairy-free. Adjust jerk seasoning for spice tolerance. The salad tastes better after chilling for 20 minutes or next day. Add charred pineapple for extra tropical flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican jerk chicken, pasta salad, mango dressing, summer salad, Caribbean recipe, easy dinner, spicy chicken salad

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/jamaican-jerk-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-mango-dressing/