Jerk chicken salad is the answer if you are looking to give your traditional chicken salad recipe a caribbean flair. With jerk seasoned mayo dressing, tender chicken, and veggies for crunch, this jamaican style chicken salad is one you're going to be making often.

scoop of jerk chicken salad on a bed of lettuce with a spoon in the bowl.

We love jamaican jerk food in our house. From classic jerk chicken (I'll show you how to make it in the Instant Pot), to jerk chicken wraps, to jerk shrimp rasta pasta, nothing is quite like that spicy, smoky, sweet flavor!

scoop of jerk chicken salad on a bed of lettuce with croissants and limes in the background.

Jerk Chicken Salad is an easy way to enjoy these island flavors more often. Already cooked chicken is combined with a robustly seasoned jerk mayo dressng, along with red pepper pepper and celery, for a colorful, dish thats perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

If you're looking for more chicken salad inspiration, try the following recipes, Caper Chicken Salad, Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad, and Jalapeno Chicken Salad.

Ingredients

Cooked Chicken- This can be from cooked chicken breasts, thighs, tenderloins, store bought rotisserie chicken, even canned chicken will work.
Jerk Seasoning- My favorite is from the brand Walkers Wood, it comes as a paste. Dry seasoning will work, just use half the amount.
Lime Juice- Fresh lime juice is a classic caribbean flavor and adds brightness to the chicken salad dressing.
Mayonnaise- My favorite brand of mayonnaise to use in chicken salad is Duke's Original.
Sour Cream- This lightens up the dressing. Plain, full fat greek yogurt can also be used.
Red Bell Pepper- Any color will work but I love the brightness red bell peppers add.
Celery- This is for crunch.
Cilantro and Cilantro- For color and flavor.

How to Assemble the Chicken Salad

jerk seasoning and mayo in a bowl unmmixed.

Step 1. To a mixing bowl, add mayo, lime juice, and jerk seasoning

chicken salad dressing ingredients mixed in a white bowl.

Step 2. Stir to a combine.

all ingredients added to bowl but unmixed.

Step 3. Add diced chicken, diced bell pepper, celery, diced green onion, and chopped cilantro.

finished chicken salad in a white mixing bowl.

Step 4. Stir well to ensure everything is well coated. Refrigerate one hour before serving.

Recipe Tips

Chicken salad benefits from sitting in the fridge for an hour before serving, as it allows the flavors to develop.
Serve chicken salad by itself, on a bed of lettuce/in a lettuce wrap, or on a croissant or toast.
Jerk Seasoning can really vary in spiciness level based on a brand, be sure to choose one to suit your tastes.
For a bit of sweetness about ¼ cup of chopped mango or pineapple to the chicken salad.

Storage

Store leftover chicken salad in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir well before enjoying leftovers.

Did you enjoy this Jerk Chicken Salad? I would love for you to let me know by leaving a comment and star rating. I can't wait to hear from you!