Social media foodies are currently obsessed with a fiery, flavorful twist on salad: the Jerk Chicken & Veggie Salad with Feta and Tahini Drizzle. First spotted on TikTok by creators like @phillyfoodgirl, this vibrant lunch dish brings the bold Caribbean heat of jerk chicken into a cool, crunchy salad bowl.
The real magic? The combination of spice, creaminess, and texture: smoky grilled jerk chicken sits on a bed of fresh veggies, topped with creamy feta and drizzled with nutty, lemony tahini dressing. It’s filling, fresh, and perfect for meal-prep or a crave-worthy weekday lunch.
Let’s recreate this trending salad at home in true food blogger style—with a step-by-step guide, smart variations, storage tips, and more.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
For the Jerk Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade—see tips)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine)
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ small red onion, finely sliced
- ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Toppings
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional)
Tahini Drizzle
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp water (or more for consistency)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate and cook the chicken
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, jerk seasoning, lime juice, and a little salt and pepper.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for max flavor).
- Grill, pan-sear, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
2. Prep the salad ingredients
- While the chicken cooks, wash and chop all your vegetables.
- Arrange the greens in large serving bowls, then layer cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, red onion, carrots, and herbs.
3. Make the tahini drizzle
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, garlic powder, and salt.
- Adjust water gradually until the dressing is creamy and pourable.
4. Assemble the salad
- Place warm sliced jerk chicken over the veggies.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta and seeds.
- Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over the top.
5. Serve
- Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, or chill the entire salad for 30 minutes before eating if meal-prepping.
Tips & Notes
- Jerk seasoning hack: If you don’t have jerk spice on hand, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp thyme, and a pinch of cinnamon + nutmeg.
- Tahini tip: Tahini thickens quickly—add water slowly and whisk until smooth.
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the feta or use a plant-based version.
- Spice level: Adjust cayenne or chili flakes in your jerk rub based on your heat preference.
- Grill for extra flavor: If possible, grill the chicken for an authentic smoky flavor.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Swap chicken for jerk-marinated tofu or chickpeas. Use vegan feta or avocado.
- Bowl Style: Add quinoa or rice at the base for a grain bowl-style lunch.
- Sweet Touch: Add diced mango or pineapple chunks for a Caribbean-style sweetness.
- No Tahini? Try yogurt-based garlic sauce or a lime crema instead.
- Wrap it: Roll the whole salad into a large wrap for a portable lunch.
Storage
- Chicken: Store cooked jerk chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Salad: Keep chopped veggies and greens undressed in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Dressing: The tahini sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir before each use.
For meal prep: Store components separately and combine just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
Naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and fiber.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! For best results, store the components separately and assemble right before serving.
Q: Is tahini dressing healthy?
Yes! Tahini is made from sesame seeds—rich in healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants.
Q: What can I use instead of feta?
Try goat cheese, plant-based feta, or even diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just reheat it with a little jerk seasoning for flavor.
Q: What sides go well with this?
Pair it with sweet potato fries, plantain chips, or a citrusy fruit salad.
Final Thoughts
This Jerk Chicken & Veggie Salad isn’t just another salad—it’s a bold flavor explosion that brings together the fiery spice of the Caribbean, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the creamy coolness of feta and tahini. It’s no wonder it’s gone viral on TikTok—it’s as visually stunning as it is nutritionally balanced.
Whether you’re prepping weekday lunches or showing off your salad skills online, this one’s a keeper. 🌶️💚