This grilled chicken with strawberry and pineapple salsa is a classic summer recipe. The smoky, savory flavor of perfectly grilled chicken combined with a bright, fruity salsa makes for a light, healthy meal that highlights summer’s best produce.
During warm months our grill gets constant use. There’s something about cooking outdoors that turns even the simplest dinner into an enjoyable occasion. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate ordinary grilled chicken with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Grilled chicken is a staple at our house, so I especially appreciate easy preparations that add interest without a lot of fuss. A spoonful of strawberry and pineapple salsa on each breast brightens the dish and creates a delightful contrast between savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Tips for Preparing an Outdoor Grill
When using a gas grill, a little prep makes a big difference in both safety and performance:
- Preheat the grill to at least 400°F (high) and let it run for about five minutes. This softens any leftover residue and makes cleaning easier.
- Turn the heat off and scrape the cooking grate with a bristle-free tool until it’s clean.
- Lightly oil or spray the grates before reheating to prevent sticking, then set the grill to your desired cooking temperature.
- Grill as directed and enjoy your meal.
How to Grill Chicken Perfectly
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts usually take about 9–10 minutes to cook through on a hot grill. Follow these tips for juicy, evenly cooked chicken:
- Don’t rinse raw chicken before cooking; rinsing can spread bacteria to kitchen surfaces.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 375–400°F) and lightly coat the grate with cooking spray or oil.
- Grill the chicken with the lid closed until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F and no pink remains. Flip once halfway through to get attractive sear marks on both sides.
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes after removing it from the grill to allow juices to redistribute.
Preparing the Strawberry & Pineapple Salsa
The salsa is quick to assemble but benefits from time to rest. A few pointers:
- Dice strawberries and pineapple into small, even pieces for the best texture.
- Finely chop the red onion so it blends well and doesn’t overwhelm individual bites.
- For the fullest flavor, make the salsa at least two hours ahead and chill it so the flavors can meld.
Healthy Grilled Chicken with Fresh Strawberry & Pineapple Salsa
This dish pairs simply seasoned grilled chicken with a fruity, tangy salsa for a refreshing summer main course.
Course: Main Course | Cuisine: American | Servings: 4
Calories: 292 kcal
Author: Suzy Handgraaf
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts (uncooked)
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped, tops removed
- 1 cup unsweetened canned pineapple, diced and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
- Cooking spray (for the grill)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Zest the lime and set the zest aside for the salsa. Juice the lime and reserve. In a bowl combine 1 tablespoon lime juice, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Add the chicken and turn to coat both sides; set aside while you heat the grill.
- Turn the grill off briefly to coat the rack lightly with cooking spray, then heat to medium-high. Grill the chicken until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), flipping once to create sear marks. Allow the chicken to rest five minutes before serving.
- Make the salsa: In a bowl combine strawberries, pineapple, red onion, basil, sugar, the remaining lime juice, lime zest and the remaining olive oil. Stir gently to combine.
- Top each chicken breast with about 2/3 cup of salsa before serving. For best flavor, chill the salsa for at least two hours before using.
Notes
Prepare the salsa at least two hours ahead and refrigerate; it will taste brighter after the flavors have had time to blend. This recipe is estimated to be about 3 points per serving on the Weight Watchers Purple plan.
Nutrition
Calories: 292 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 73 mg | Sodium: 364 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 13 g | Vitamin C: 51 mg
DISCLAIMER: I am not a nutritionist. Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Other simple summer ideas to pair with this meal include a light green salad, grilled vegetables, or a chilled grain salad. The bright salsa also works well as a condiment for fish, shrimp, or as a topping for tacos.
Enjoy this refreshing grilled chicken with strawberry and pineapple salsa as a flavorful, healthy main course all summer long.