Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with these stunning Grilled Chicken Salad Jars - the perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and mouthwatering flavor! Imagine having a restaurant-quality lunch ready in just 35 minutes that looks as incredible as it tastes. These portable, Instagram-worthy salad jars are not just a meal; they're a lifestyle upgrade that will make your colleagues jealous and your taste buds dance with excitement.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the grilled chicken by seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin, uniform strips approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Wash and prepare all fresh vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber into thin rounds, and shred carrots using a grater or mandoline.
- Select four clean, wide-mouth mason jars or glass containers with secure lids.
- Begin layering the salad by first adding 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette dressing at the bottom of each jar.
- Add sliced cucumber as the next layer, creating a barrier between dressing and other ingredients.
- Layer shredded carrots over the cucumber.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes on top of the carrots.
- Place sliced grilled chicken as the next layer, distributing evenly.
- Fill the remaining space with mixed greens, pressing gently to compact.
- Securely close jar lids and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- When ready to eat, shake jar to distribute dressing, then pour into a bowl or eat directly from the jar.
Tips
- Layer Order Matters: Always start with dressing at the bottom and end with greens to prevent soggy ingredients.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better your chicken and vegetables, the more delicious your salad jar.
- Invest in Good Mason Jars: Choose wide-mouth jars with tight-sealing lids for easy packing and transport.
- Meal Prep Hack: Prepare multiple jars at once for a week's worth of lunches.
- Temperature Control: Keep jars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute grilled chicken with tofu, shrimp, or other proteins.
- Dressing Tip: Choose vinaigrettes that complement your ingredients for maximum flavor harmony.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 255kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
