Y’all. This is summertime perfection right here!
I know I’m late to the whole “mason jar meals” revolution. But truly, I haven’t had much reason to pack a lunch or dinner until hubs returned to shift work this year. I try to incorporate healthy ingredients as often as possible (y’all know I like my cookies, but we can’t have those everyday) and I needed an easy way to pack salads.
So my BFF pinterest came through with the perfect solution. Mason Jar salads!!! Clearly I’ve been under a rock. These are so beautiful and so easy.
This jar salad comes together pretty quick and it’s perfect for to-go lunches (or dinner). The only cooking involved is the chicken tenders.
So, here we go! You’ll need….
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken tenders, cut into cubes
- taco or chili seasoning
- 1/4 cup salsa
- handful of cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
- 1/4 cup chopped purple onion
- 1 small tomatillo, diced (optional)
- 1 cup lettuce or salad mix
- 1 can of black beans (you won’t need the entire can)
- 1 can of whole kernel yellow corn or fresh (I used fresh-half a cob)
- cotija cheese, sprikled for garnish (optional)
- finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sprinkled for garnish
- 1 very ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Thaw tenders (if using frozen) and cut into small bit size pieces. Heat skillet over medium high heat and add a swirl of olive oil. Season chicken with salt & pepper, taco or chili seasoning, and cook until no longer pink. Set aside to cool.
- Drain black beans & rinse, drain corn.
- Chop onion, tomatoes, tomatillo, avocado, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, mix the avocado with the sour cream until well incorporated, and season with salt & pepper to taste.
- *Important to note-use your estimation on how much to use of each ingredient. I just eyeballed it. Use more or less of your favorite ingredients! Make it your own (you gotta eat it, not me)!!
- Begin layering the salad: salsa, diced tomatoes, onion, tomatillo, lettuce, black beans, corn, chicken, cotija cheese, cheddar, and finally, top with the avocado dressing.
Pack each layer tightly! I use the back of a spoon to push down each layer as I go along.
Make sure if you’re taking this to work with you, that you also take a BOWL to pour it into! (ask me how I know….)
That’s it you guys! Enjoy!
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