Salads are a versatile and healthy meal option, and when they’re packed in a mason jar, they become even more convenient and visually appealing. The Originals Oven Roasted Chicken Salad Mason Jar is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, all layered beautifully in a jar. This recipe not only looks great but also keeps your salad ingredients fresh and ready to enjoy at any time.
What Makes Mason Jar Salads So Popular?
Mason jar salads have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reasons. Why do people put salads in mason jars? The concept of layering the ingredients ensures that your salad stays fresh longer. The dressing remains at the bottom, keeping the greens from getting soggy, while the hearty ingredients like chicken and veggies are stacked in the middle, and the delicate greens are placed at the top. This method not only preserves the freshness but also makes the salad easy to transport, whether you’re heading to work, school, or a picnic.
Ingredients
For the Originals Oven Roasted Chicken Salad Mason Jar, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 2 cups of oven-roasted chicken breast, diced or shredded
- Mixed Greens: 2 cups of fresh mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1/2 cup, diced
- Carrots: 1/2 cup, julienned
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: 2 eggs, sliced
- Cheese: 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta
- Nuts or Seeds: 1/4 cup of your choice (walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds)
- Dressing: 1/4 cup of your favorite dressing (balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or honey mustard)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to cool before dicing or shredding it.
Step 2: Prepare the Mason Jars
- Layering the Salad: Begin by adding the dressing to the bottom of the mason jar. This is crucial for keeping the rest of the ingredients from getting soggy.
- Next, add the diced or shredded chicken as the base layer. The weight of the chicken helps to keep the dressing at the bottom.
- Layer the harder vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes next.
- Add the red onions, hard-boiled eggs, and avocado on top of the vegetables.
- Finish with a layer of mixed greens and top with shredded cheese and nuts or seeds.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Serving the Salad
- When you’re ready to eat, simply shake the mason jar to mix the ingredients and distribute the dressing.
- Can you eat mason jar salads out of the jar? Yes, you can! Just unscrew the lid and enjoy, or you can pour it out onto a plate if you prefer.
Tips and Variations
Jazzing Up Store-Bought Chicken Salad
If you’re short on time, you can jazz up store-bought chicken salad by adding a few of your favorite ingredients. Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, add a squeeze of lemon juice, or toss in some crunchy nuts or seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
- Different Dressings: Try different dressings like a tangy lemon tahini dressing or a creamy avocado cilantro dressing.
- Add Some Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, add some sliced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries to your salad.
- Switch Up the Greens: Use kale, spinach, or romaine lettuce, depending on your preference.
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?
How long is chicken salad made from rotisserie chicken good for? Typically, chicken salad made from rotisserie chicken can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container, like a mason jar, to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for the Originals Oven Roasted Chicken Salad Mason Jar:
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 6-8 grams
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
The nutritional values may vary depending on the dressing and any additional toppings you choose to include.
The Originals Oven Roasted Chicken Salad Mason Jar is more than just a meal; it’s a portable, nutritious, and visually appealing way to enjoy your salad on the go. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a quick and healthy lunch option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Can you eat mason jar salads out of the jar? Absolutely! These salads are designed for convenience and freshness, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and dressings to keep things exciting.
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out more delicious ideas on easycrispyrecipes.com, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations in the comments below. Happy cooking.