Save to Pinterest A festive and vibrant salad jar featuring layers of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing—perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
I always look forward to serving this colorful salad jar at holiday parties because it's both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 2 medium breasts)
- Vegetables: 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped, 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded, 1 cup cucumber, diced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- Fruits & Nuts: 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
- Cheese: 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Dressing: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing:
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble the jars:
- Divide the dressing equally among 4 large mason jars (quart size recommended).
- Layer the salad:
- Layer the following ingredients in each jar, in this order: cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red cabbage, cooked chicken, dried cranberries, feta cheese, pecans or walnuts, and finally romaine lettuce on top.
- Seal & refrigerate:
- Seal the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve:
- Shake the jar well or pour contents into a bowl and toss to combine.
Save to Pinterest This salad jar became a family favorite during the holidays, evoking memories of festive gatherings around the table.
Notes
Use blue cheese instead of feta for a bolder flavor. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus.
Required Tools
4 large mason jars with lids, chopping board and knife, mixing bowl and whisk.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans or walnuts). Ensure nuts and cheese are processed in allergen-safe facilities if required. Double-check ingredient labels for gluten if highly sensitive.
Save to Pinterest This salad jar combines convenience and taste for a delightful holiday meal.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of chicken is best for this salad?
Use cooked chicken breast, either roasted or poached, chopped into bite-sized pieces to maintain the salad's texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the nuts?
Toasted pecans or walnuts work well, but feel free to use other crunchy nuts like almonds for a different texture.
- → How should the dressing be prepared?
Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth for a creamy and tangy dressing.
- → What is the best method to assemble the layers?
Layer ingredients starting with dressing at the bottom, followed by cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, chicken, cranberries, cheese, nuts, and lettuce on top to keep greens crisp.
- → How long can the jars be stored before serving?
Seal and refrigerate the jars for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and layering integrity before eating.