Tex Mex Salad Jars
Introducing our vibrant Tex-Mex Salad Jar – a delicious and nutritious meal packed with a symphony of flavors and wholesome goodness. In a world where healthy eating is key, this salad jar not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. Bursting with colorful layers of fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, and zesty dressing, our Tex-Mex Salad Jar is a celebration of health on the go. Join us in embracing the nutritional benefits of this delectable salad that proves eating well can be both a treat for your palate and a boost for your well-being. Let’s dive into a world of flavor and nutrition with every crunchy, satisfying bite!
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Salad Jars
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 15 oz can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced (or use 2 stalks spring onion)
- 1 cup snow peas sprouts
- 1 chicken breast (already cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 4 cups mixed baby lettuce leaves
- 2 Cups Arugula
Dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp water (optional)
- 1-2 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 3 Tbsp fresh basil
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
Directions:
- Bake chicken breasts with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- Simultaneously, cook quinoa in a rice cooker by combining 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water (or low-sodium vegetable stock). Cook until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Mix together the dressing ingredients; each salad jar should use 2 tbsp of dressing.
- Add the chosen dressing to the bottom of a 32-oz mason jar. Layer the ingredients in the following order: tomatoes, beans, quinoa, onion, snow peas, chicken, cheese, lettuce, and arugula.
- The jars can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. For efficient meal prep, cook the chicken and quinoa up to 24 hours in advance, simplifying the assembly process.
- When ready to serve, shake the mason jar to distribute the dressing, then transfer the contents into a large bowl and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Tips and Tricks:
- Use portioned containers or jars to control serving sizes. This helps with calorie management and ensures you have a satisfying meal.
- Layer ingredients strategically to prevent sogginess. Keep wetter ingredients, like tomatoes or cucumbers, away from greens. Consider using a moisture-absorbing layer like quinoa or a paper towel.
- Prepare a variety of ingredients in bulk and mix and match them throughout the week to keep your salads interesting.
Nutrition Facts:
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