Save Pin 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 love making these salad jars ahead of busy holiday days because they stay fresh and colorful, and everyone enjoys building their own salad from layers.
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:
- Start by dividing the dressing equally among 4 large mason jars (quart size recommended).
- Layer ingredients:
- In each jar, layer in this order: cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red cabbage, cooked chicken, dried cranberries, feta cheese, pecans or walnuts, and romaine lettuce on top.
- Refrigerate:
- Seal the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve:
- Shake the jar well or pour the contents into a bowl and toss to combine.
Save Pin This salad jar has become a staple at our holiday table, reminding us to enjoy fresh seasonal flavors while catching up as a family.
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/walnuts). Ensure nuts and cheese are processed in allergen-safe facilities if required.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 26 g, Protein 25 g
Save Pin Enjoy this festive salad jar as a make-ahead meal that keeps holiday prep stress-free and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Layer ingredients with the dressing at the bottom and sturdy vegetables near the base. Adding delicate greens like romaine last helps keep them crisp.
- → Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, turkey works well as an alternative for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → What is the best way to serve the salad jar?
Shake the jar to mix ingredients evenly or pour the contents into a bowl and toss before serving.
- → Are there any suggested additions to enrich flavor?
Adding sliced avocado before serving enhances creaminess, while swapping feta for blue cheese offers a bolder taste.
- → What pairing drinks complement this salad?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus pairs beautifully with the fresh and tangy flavors.