Chicken Caesar Mason Jar

Hey there, food lovers! Today, I've got a super fun and delicious recipe to share with you: Chicken Caesar Mason Jars! These handy little meals are perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go lunch. Imagine all the flavors of a classic Caesar salad, but layered beautifully in a mason jar. It's fresh, it's tasty, and it's portable. Plus, it looks pretty cool too! Let's dive in and make lunch a whole lot more exciting.

Try my High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad recipe.

What you'll need to make Chicken Caesar Mason Jar

Serves: 2

• 1.6 oz. (45g) quinoa
• 2 servings Caesar salad dressing (Try this recipe Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing)
• 7 oz. (200g) chicken breasts, cooked, shredded
• 2.7 oz. (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cucumber, chopped
• 2.1 oz. (60g) mixed salad leaves
• 0.7 oz. (20g) almonds, chopped
• 1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated

Alright, let's talk about what makes this Chicken Caesar Mason Jar so darn tasty! First up, we've got quinoa. It's super easy to cook and adds a nice, filling base to our salad.

Then there's the chicken breastcooked and shredded, it's the protein hero we all need. Next, we can't forget the Caesar dressingcreamy, tangy, and just perfect.

Try my Chicken, Orange and Walnut Salad recipe.

For some fresh crunch, we've got cherry tomatoes and cucumber. They bring that juicy, refreshing vibe. A handful of mixed salad leaves gives us a mix of textures and flavors, making every bite exciting.

And oh, the almonds! They add that delightful crunch we all love. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese tops it all off with its rich, savory goodness. Each layer in this mason jar is like a little surprise, making this salad not just healthy, but totally delicious and fun to eat!

Try my Asparagus, Egg and Rocket Salad recipe.

What you'll need to do

Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 10 min

Ready to whip up a quick and delicious meal? Let's make some Chicken Caesar Mason Jars! Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch. Here's how:

1| Quinoa Time! - Cook up your quinoa according to the package instructions. Once it's done, drain it and let it cool down to room temp. Easy peasy!

2| Layer Up! - Grab 2 mason jars and let's start layering. Here’s the magic order:

• First, pour in your Caesar dressing.
• Next, add in the shredded chicken breast.
• Follow it up with the cooled quinoa.
• Toss in those halved cherry tomatoes.
• Add the chopped cucumber.
• Throw in the mixed greens.
• Sprinkle the chopped almonds.
• Top it off with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.

3| Seal and Chill! - Pop the lids on your jars and stick them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

4| Shake and Enjoy! - When hunger strikes, just give the jar a good shake, pour everything into a bowl, and dig in!

Try my Avocado and Potato Salad recipe.

There you have it! A tasty Chicken Caesar Mason Jar that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy! ✨

Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe

Here are some substitution and improvisation ideas to mix things up with your Chicken Caesar Mason Jar recipe:

Try my Power Salad recipe.

1| Protein Variations:

• Turkey or Ham: Swap out chicken for cooked and shredded turkey or thinly sliced ham.
• Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian option, use marinated tofu or tempeh.
• Grilled Shrimp: Add a seafood twist with some grilled shrimp.

2| Grain Alternatives:

• Brown Rice: Use cooked brown rice instead of quinoa for a heartier texture.
• Farro or Barley: These grains add a nice chewiness and are equally nutritious.

3| Dressing Ideas:

• Greek Yogurt Dressing: Use a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing for a creamier and tangier flavor.
• Vinaigrette: Try a simple lemon vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter option.

4| Veggie Swaps:

• Bell Peppers: Add some color and crunch with sliced bell peppers.
• Avocado: For a creamy texture, add some diced avocado.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion can add a bit of zing.

5| Nut and Seed Options:

• Walnuts or Pecans: Swap almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds: These add a nice crunch and are a great nut-free alternative.

6| Cheese Choices:

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy twist.
• Goat Cheese: For a creamy and slightly tart flavor, try crumbled goat cheese.

7| Leafy Greens:

• Spinach: Use fresh spinach leaves instead of mixed greens.
• Kale: Chopped kale can add a robust and hearty texture.

8| Extra Add-Ins:

• Olives: Add some sliced black or green olives for a Mediterranean vibe.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy flavor punch.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs can make the salad even more filling.

Try my Chickpea and Tuna Salad recipe.

These substitutions and improvisations allow you to customize the recipe based on your preferences or what's available in your pantry. Enjoy experimenting!

Some useful tips for the recipe

Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your Chicken Caesar Mason Jar recipe:

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1| Prep Ahead: Cook and cool the quinoa and chicken in advance to speed up assembly when you're ready to make the jars.

2| Layering Order: Follow the layering order (dressing first, then protein, grains, veggies, etc.) to ensure the ingredients stay fresh and the salad stays crisp.

3| Tightly Seal Jars: Make sure to seal the mason jars tightly to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent leaks if transporting.

4| Shake Before Serving: Just before eating, give the jar a good shake to distribute the dressing and flavors evenly throughout the salad.

5| Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferencesmore veggies, extra protein, or a different type of dressing.

6| Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

7| Storage: These jars can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for meal prep.

8| Portable and Convenient: Pack these jars for picnics, work lunches, or any on-the-go mealthey’re easy to transport and eat from.

9| Serve with Extras: Consider adding a side of whole grain crackers or a piece of fruit to complement the meal.

10| Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to keep things interesting and cater to your taste preferences.

Try my Chickpea and Tuna Salad recipe.

Following these tips will ensure your Chicken Caesar Mason Jars are not only delicious but also convenient and enjoyable to eat!

Some serving suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your Chicken Caesar Mason Jar:

Try my Roasted Cauliflower Nourish Bowl With Hummus recipe.

1| Side Salad: Serve alongside a side salad of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette dressing for added freshness.

2| Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for a hearty and satisfying meal.

3| Soup: Enjoy with a cup of soup such as tomato basil or minestrone for a comforting and balanced lunch.

4| Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit like grapes, apple slices, or berries for a refreshing contrast.

5| Crunchy Snack: Accompany with a handful of crunchy snacks like whole grain crackers or vegetable sticks for extra texture.

6| Iced Tea or Lemonade: Enjoy with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade to complement the flavors.

7| Dessert: Finish off with a light dessert such as a fruit salad or a small piece of dark chocolate for a sweet ending.

These serving suggestions can enhance your meal and provide a balanced and satisfying dining experience alongside your Chicken Caesar Mason Jar.

Try my Green Goddess Quinoa Salad Bowl recipe.

Some storage suggestions

Here are some storage suggestions to keep your Chicken Caesar Mason Jar fresh and delicious:

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1| Refrigeration: Store the sealed mason jars in the refrigerator to keep ingredients fresh. They can typically stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

2| Keep Cold: If transporting, pack the jars in a cooler bag with ice packs to maintain freshness, especially in warmer weather.

3| Seal Tightly: Ensure the lids are tightly sealed to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of the layers.

4| Assembly Order: When preparing ahead, consider keeping wet ingredients like dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

5| Shake Before Serving: Before eating, give the jar a good shake to distribute the dressing and flavors evenly throughout the salad.

6| Portion Control: If meal prepping, store each jar separately for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

7| Freezing: Mason jars may not be suitable for freezing due to the risk of glass cracking, so it's best to refrigerate and consume within a few days.

By following these storage suggestions, you can ensure your Chicken Caesar Mason Jar stays fresh and enjoyable until you're ready to enjoy it.

Try my Grilled Lemon Chicken Salad recipe.

And there you have it, folks! Your very own Chicken Caesar Mason Jars, ready to rock your lunch game. Just pop them in the fridge, and when hunger strikes, give them a good shake, pour into a bowl, and dig in. It’s healthy, it’s tasty, and it's oh-so-easy. I hope you enjoy making and munching on these as much as I do. Happy eating, everyone!