Save 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 first served this salad jar last holiday season and loved how the colors and textures came together beautifully, making it a family favorite for our festive meal prep.
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 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.
- Seal and 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 This recipe brings our family closer during the holidays as we gather around preparing jars together and enjoy the fresh flavors all season long.
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. Double-check ingredient labels for gluten if highly sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 26 g, Protein: 25 g per serving
Save This salad jar is a perfect festive treat that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat.
Recipe FAQ
- → What is the best way to prepare the dressing?
Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together until smooth and creamy for a balanced tangy-sweet dressing.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with turkey?
Yes, turkey can be used as an alternative for a slightly different yet flavorful protein option suited for holiday variations.
- → How should I store the layered salad jars?
Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve, keeping the ingredients fresh and crisp for up to several days.
- → What are some optional ingredient swaps for extra flavor?
Try using blue cheese instead of feta or adding sliced avocado just before serving for added creaminess and richness.
- → How can I serve the salad once assembled?
Either shake the jar vigorously to mix all ingredients or pour the contents into a bowl and toss gently before enjoying.