Name: Chicken Apple Mason Jar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts (cooked and chopped (Rotisserie chicken works great!)); 1 package (8 oz cherry tomatoes); 1 cucumber (sliced); 2 apples (sliced); 4 green onions (sliced); 2 cups lettuce leaves; 1 lemon; 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt

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Meal prep just got a whole lot tastier with this Chicken Apple Mason Jar Salad! This recipe combines juicy chicken, crisp apples, and fresh veggies, all layered beautifully in a mason jar for the ultimate grab-and-go meal. Perfect for busy weekdays, this salad is healthy, satisfying, and stays fresh for up to five days!

This amazingly delicious chicken apple salad will tickle your taste buds! Colorful powerhouse of nutrition packed in layers in a mason jar! Make it in just 15 minutes for a week’s worth of healthy lunches!

If you are looking to eat more healthy lunches, but it’s just hasn’t been happening, I’ve got 2 words for you: mason jars. Mason jar salads will totally transform the way you eat lunch, in a good way. You can make the whole week’s worth of healthy lunches in less than 30 minutes, and the mason jars will keep them fresh!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Apple Mason Jar Salad

Quick and easy to make: In just 15 minutes, you can prep an entire week’s worth of healthy lunches. Perfect for anyone with a busy schedule!
Stays fresh for days: The clever layering in mason jars keeps the ingredients crisp and the dressing separate, ensuring every bite is as fresh as the first.
Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh fruits, and veggies, this salad delivers a powerhouse of nutrients to fuel your day.
Portable and convenient: Grab a jar and go! These salads are perfect for work, school, or any on-the-go meal.
Customizable to your taste: Swap out ingredients, adjust the dressing, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

This chicken apple mason jar salad is like a nutritional powerhouse – it has chicken breast, apple slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions and lettuce leaves – super healthy! This healthy deliciousness is dressed with a homemade dressing made with extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard and freshly squeezed lemon juice – yum! This dressing goes so well with this salad, you’ll love it!

Ingredients For Chicken Apple Mason Jar Salad

Chicken breasts – A lean protein that’s filling and delicious. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience!
Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of flavor.
Cucumber – Refreshing and hydrating with a satisfying crunch.
Apples – Crisp and slightly sweet, they pair beautifully with the tangy dressing.
Green onions – A mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Lettuce leaves – Adds a fresh, crisp base to the salad.
Lemon – Prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright, citrusy kick to the dressing.
Extra-virgin olive oil – A heart-healthy fat and base for the dressing.
Dijon mustard – Adds tangy depth to the dressing.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dressing.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

As with all mason jar salads, the clever layers keep everything fresh for up to 5 days! Dressing goes on the bottom and doesn’t touch the lettuce, so the lettuce stays super crisp! The layers look so good too – eating healthy is really easy when you have this beautiful colorful deliciousness in your fridge!

Mason jar salads are super portable – just grab a jar and put it in your lunchbox, so convenient! Grab-and-go meals are such life savers for all of us busy folks!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chicken Apple Mason Jar Salad

Mason jars – To store and layer the salad, keeping it fresh for days.
Knife and cutting board – For chopping the chicken, slicing the apples, cucumbers, and green onions.
Whisk – To blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Small bowl – For tossing the apple slices with lemon juice.
Measuring cups and spoons – To measure the dressing ingredients accurately.

To eat the mason jar salad, simply invert it onto a plate – the lettuce will come out first and will end up on the bottom of the plate, while all other ingredients and the dressing will end up on top of the salad – just the way it should be! Or if you’d like to eat the salad on the go, simply shake the mason jar to distribute the dressing and eat straight out of the jar :)

How To Make Chicken Apple Mason Jar Salad

Prepare the apples: Slice the apples and toss them in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Make the dressing: In a small cup or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and lemon juice until well combined.
Layer the jars: Start by pouring the dressing into the bottom of each mason jar. Add layers of cherry tomatoes, chicken, cucumber slices, apple slices, green onions, and finish with lettuce leaves.
Seal and store: Secure the lids on the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator.
Serve: When ready to eat, invert the salad onto a plate so the dressing coats all the ingredients. Alternatively, shake the jar and enjoy straight from it for an on-the-go meal.

Enjoy these delicious mason jar salads! What a great way to have a healthy and yummy lunch!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this mason jar salad as a light and refreshing lunch.
Pair it with a cup of egg drop soup for a hearty, balanced meal.
Add some garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side for extra texture and flavor.
Include it as part of a picnic spread or a grab-and-go option for a road trip.
Garnish with some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Tips For Success

Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the longer your salads will stay crisp and flavorful. Choose firm apples, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes for the best results.
Layer strategically: Always place the dressing at the bottom and the lettuce at the top of the jar. This prevents sogginess and keeps the salad fresh for up to five days.
Cut ingredients evenly: Slice the apples, cucumbers, and other veggies into uniform pieces for better layering and an enjoyable eating experience.
Prevent browning: Toss the apple slices with lemon juice as soon as they’re cut to keep them from turning brown, preserving their freshness.
Use wide-mouth jars: These are easier to fill, clean, and eat from compared to regular mason jars.
Chill immediately: Once the jars are prepared, store them in the refrigerator promptly to maintain their crispness and flavor.
Experiment with flavors: While this recipe is delicious as-is, feel free to customize the dressing with honey for sweetness or add nuts for extra crunch.

Variations And Substitutions

Protein swaps: Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Fruits and veggies: Swap apples for pears, strawberries, or even dried cranberries. Use bell peppers, shredded carrots, or zucchini in place of cucumbers for variety.
Lettuce alternatives: Replace lettuce with spinach, kale, or arugula for a nutrient-packed twist.
Dressing options: Try balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or a creamy yogurt-based dressing instead of lemon-Dijon.
Add crunch: Sprinkle in nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, or add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch.
Make it dairy-friendly: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded Parmesan for extra flavor.
Herbs and spices: Include fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for added freshness. You can also spice up the dressing with a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika.
Gluten-free grains: Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for an extra layer of heartiness without gluten.
Vegan option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tempeh and use maple syrup or agave in the dressing instead of Dijon mustard if needed.
Sweeten the dressing: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the flavors of the lemon-Dijon dressing.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the mason jar salads upright in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The airtight seal of the jars helps keep the ingredients fresh.
Avoid freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables and dressing may lose their texture and flavor.
Serving cold: These salads are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Remove from the refrigerator a few minutes before eating if you prefer.
Re-mixing: If you’ve shaken the jar to mix the dressing but want to eat it later, you can reseal and refrigerate it without loss of freshness.
Transport tips: When taking the salad on the go, ensure the jar is sealed tightly to avoid leaks or spills in your bag or lunchbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of jars for this salad?

Yes, while mason jars are ideal due to their airtight seals and durability, you can use any glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Just make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the layers and keeps the dressing separate from the lettuce.

How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

The key is layering the ingredients correctly. Place the dressing at the bottom, followed by sturdy ingredients like tomatoes and chicken, and keep the lettuce at the top, away from the dressing.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or another plant-based protein. Use a vegan Dijon mustard or substitute with a sweetener like maple syrup in the dressing.

What’s the best way to eat this salad on the go?

Shake the mason jar to distribute the dressing evenly, then eat straight from the jar. Alternatively, invert it onto a plate if you’re at a location where plating is possible.

Can I add other ingredients?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add nuts, seeds, cheese, or other fruits and vegetables to suit your taste.

How do I ensure the apples don’t turn brown?

Coating the apple slices with fresh lemon juice immediately after slicing prevents them from browning while adding a tangy flavor.

How long will this salad stay fresh?

When properly layered and stored in an airtight mason jar, this salad stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option, but you can also use grilled, baked, or poached chicken breast.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on how many servings you’d like to prepare. Just ensure you have enough mason jars for storage.

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