If you want to keep salad at home then you will love this chicken Caesar salad mason jar recipe. Today I will tell you how to make this salad at home and how to store it.
Layers of succulent seasoned chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty red onions, all perfectly nestled in a handy mason jar.
The real secret lies in the homemade Caesar dressing, bringing together the classic flavors that I all adore.
With a touch of creativity and a few simple steps, you’ll have a portable, ready-to-eat salad that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits seamlessly into your on-the-go lifestyle.
Let’s start with how to make it!
How To Make Chicken Caesar Salad Mason Jar Recipe?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for chicken)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 350 calories
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Caesar Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined.
3. Assemble the Mason Jars
Start by spooning a layer of Caesar dressing into the bottom of each mason jar. Add a layer of sliced chicken on top of the dressing.
Follow with layers of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. Finish each jar with a generous layer of chopped romaine lettuce.
4. Seal and Refrigerate
Secure the lids on the mason jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.
When ready to eat, shake the jar to distribute the dressing evenly, then pour the contents into a bowl or eat directly from the jar.
5. Serve
Enjoy a delicious and convenient Chicken Caesar Salad right from the mason jar!
Tips And Tricks For Perfectly Making
✔ Layer Wisely: Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by sturdy ingredients like chicken and tomatoes, and finish with delicate items like lettuce on top to keep it crisp.
✔ Keep It Fresh: To maintain freshness, store the mason jars in the refrigerator and shake well before serving to evenly distribute the dressing.
✔ Crouton Care: Place croutons away from the dressing to prevent them from becoming soggy – maintain that satisfying crunch.
✔ Prep Ahead: Cook and slice the chicken in advance, and store all ingredients separately until assembly to save time during the week.
✔ Customize to Taste: Adjust ingredient quantities and dressing levels according to personal preferences for a tailored salad experience.
✔ Seal Tightly: Ensure mason jar lids are tightly secured to prevent any leaks when storing or transporting your salad.
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh and quality ingredients to enhance the overall taste and appeal of your Chicken Caesar Salad Mason Jar.
✔ Shake Before Eating: When ready to enjoy, shake the jar to evenly distribute the dressing and flavors before pouring it into a bowl or eating directly from the jar.
Serving Suggestions
✅ Pair with Soup: Serve alongside a warm soup, such as tomato or minestrone, for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
✅ Side of Bread: Accompany the salad with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for an extra touch of indulgence.
✅ Add Protein: Boost protein intake by serving with grilled shrimp, salmon, or a side of hard-boiled eggs.
✅ Fruit Garnish: Enhance freshness with a side of sliced strawberries or grapes for a sweet contrast.
✅ Avocado Upgrade: Include slices of ripe avocado for a creamy texture and added nutritional benefits.
✅ Quinoa Base: Serve over a bed of cooked quinoa or couscous for a heartier and more substantial dish.
✅ Top with Bacon: For a savory twist, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the salad before sealing the mason jar.
Customize And Variations
✔️ Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
✔️ Grilled Veggie Edition: Include grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a charred and smoky element.
✔️ Protein Powerhouse: Mix in additional protein sources like chickpeas, grilled tofu, or sliced hard-boiled eggs.
✔️ Caesar Wrap: Skip the jar and use the same ingredients to create a hearty Chicken Caesar Wrap using a tortilla or flatbread.
✔️ Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
✔️ Crispy Pancetta: Replace traditional bacon bits with crispy pancetta for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Conclusion
Crafting this Chicken Caesar Salad Mason Jar Recipe has truly revolutionized my dinnertime routine.
The layers of crisp romaine, seasoned chicken, and vibrant veggies, all dressed in the creamy homemade Caesar dressing, create a symphony of flavors and textures that never fails to satisfy.
The convenience of having a wholesome, portable salad ready to go in a mason jar is a game-changer for busy days.
Plus, the adaptability of this recipe allows me to switch things up, keeping it exciting with various ingredients and personal touches.
Whether I’m enjoying it at my desk or on a picnic, this mason jar salad has become my go-to, making healthy eating both effortless and delicious.
So, here’s to savoring every bite of this culinary creation that brings freshness and flavor right to my fingertips.
Comment on how you made this salad. If you like this recipe then don’t forget to share it.
FAQs
Why Do People Put Salads In Mason Jars?
People put salads in mason jars for convenience and to keep ingredients fresh. The layering helps prevent sogginess – dressing at the bottom, followed by sturdier components, and delicate greens on top. This method makes salads easy to transport, and store, and ensures a crisp texture when ready to eat.
Does Salad Last Longer In Glass Jars?
Yes, salads tend to last longer in glass jars compared to plastic containers. Glass is non-porous and doesn’t retain odors or flavors, preserving the freshness of the ingredients. Additionally, glass is less permeable than plastic, reducing the risk of the salad absorbing any undesirable tastes or smells.
What Does A Chicken Caesar Salad Contain?
A classic Chicken Caesar Salad typically includes romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted chicken, cherry tomatoes, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. The dressing is a combination of ingredients like mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
How Do You Preserve Salad In A Jar?
To preserve salad in a jar, layer ingredients strategically to prevent sogginess. Begin with dressing at the bottom, followed by sturdy items like proteins and vegetables, and finish with delicate greens. Ensure a tight seal on the jar, store it in the refrigerator, and shake well before serving to evenly distribute the dressing when ready to eat. This method helps maintain the salad’s freshness for an extended period.
Chicken Caesar Salad Mason Jar Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup croutons
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined.
- Assemble the Mason Jars: Start by spooning a layer of Caesar dressing into the bottom of each mason jar. Add a layer of sliced chicken on top of the dressing. Follow with layers of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. Finish each jar with a generous layer of chopped romaine lettuce.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Secure the lids on the mason jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to eat, shake the jar to distribute the dressing evenly, then pour the contents into a bowl or eat directly from the jar.
- Serve: Enjoy a delicious and convenient Chicken Caesar Salad right from the mason jar!
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