Description
Discover a vibrant strawberry chicken salad mason jar recipe—perfect for a portable, protein‑packed lunch you’ll love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups mixed baby greens (baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 4 wide‑mouth 16‑oz mason jars, lids and rings
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Layer the jar – start with the wet ingredients. Pour 1 tablespoon of the dressing into the bottom of each mason jar. This ensures the greens stay fresh and crisp.
- Add heartier components. Divide the shredded chicken evenly among the jars (about 1/2 cup per jar). Follow with the diced red onion.
- Fruit and crunch. Spoon the quartered strawberries and halved grapes over the chicken. Sprinkle toasted almonds on top of the fruit.
- Cheese and greens. Add a generous pinch of feta cheese to each jar, then fill the remainder with mixed baby greens, packing them lightly but firmly.
- Seal and shake. Secure the lid and ring. When you’re ready to eat, simply shake the jar vigorously for 10‑15 seconds to coat everything with the dressing.
- Serve. Open the jar, give the salad a quick toss with a fork if needed, and enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a plate.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken. Warm chicken can be cooled quickly in an ice bath to keep the salad cool.
- Toast almonds just before assembling. A dry skillet over medium heat brings out their nutty aroma in 2‑3 minutes.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This prevents the greens from wilting.
- Choose ripe but firm strawberries. Over‑ripe berries become mushy and release excess juice.
- Pack the jars upright. If you need to transport them, place a small piece of parchment paper between the lid and jar to avoid leaks.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: strawberry chicken salad mason jar