Chicken Mango Mason Jar Salad Recipe
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Say goodbye to boring salads with this vibrant Chicken Mango Mason Jar Salad! Packed with layers of juicy mango, tender chicken, and crisp, colorful veggies, this salad is as tasty as it is beautiful. Perfect for busy days, this no-cook recipe stays fresh for up to five days, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go lunch. With every bite bursting with fresh, zesty flavors, it’s a meal you’ll look forward to every time.
Looking forward to lunch is going to be so exciting when you have this chicken mango mason jar salad in your refrigerator! Everyone who opens the fridge is going to be so jealous! ;)
Why You’ll Love Chicken Mango Mason Jar Salad
- Fresh and vibrant flavors: The sweetness of mango pairs perfectly with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing, creating a balanced flavor explosion in every bite.
- Perfect for meal prep: These mason jar salads stay fresh and crisp for up to five days, making them a lifesaver for busy weeks.
- Customizable and versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or use what you already have on hand.
- Visually stunning: The colorful layers make this salad as delightful to look at as it is to eat, perfect for impressing guests or making your meal feel extra special.
- Nutritious and satisfying: High in protein and fiber, this salad keeps you full and energized without feeling heavy.
This beautiful chicken mango salad is made in a mason jar! The ingredients are layered from bottom to top, and you can see them all through the glass. You can see the distinct layers of red cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, mango slices, avocado, chicken pieces and green crisp lettuce! Eating healthy is really easy when you have a salad like this waiting for you in your fridge!
This chicken mango salad is high protein, low carb, and gluten free! It is packed with nutrition to the max and is so good for you! This salad is super filling and makes a perfect main dish. Nutritious, filling, yummy and healthy – that’s a winner!
Ingredients For Chicken Mango Mason Jar Salad
- Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a juicy, tangy base layer to the salad.
- Carrots – Shredded for a delightful crunch and a boost of color.
- Mangoes – Sweet and juicy, these add a tropical twist to the flavor.
- Avocados – Creamy and rich, they balance the crispness of the other ingredients.
- Cooked Chicken – A protein-packed ingredient that makes this salad filling and satisfying.
- Lettuce – Fresh and crisp, it forms the light and fluffy top layer.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Used for the dressing, it’s smooth and heart-healthy.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a zesty brightness to the dressing and helps keep the avocado fresh.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
A great feature of the mason jar salads is that they stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make-ahead salads? Absolutely! If that makes you surprised, it means you haven’t tried the mason jar salads before. Finally you can make a salad that doesn’t get soggy, and you can count on it for next day’s lunch!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chicken Mango Mason Jar Salad
- Mason Jars – Quart-sized jars for creating perfect individual portions and keeping the salad fresh.
- Measuring Cups – Essential for portioning out ingredients accurately.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping mangoes, avocados, and chicken with precision.
- Whisk or Fork – To mix the dressing quickly and easily.
- Vegetable Peeler – Helpful for shredding the carrots, if you don’t buy pre-shredded ones.
It’s the glass of the mason jar, it’s vertical shape and the special order of the ingredient layers that keep the mason jar salads fresh. The dressing always goes on the bottom, followed by the cherry tomatoes, carrots, mango and avocado. In every mason jar salad, lettuce always goes on the top. You can pack the lettuce tightly, and you’ll be surprised how much lettuce the mason jar will hold! The mason jars might not look too big, but these salad portions are huge – it’s enough to feed a very hungry person for lunch or dinner!
How To Make Chicken Mango Mason Jar Salad
- Start by preparing the mason jars. Ensure they are clean and dry.
- Toss the chopped avocado in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Whisk together the olive oil and remaining lemon juice to create a simple, tangy dressing.
- Pour the dressing into the bottom of each mason jar.
- Layer the cherry tomatoes over the dressing to keep the wetter ingredients away from the lettuce.
- Add the shredded carrots as the next layer for a pop of color and crunch.
- Follow with the sweet, juicy mango pieces.
- Gently layer the avocado on top of the mango to maintain its shape.
- Add the cooked chicken as a protein-packed layer.
- Top with fresh, crisp lettuce, packing it tightly to fit.
- Seal the jars with lids and refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
There is dressing on the bottom of the jar, so it doesn’t touch the lettuce until you are ready to eat it. That’s how the lettuce stays crisp :) When you are ready to eat the salad, just shake the jar upside down to distribute the dressing. Or simply put the salad on the plate and mix!
Serving Suggestions
- Pour the salad onto a plate for a beautiful, colorful presentation that highlights the layers.
- Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a slice of bread for added texture and carbs.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra protein and crunch.
- Serve it alongside a chickpea soup or sandwich for a hearty and balanced meal.
- Enjoy it straight from the mason jar for a convenient and mess-free on-the-go meal.
Tips For Success
- Layering is key: Always start with the dressing at the bottom and the lettuce at the top. This keeps the ingredients fresh and prevents sogginess.
- Pack the lettuce tightly: Don’t hesitate to press the lettuce down. It will stay fresh and create enough room for all your ingredients.
- Use ripe but firm mangoes: Soft mangoes might become mushy in the jar, so go for ones that hold their shape.
- Toss the avocado in lemon juice: This prevents it from browning and keeps your salad looking fresh and appetizing.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to add extras like nuts, seeds, or shredded cheese for a twist in flavor and texture.
- Don’t skimp on the dressing: A well-balanced dressing ties all the flavors together and makes the salad irresistible.
- Choose high-quality jars: Mason jars with a secure seal will keep your salad fresh for up to five days.
- Refrigerate immediately: Keep the jars in the fridge as soon as they’re prepped to maintain freshness and food safety.
- Shake well before serving: If eating from the jar, give it a good shake to mix the dressing and ingredients evenly.
- Plan ahead: Prep these salads on Sunday night for a grab-and-go lunch throughout the workweek.
Variations And Substitutions
- Protein swaps: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs for different protein options. For a plant-based version, try chickpeas or black beans.
- Fruit alternatives: Swap mango with pineapple, peaches, or even pomegranate seeds for a unique fruity twist. Each option will provide a different flavor profile while keeping the salad fresh and exciting.
- Greens upgrade: Instead of lettuce, try using baby spinach, kale, or arugula. These options offer a variety of textures and nutrients.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle in nuts like cashews, pecans, or walnuts, or toss in some pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add a satisfying crunch and an extra boost of healthy fats.
- Dressing varieties: Mix it up with a creamy avocado dressing, a spicy sriracha vinaigrette, or a classic balsamic glaze. This can completely transform the flavor of your salad.
- Vegetable swaps: Replace carrots with shredded zucchini, sliced cucumbers, or bell peppers for a fresh twist. This is a great way to use what’s in season.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a kick of heat.
- Cheese lovers’ addition: Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan can add a creamy, tangy element to the salad.
- Low-carb option: Replace the mango with more greens or avocado to lower the carb count while keeping it filling and nutritious.
- Bigger portions: Double the quantities and use larger jars if you need heartier servings or want to share with family.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep the mason jar salads sealed tightly with their lids and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days if prepared with the proper layering technique to separate the dressing from the greens.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. Simply take it out of the refrigerator a few minutes before eating to allow the flavors to settle.
- Tips for freshness: Make sure the jars are completely dry before assembling the salads to prevent moisture from affecting the ingredients. Also, use fresh and firm produce to maintain the best texture throughout the storage period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
The key is in the layering! Always place the dressing at the bottom of the jar and the lettuce at the top. This prevents the greens from touching the dressing until you’re ready to eat, keeping everything crisp and fresh.
Can I use a different type of jar?
Yes, but mason jars work best due to their airtight seal and vertical design, which helps maintain the layers. If you use other containers, ensure they have a secure lid and are tall enough to fit all the ingredients in layers.
What can I use instead of mango?
If you’re not a fan of mango or want variety, you can substitute it with pineapple, peaches, or even oranges. These fruits provide a sweet flavor that complements the chicken and dressing well.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
When properly layered and stored in a mason jar, the salad stays fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep!
Can I freeze the mason jar salads?
No, these salads are not freezer-friendly. Fresh vegetables and fruits, especially lettuce and avocado, don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
What type of chicken works best?
Cooked, chopped chicken breast or thighs work well. You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken for this recipe.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk the olive oil and lemon juice dressing a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.
How do I eat the salad from the mason jar?
You can either shake the jar to mix the ingredients and eat straight from it or pour the contents onto a plate and toss to combine.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons for the dressing?
You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice or even lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
Are there any gluten-containing ingredients in this recipe?
No, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients you use (like the chicken) don’t have any added gluten-containing seasonings or sauces.
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Chicken Mango Mason Jar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 quart cherry tomatoes
- 2 carrots shredded
- 2 mangoes chopped
- 2 avocados chopped
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 package 8 oz lettuce
Dressing
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon squeezed
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- 4 Mason Jars (16 oz) quart-sized
- Whisk or fork
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare 4 glass mason jars.
- Put avocado pieces in a separate bowl and pour 1 tsp of lemon juice on it, and toss to coat with lemon juice.
- Put the remaining lemon juice and olive oil in a cup and whisk with a fork until combined.
- Pour the dressing on the bottom of the 4 jars.
- Distribute the cherry tomatoes among the 4 mason jars.
- Put the shredded carrots on top of the tomatoes.
- Put the mangoes on top of the carrots.
- Put the avocado pieces on top of the mango.
- Put the chicken on top of the avocado.
- Finally, pack in the lettuce leaves and close the jars.
More Salad Recipes
- Fresh Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad
- Traditional Israeli Tomato Cucumber Parsley Salad
- Crunchy Taco Bowl Salad with Ground Beef
Low carb, gluten free and high protein…this is exactly what I NEED and love!
I love the addition of mango. I love fruit in salads, but have never used mango. It’s a great summery twist!