Mason Jar Taco Salad

I know I’m late to the whole “mason jar meals” revolution. But truly, I haven’t had much reason to pack a lunch or dinner until hubs returned to shift work this year. I try to incorporate healthy ingredients as often as possible (y’all know I like my cookies, but we can’t have those everyday) and I needed an easy way to pack salads. 

So my BFF pinterest came through with the perfect solution. Mason Jar salads!!! Clearly I’ve been under a rock. These are so beautiful and so easy.

This jar salad comes together pretty quick and it’s perfect for to-go lunches (or dinner). The only cooking involved is the chicken tenders. 

So, here we go! You’ll need….

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken tenders, cut into cubes
• taco or chili seasoning
• 1/4 cup salsa 
• handful of cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
• 1/4 cup chopped purple onion
• 1 small tomatillo, diced (optional)
• 1 cup lettuce or salad mix
• 1 can of black beans (you won’t need the entire can)
• 1 can of whole kernel yellow corn or fresh (I used fresh-half a cob)
• cotija cheese, sprikled for garnish (optional)
• finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sprinkled for garnish
• 1 very ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Thaw tenders (if using frozen) and cut into small bit size pieces. Heat skillet over medium high heat and add a swirl of olive oil. Season chicken with salt & pepper, taco or chili seasoning, and cook until no longer pink. Set aside to cool.
2. Drain black beans & rinse, drain corn. 
3. Chop onion, tomatoes, tomatillo, avocado, and cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, mix the avocado with the sour cream until well incorporated, and season with salt & pepper to taste.  
5. *Important to note-use your estimation on how much to use of each ingredient. I just eyeballed it. Use more or less of your favorite ingredients! Make it your own (you gotta eat it, not me)!!
6. Begin layering the salad: salsa, diced tomatoes, onion, tomatillo, lettuce, black beans, corn, chicken, cotija cheese, cheddar, and finally, top with the avocado dressing. 

Pack each layer tightly! I use the back of a spoon to push down each layer as I go along. 

Make sure if you’re taking this to work with you, that you also take a BOWL to pour it into! (ask me how I know….)