This Mason Jar Taco Salad is a party in jar! This recipe makes for an amazing high-protein, gluten free lunch, dinner or even quick snack. Layers of seasoned black beans, roasted veggies and all your favorite taco toppings come together in a fun, customizable way that’s perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re packing lunch for work or school, prepping meals for the week or need a grab-and-go option for a picnic, these gorgeous salads are as convenient as they are impressive. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – customize it to your taste buds and dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
It’s so easy to make!
This jar salad is so goregous.
This meal is so easy to customize.
It is packed with delicious veggies and protein.
This jar salad is an easy meal prep for lunch!
It’s kid-friendly and family-friendly.
This recipe is so convenient!
What Is The Point of Jar Salads?
There are several advantages to making salads in a jar, especially mason jars:
- Freshness: Layering ingredients in a jar keeps them separated, especially the dressing from the greens. This prevents the greens from getting soggy, making your salad stay crisp and fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Convenience: Mason jars are portable and stackable, making them perfect for grabbing a healthy lunch on the go, whether for work, school or a picnic.
- Meal Prep: You can easily whip up a bunch of jar salads at once for the week ahead, saving you time and ensuring you have healthy options readily available.
- Customization: Jar salads are incredibly versatile. You can choose a variety of ingredients to create endless flavor combinations that suit your taste and dietary needs.
Equipment Needed
All you need to assemble this mason jar taco salad recipe is mason jars!
Ingredients Needed
Salsa: Salsa adds flavor and juicy texture to this jar salad! Play around with mild, medium or hot depending on your preference.
Roasted Vegetables: I used mixed roasted peppers and sweet onion here!
Black Beans: Black beans add protein and a creamy texture to this salad.
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken adds protein to this mason jar taco salad. I love to cook it in taco spices.
Wild Rice: Wild rice has a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the softer greens!
Lettuce: Lettuce adds some crunch, lightness and crispiness to this jar.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Layer the ingredients in your mason jars starting with the salsa on the bottom and making sure to put the lettuce on top so it does not get soggy!
Storage
These mason jar taco salads can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. They are perfect for lunch meal prep for the week or an easy dinner!
Variations
Protein: Instead of ground chicken, try using ground beef, ground turkey, shrimp or skipping the meat.
Add spice: Use hot salsa, pickled jalapeños or fresh chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick. Spice up the meat with cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder.
Herbs: Include chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions for a burst of flavor.
Low Carb: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice or shredded romaine lettuce as the base for a low-carb option.
Dressing: Feel free to add additional dressing with the salsa. Ranch is really good in this jar salad!
Vegetables: Switch up the vegetables! Try adding corn, red onion, sweet potatoes and more!
How to Layer Jar Salads
Layering is key to creating a fresh and delicious jar salad! Here’s a guide to layering your jar salad for optimal taste and texture:
Pour your desired amount of salsa on the bottom of the jar. This keeps it separate from the ingredients that can get soggy easily.
The lettuce goes on the top so that it doesn’t get soggy!
How to Serve
This mason jar taco salad recipe can be eaten straight from the jar or poured out into a plate or a bowl!
Recipe FAQ
Are mason jar salads worth it?
Yes! They are so fun, gorgeous and easy to prep!
Can you eat mason jar salads out of the jar?
You can eat your mason jar taco salad out of the jar or you can pour it out onto a plate or into a bowl!
Do mason jar salads get soggy?
This mason jar salad does not get soggy because the salsa is at the bottom and the lettuce it on the top!
Can I make a vegan taco salad?
Skip the meat to make this a vegan taco salad.
How long does a salad last in a jar?
This mason jar salad lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these fun meal prep ideas next:
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
Blueberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Bake
If you make this mason jar taco salad and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
Mason Jar Taco Salad
Equipment
- 3 mason jars
Ingredients
- 1 jar salsa
- 2 cups peppers and onions, sautéed
- 1 can black beans, cooked
- 1 lb ground chicken, cooked
- 1 cup wild rice, cooked
- 2 cups lettuce, shredded
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Layer the ingredients in your mason jars starting with the salsa on the bottom and making sure to put the lettuce on top so it does not get soggy!
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