Creamy Protein-Stacked Chicken Salad Jar

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Creamy Protein-Stacked Chicken Salad Jar
(aka: The I’ve-Got-My-Life-Together Lunch)

Description

This isn’t a sad desk salad. It’s a layered, protein-forward mason jar meal with tender shredded chicken, crisp cucumbers, crunchy lettuce, and a creamy herby dressing that soaks into everything just enough over time. Cold, satisfying, and weirdly luxurious straight from the fridge. Perfect for meal prep, zero reheating, zero regret.

Servings

  • 2 large jars (very filling)

  • Or 4 smaller jars (lighter lunches/snacks)

Ingredients

Base Protein Layer

  • 2–3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

    • (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)

Veggie Layers

  • 1 cup diced cucumber

  • 1 cup chopped celery (optional but adds crunch)

  • 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce

Creamy Dressing

  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayo, or half & half)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or light mayo

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • Optional: dill, parsley, or chives

 Instructions (The Stack Matters)

  1. Mix the Dressing
    Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  2. Build the Jar (Bottom → Top)
    This order keeps everything crisp:

    • Layer 1: Shredded chicken

    • Layer 2: Cucumbers & celery

    • Layer 3: Spoon a generous layer of dressing

    • Layer 4: More chicken

    • Layer 5: More dressing

    • Layer 6: Lettuce on top

  3. Seal & Chill
    Refrigerate at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.

  4. Eat Like a Champion
    Shake it, dump it into a bowl, or eat straight from the jar like a focused adult.

 Why It Gets Better Over Time

  • The chicken absorbs the dressing

  • The flavors meld

  • The veggies stay crisp because they’re not drowning

  • Your future self thanks you

 Estimated Nutrition (Per Large Jar)

(Approximate)

  • Calories: 400–450

  • Protein: 35–45g

  • Fat: 18–22g

  • Carbs: 8–12g

  • Fiber: 2–4g

High protein + fat = hours of satiety, zero crash.

Benefits

  • ✔ High-protein & filling

  • ✔ No reheating required

  • ✔ Meal-prep friendly (keeps 3–4 days)

  • ✔ Blood-sugar friendly

  • ✔ Actually enjoyable to eat

Variations (Highly Recommended)

  • Buffalo style: Add hot sauce + blue cheese crumbles

  • Mediterranean: Feta, olives, cucumber, oregano

  • Avocado ranch: Add mashed avocado to dressing

  • Low-fat: All Greek yogurt, skip oil

  • Extra crunch: Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts

Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead for the week?
A: Yes—3 to 4 days is perfect. Lettuce stays crisp if it’s on top.

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: You can, but rotisserie or freshly cooked tastes way better.

Q: Is this keto / low carb?
A: Easily—just keep cucumbers and skip carrots or sweet add-ins.

Q: Can I eat it straight from the jar?
A: That’s the whole point. 🫙✨

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