Looking for an easy lunch you can prepare ahead of time? This Fiesta Quinoa Jar Salad layers chicken, quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, and spinach with a simple seasoned dressing for a filling, portable meal.
Mason jar salads are especially convenient for meal prep because you can prepare several at once and keep the ingredients layered until you’re ready to eat. This recipe makes one 1-pint (2-cup) Mason jar and can easily be scaled up to prepare multiple lunches.
The quinoa is tossed directly with the dressing before the remaining ingredients are layered into the jar. When it’s time to eat, simply serve the contents over the spinach and toss everything together.
This recipe was adapted from the Fiesta Mexican Quinoa Salad-in-a-Jar featured in Quinoa Salad-in-a-Jar in 4 International Flavors.
The nutrition information below is calculated for one complete jar as prepared. If you change ingredient quantities or make substitutions, remember that the calories and macros will change as well.
Fiesta Quinoa Jar Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a 1-pint (2-cup) Mason jar, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, ground chia seed, and taco seasoning. Stir well with a fork.8 g olive oil, 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 g ground chia seed, 5 g taco seasoning
- Add the cooked quinoa to the jar and toss with the dressing until well combined. Level the quinoa to create an even bottom layer.80 g quinoa
- Layer the corn, black beans, jalapeño slices, cherry tomatoes, and chicken on top of the quinoa.36 g sweet corn kernals, 42 g black beans, 11 g pickled jalapeño pepper slices, 45 g cherry tomatoes, 85 g chicken breast
- Place the baby spinach in a separate container or resealable bag. Cover the Mason jar and refrigerate until ready to eat.23 g baby spinach
- When ready to eat, place the spinach in a bowl or on a plate. Pour the contents of the jar over the spinach and toss to combine. The seasoned quinoa and dressing will coat the greens.
- Enjoy cold, or for a warm version, microwave the jar contents without the spinach for 1–2 minutes. Stir, then serve over the spinach.