Southwest Chicken Salad in a Jar

This hearty jar salad combines chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese and crunchy romaine lettuce. A creamy salsa ranch dressing gives it plenty of Southwest flavor and makes it filling enough for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes when using cooked chicken
Yield: 2 jar salads

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons mild salsa
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn, drained
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup tortilla strips, packed separately
• Diced avocado tossed with a little lime juice for serving, optional

Directions

1. Stir together the ranch dressing and salsa.
2. Divide the salsa ranch dressing between two wide-mouth Mason jars.
3. Add the black beans, corn and bell pepper.
4. Layer the chicken, tomatoes and cheddar cheese over the vegetables.
5. Fill the jars with chopped romaine lettuce.
6. Seal tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Keep the tortilla strips and avocado separate until serving.
8. Shake the jar before eating or pour the salad into a bowl and toss with the tortilla strips and avocado.