Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad in a Jar
This Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad in a Jar is a delicious and convenient meal prep option that perfectly blends spicy flavors with crisp, fresh vegetables. This modified recipe combines tender shredded chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy carrots, all enhanced by a tangy ranch dressing and a kick of Frank's hot sauce. Perfect for lunch or a quick snack, these mason jar salads are not only visually appealing but are also packed with protein and nutrients. Prepared in advance, they can be stored in the refrigerator for days, making them an ideal choice for busy weekdays. Enjoy a burst of flavor and satisfaction in every bite!
5
Servings
360
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
10 tablespoons (Store-bought, ready to use)
Frank's Original Hot Sauce
10 teaspoons (Store-bought, ready to use)
Cherry Tomatoes
1 quart (Halved)
Carrots
5 large (Halved and chopped)
Shredded Chicken Breasts
4 cups (Cooked and shredded)
Chopped Romaine Lettuce
5 cups (Fresh, chopped)
Celery Ribs
5 (Halved and chopped)
Instructions
1
Gather five quart-sized mason jars and arrange them in a row on your countertop.
2
In each jar, start by pouring 2 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing at the bottom.
3
Add 2 teaspoons of Frank's Original Hot Sauce on top of the dressing in each jar.
4
Next, add a handful (approximately 1/4 cup) of halved cherry tomatoes to each jar.
5
Follow with chunks from one halved carrot and one halved celery rib per jar, placing them on top of the tomatoes.
6
Layer 3/4 cup of shredded chicken on top of the veggies in each jar.
7
Finally, fill each jar with 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce, pressing down gently to pack it in.
8
Seal the jars with their lids firmly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
15g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad in a Jar?
It is a convenient meal prep option that layers tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a spicy buffalo ranch dressing in mason jars.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 5 individual servings.
How long can I store these salads in the refrigerator?
The sealed jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What size mason jars are recommended?
The recipe calls for five quart-sized mason jars.
What is the first ingredient to go into the jar?
The first ingredient is 2 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.
How do I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy?
By layering the dressing and sauce at the bottom and placing the lettuce at the very top, the lettuce remains crisp until you are ready to eat.
What type of hot sauce is used?
The recipe specifically uses Frank's Original Hot Sauce for that signature buffalo flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories.
How much protein is in each salad jar?
Each jar provides 28g of protein.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You should use 4 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breasts.
Are there carrots in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 5 large carrots that are halved and chopped.
What vegetables are included besides carrots?
The salad also includes cherry tomatoes, celery ribs, and chopped romaine lettuce.
How much ranch dressing is needed in total?
You will need 10 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing for all 5 jars.
How much hot sauce goes into each jar?
Each jar receives 2 teaspoons of Frank's Original Hot Sauce.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 18g of fat.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the jars.
Where does the chicken go in the layering process?
The shredded chicken is layered on top of the carrots and celery, right before adding the lettuce.
How much romaine lettuce is needed?
The recipe requires 5 cups of fresh, chopped romaine lettuce.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal choice for busy weekday lunches.
How many celery ribs are used?
The recipe uses 5 celery ribs, which are halved and chopped.
Should I pack the lettuce down?
Yes, the instructions suggest pressing down gently to pack the lettuce into the top of the jar.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
While the recipe specifies cooked chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving alternative.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery ribs should be halved and chopped.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: ranch, hot sauce, tomatoes, carrots, chicken, lettuce, and celery.
Is this salad spicy?
Yes, it has a kick thanks to the Frank's Original Hot Sauce.
Can I freeze these salad jars?
Freezing is not recommended as fresh lettuce and tomatoes do not thaw well.
How do I eat the salad once it is in the jar?
When ready to eat, you can shake the jar to distribute the dressing or pour the contents into a bowl.
How much chicken goes into each individual jar?
Approximately 3/4 cup of shredded chicken should be added to each jar.
What is the total amount of cherry tomatoes needed?
You will need 1 quart of cherry tomatoes for the full 5-serving batch.