Layered Holiday Chopped Chicken

A festive and vibrant salad jar featuring layers of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing—perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings.

This layered holiday chopped chicken salad jar quickly became my go-to for festive meals because it combines convenience with fresh flavors.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 2 medium breasts)
• Vegetables: 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• Vegetables: 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• Vegetables: 1 cup cucumber, diced
• Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Vegetables: 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• Fruits & Nuts: 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• Fruits & Nuts: 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
• Cheese: 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Dressing: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Dressing: 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Dressing: 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Dressing: 1 tbsp honey
• Dressing: 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Dressing: Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the dressing:

Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Assemble jars:

Divide the dressing equally among 4 large mason jars (quart size recommended).

Layer ingredients:

Layer the following ingredients in each jar, in this order: cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red cabbage, cooked chicken, dried cranberries, feta cheese, pecans or walnuts, and finally romaine lettuce on top.

Seal and refrigerate:

Seal the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve:

Shake the jar well or pour contents into a bowl and toss to combine.

Save

My family always looks forward to enjoying these salad jars during the holidays because they are both delicious and easy to share.

Substitutions

Substitute turkey for chicken for an extra holiday twist or use blue cheese instead of feta for a bolder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad jar with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus to complement the flavors.

Storage Tips

Seal jars tightly and store in the refrigerator. Add sliced avocado just before serving for additional creaminess.

Save

Enjoy this colorful and healthy layered salad jar for a festive meal that's as beautiful as it is tasty.

Kitchen Guide

→ How do I assemble the layered jars?

Layer ingredients starting with the dressing at the bottom, followed by cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red cabbage, chicken, dried cranberries, feta, nuts, and finish with romaine lettuce on top.

→ Can I prepare these jars ahead of time?

Yes, assembling the jars in advance and refrigerating allows flavors to mingle and is perfect for meal planning or holiday events.

→ What dressings pair well with this salad?

The creamy mix of Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar complements the layers well, but a light vinaigrette can also work.

→ Are there suitable protein alternatives?

Turkey can replace chicken for a different festive twist without compromising flavor or texture.

→ How can I add extra creaminess to this dish?

Adding sliced avocado just before serving enhances creaminess and adds richness to the layered combination.