Build-Your-Own Fun Taco Salad Jars
Layered mason jars filled with crunchy taco components and creamy avocado dressing for a portable, customizable meal that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 32 minutes pairs diced chicken breast, rinsed black beans, canned corn kernels into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced chicken breast
- 1/2 cup rinsed black beans
- 1/2 cup canned corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 medium avocado
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 1/4 cup for topping tortilla chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 cup diced chicken breast with 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes until no longer pink, then set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mash 1/2 medium avocado with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Stir in 3 tbsp Greek yogurt and 1 tbsp chopped chives to create a creamy dressing.
- Step 3: Assemble in a mason jar: Layer 1/4 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup cooled chicken in the jar. Top with 1/4 cup tortilla chips and drizzle the avocado dressing over the top just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Build-Your-Own Fun Taco Salad Jars take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (25 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Build-Your-Own Fun Taco Salad Jars?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Build-Your-Own Fun Taco Salad Jars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Build-Your-Own Fun Taco Salad Jars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Build-Your-Own Fun Taco Salad Jars?
Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
