Taco Salad In A Jar Recipe

I recently discovered a taco salad in a jar that thrills my taste buds. I layered seasoned ground turkey with black beans, corn, crisp veggies, and creamy salsa for a refreshing Mason Jar Salad. Each bite offers an exciting mix of textures and flavors that keeps me coming back for more.

I first came up with this taco salad in a jar recipe when I wanted a quick lunch that would still keep me feeling full and satisfied. I love how you can easily layer fresh romaine lettuce with diced tomatoes and hearty black beans, and then add in that perfectly cooked lean ground turkey seasoned with taco seasoning.

It’s like having a little jar full of flavor and crunch, especially when you toss in some shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 diced avocado and tortilla strips right before you dig in. I also love the subtle tang of salsa and the creamy touch of sour cream which bring everything together.

This jar is not only a great example of an easy lunch recipe, its design works perfectly for make ahead lunches and mason jar meals that are ideal for busy days. Trust me, once you try this, you won’t miss your regular lunch routines.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to put together and doesn’t take forever to make. I also dig how it has a good mix of flavors—from the seasoned meat to the crunchy tortilla strips—and all the ingredients work together perfectly. Another thing is that it’s healthy and packed with veggies, which makes me feel better about what I’m eating. Lastly, the jar presentation is really fun and makes it feel like a little homemade masterpiece every time I eat it.

Taco Salad in a Jar is a real quick and simple lunch that’s packed with healthy stuff. Its layers of lettuce, tomatoes, beans and more keep it interesting and the textures really mix well together. I love how you can throw in the meat, veggies, and a bit of cheese and let them mingle until you’re ready to eat. Its ease and the cool jar look make it one of my fav lunches.

Ingredients

• Lean ground turkey or beef delivers hearty protein and robust flavor that kickstarts your meal.
• Black beans adds fiber and plant protein, making this salad extra nutritious.
• Corn bring natural sweetness and carbs, perfect for a crisp, fun crunch.
• Romaine lettuce and diced tomatoes supply vitamins and a tangy, refreshing bite.
• Cheddar cheese gives a savory kick and essential calcium for that rich taste.
• Red onion throws in a sharp zest and antioxidants to boost overall flavor.
• Avocado offer healthy fats and a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Sour cream, salsa, and tortilla strips fuse tang, spice, and crunch delightfully.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef (cooked and seasoned with 1 tbsp taco seasoning)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained or 1 cup fresh corn
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• Tortilla strips, as needed for crunch

How to Make this

1. Start by browning the ground turkey or beef in a skillet on medium heat until fully cooked then stir in 1 tbsp of taco seasoning until it’s all well mixed.

2. While the meat is cooking, drain and rinse the black beans and the corn if you’re using canned corn.

3. Chop the romaine lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and chop the red onion so they’re ready for layering.

4. Once the meat has cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before you start assembling the jar.

5. In a clean jar, put the cooled meat at the bottom as the first layer.

6. Next, add the black beans and corn evenly over the meat.

7. Then, add the chopped romaine lettuce followed by the diced tomatoes and red onion.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the veggies, then gently add the diced avocado on top.

9. Spoon the salsa over everything and drizzle the sour cream evenly across the jar.

10. Finish off by adding tortilla strips right before eating for that crunchy texture and give the jar a little shake when you’re ready to enjoy your taco salad in a jar.

Equipment Needed

1. Skillet
2. Spatula or wooden spoon
3. Colander
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoon (for the taco seasoning)
7. Measuring cup (if needed for the salsa or sour cream)
8. Jar
9. Serving spoon

This should cover all the basic kitchen equipment and utensils you need for the recipe.

FAQ

Taco Salad In A Jar Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the lean ground turkey or beef, you could swap it out for ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles if thats more your style.
• If you dont have black beans, try using pinto or kidney beans as a tasty alternative.
• For the corn, diced red bell pepper can work too, offering a similar sweet crunch.
• Instead of salsa, a fresh pico de gallo gives the dish a bright, zesty flavor.
• If youre low on sour cream, greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds a tangy kick.

Pro Tips

1. When layering the ingredients, let the meat cool down enough so it doesn’t wilt the veggies, and if possible, keep the crisp items like avocado and tortilla strips aside until you’re ready to eat.
2. To amp up the flavor, consider using your own homemade taco seasoning or even tossing a little extra spice at the meat while it’s cooking if you like things hot.
3. Mix the salsa and sour cream together before drizzling it into the jar so the flavor blends better and gives you a smoother taste as you stir it up at mealtime.
4. If you’re prepping these in advance, store any ingredients that may get soggy (like avocado and tortilla strips) separately and add them just before you serve, to keep that crunchy texture.