Fiesta Taco Salad-In-A-Jar with Creamy Avocado + Cilantro Dressing

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​ Fiesta Taco Salad-in-a-Jar with Creamy Avocado + Cilantro Dressing

That sounds like a fantastic recipe for meal prep! Layering a vibrant Fiesta Taco Salad in a jar, complete with a creamy avocado and cilantro dressing, is perfect for grab-and-go lunches.

​Here is the full recipe!

​ Fiesta Taco Salad-in-a-Jar with Creamy Avocado + Cilantro Dressing

​This recipe yields approximately 4 servings for a week of healthy, easy meal prep.

​Part 1: Creamy Avocado + Cilantro Dressing

​The dressing must go on the very bottom to prevent other ingredients from getting soggy.

​Ingredients

  • ​1 ripe Avocado
  • ​1/2 cup Cilantro (packed)
  • ​1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt or sour cream (for creaminess)
  • ​2 Tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ​2 Tbsp Water (or more, to reach desired consistency)
  • ​1 clove Garlic
  • ​1/2 tsp Cumin
  • ​1/4 tsp Salt
  • ​Pinch of Black Pepper

​Instructions

  1. ​Combine all dressing ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.
  2. ​Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency.
  3. ​Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lime juice for tang, or salt/pepper as needed).
  4. ​Divide the dressing evenly among four large (32-ounce/quart-sized) mason jars, pouring it directly into the bottom of each jar.

​Part 2: Taco Filling & Salad Layers

​This recipe uses a quick ground turkey/beef filling, but you can use chicken, beans, or keep it vegetarian.

​Ingredients

Layer

Ingredient

Amount (Total for 4 Jars)

Notes

Protein

Ground Turkey/Beef (lean)

1 lb

Cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning.

Hearty Veggies

Black Beans

1 can (15 oz), rinsed & drained

Or pinto beans.

Corn (frozen or canned)

1 cup

If frozen, thaw first.

Bell Pepper (diced)

1 large

Use red, yellow, or orange for color.

Cheese

Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack

1/2 cup

Optional.

Crunch

Crushed Tortilla Chips or Pepitas

1/4 cup

Pack separately or add right before serving if using chips.

Greens

Romaine Lettuce or Baby Spinach

4-6 cups (loosely packed)

This is the final layer.

Prep Instructions

  1. ​Cook Protein: Brown the ground turkey or beef in a skillet. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer until the liquid reduces and the meat is fully coated. Let the meat cool completely.
  2. ​Dice Vegetables: Dice the bell pepper into small pieces.
  3. ​Assemble Jars: Starting with the jars containing the dressing, layer the ingredients in this specific order to maintain freshness:

Layer Number

Ingredient

Why?

1 (Bottom)

Creamy Avocado Dressing

Barrier to keep ingredients from getting soggy.

2

Hearty Veggies (Bell Pepper, Black Beans, Corn)

Hard ingredients that can soak up dressing without getting mushy.

3

Cooked Taco Meat (cooled)

Hearty and flavorful layer.

4

Cheese (Shredded)

Separator layer.

5 (Top)

Lettuce/Greens

Keep dry and separated from the dressing.

Storage and Serving

  • ​Storage: Seal the jars tightly. Store them upright in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • ​Serving: When ready to eat, simply shake the jar vigorously to coat all the ingredients with the dressing, or pour the contents into a bowl. Add the crunchy element (tortilla chips) just before eating.

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