Chicken Caesar-Style Salad Jar

Creamy, crunchy and packed with protein, this Chicken Caesar-Style Salad Jar is a lighter take on a classic Caesar salad that's perfect for preparing ahead.

Layers of tender garlic chicken, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, Parmesan and crunchy cos lettuce are paired with a simple homemade creamy lemon, garlic and Dijon dressing.

The secret is all in the layering. Keep the creamy dressing at the bottom, the sturdier ingredients in the middle and the lettuce right at the top. Stored upright in the fridge, everything stays separate and fresh until you're ready for lunch.

Each 750 ml jar makes a satisfying meal in a jar, with plenty of lean protein and fresh vegetables. Keep your homemade croutons separate and add them just before serving so they stay beautifully crunchy.

When lunchtime comes, simply tip the jar into a bowl, scrape out that delicious creamy dressing, add the croutons, toss and enjoy.

Storage: Up to 3 days refrigerated

Prep Time10

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: Italian

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Servings: 1 Person

Calories: 430kcal

Equipment

1 750ml Glass jar with tight fitting lid
Airfryer Oven or pan can also be used

Ingredients

For the Chicken

150 g cooked chicken breast cooled and cubed
If cooking from raw: approximately 190–200 g raw chicken breast
½ tsp olive oil
½ tsp prepared crushed garlic
Black pepper to taste

Creamy Caesar-Style Dressing

2 tbsp plain Greek yoghurt
¾ tbsp fresh lemon juice about 2¼ tsp
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp olive oil
½ tsp prepared crushed garlic
½ tsp finely grated Parmesan optional
Generous freshly ground black pepper
Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
If the dressing seems thick that's fine — there's no need to dilute it. It will coat the salad once everything is tossed together.

For the Salad

150 g cooked chicken cooled and cubed
⅓ –½ cup cucumber diced
5 –6 cherry tomatoes halved
12 –15 g Parmesan finely grated or shaved
Approximately 1½–2 cups cos lettuce washed and thoroughly dried
½ slice wholegrain bread toasted and cut into small croutons, optional
Keep the croutons separate from the jar until you're ready to eat.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Lightly coat the raw chicken breast with olive oil, prepared crushed garlic and freshly ground black pepper.
Air-fry at 180°C for approximately 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.
Cooking time will vary according to the thickness of the chicken. If using a meat thermometer, the thickest part should reach 74°C.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
Allow the chicken to cool completely before adding it to the jar.
Make the Caesar-Style Dressing
Add the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, crushed garlic, optional Parmesan and plenty of black pepper to a small bowl.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Build Your Chicken Caesar-Style Salad Jar

Add the ingredients to your 750 ml jar in the following order, starting at the bottom:
Creamy Caesar-style dressing
↓
Cucumber
↓
Cherry tomatoes
↓
Chicken
↓
Parmesan
↓
Cos lettuce
Use enough lettuce to fill the remaining space in the jar without packing it down too tightly.
Seal and store the jar upright in the refrigerator.
Don't shake the jar before storing.

Notes

🌶️ Smoked Oke Twist

For a subtle smoky kick, add ¼–½ teaspoon Smoked Oke Smoked Chilli Flakes to the chicken before air frying.

Or, for those who like a little more heat, add a small spoonful of Smoked Oke Chilli Crunch after tipping the salad into the bowl.

I'd keep the Chilli Crunch out of the jar itself so the cos lettuce and croutons remain crisp.