Meal Prep BLT Ranch Chicken Salad Jars with Sourdough Croutons
A perfect grab-and-go meal prep option, this BLT Ranch Chicken Salad is layered in a jar to stay fresh. Creamy herbed Greek yogurt chicken salad, peppery arugula, crunchy sourdough croutons, and creamy avocado make this a well-balanced meal with amazing textures and flavors.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
If you’re looking for a high-protein, flavor-packed meal prep that stays fresh all week, these BLT Ranch Chicken Salad Jars are it! Layered in a mason jar for the perfect grab-and-go lunch, this salad combines creamy Greek yogurt chicken salad with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy red onion. We’re taking it up a notch with peppery arugula, homemade sourdough croutons, and fresh avocado to create the ultimate balanced meal.
The best part? Everything stays fresh and crisp. By layering the avocado at the bottom, followed by the chicken salad, greens, and croutons on top, this meal prep hack keeps each ingredient at its best until you’re ready to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Meal Prep-Friendly – Stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- High-Protein & Nutrient-Dense – Greek yogurt, lean chicken, and fresh ingredients make this both filling and healthy.
- Texture + Flavor in Every Bite – Creamy, crunchy, and packed with ranch-inspired herbs.
- Better Than Store-Bought – No preservatives, just real ingredients!
Make-Ahead Lunch That Tastes Fresh Every Time
This BLT Ranch Chicken Salad Jar is the perfect way to enjoy a high-protein, satisfying lunch that’s easy to grab and go. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick and delicious lunch idea, these layered salad jars will be your new go-to!
Let me know if you try them—what’s your favorite way to build a meal prep salad jar?
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
• Refrigerate: Store jars sealed in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Keep Croutons Crisp: They stay crunchy on top, but if you prefer extra crispiness, store them separately and add before eating.
• Serving Tip: Shake the jar to mix or pour into a bowl and enjoy!
Customizations & Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
- Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or shaved parmesan.
- Swap the Greens: Use romaine, spinach, or a spring mix instead of arugula.
- Add a Drizzle: A balsamic glaze or a little extra lemon juice before serving.
BLT Ranch Chicken Salad Jar with Sourdough Croutons
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chicken broth for Instant Pot
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery optional, for crunch
For Layering in Jars:
- 2 ripe avocados diced (toss with lemon juice to prevent browning)
- 2 cups arugula
For the Croutons:
- 2 cups sourdough bread cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Let's Make It
- Step 1: Cook the Chicken in the Instant PotCooking chicken in the Instant Pot makes it super tender and easy to shred:1. Add chicken breasts and broth to the Instant Pot.2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (or 12 minutes for thicker breasts).3. Quick-release the pressure and shred or dice the chicken once cooled.
- Step 2: Make the Ranch-Style Chicken Salad1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dill, and parsley.2. Add shredded chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery. Stir to coat everything in the dressing.
- Step 3: Make the Sourdough CroutonsHomemade croutons make all the difference!1. Preheat oven to 375°F.2. Toss 2 cups cubed sourdough bread with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried parsley, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crispy. Let cool.
- Step 4: Layer the Salad JarsTo keep everything fresh and crisp, layer ingredients in this order:1. Bottom Layer: Diced avocado (tossed with lemon juice).2. Middle Layer: BLT Ranch Chicken Salad.3. Greens Layer: A handful of fresh arugula.4. Top Layer: Cooled sourdough croutons.
