When your weekday lunches need a serious upgrade, this layered jar salad is exactly what you're looking for. Hearty roasted sweet potatoes, protein-packed quinoa, and black beans stack up beautifully under a sweet and tangy mango balsamic dressing. Dried cranberries and sunflower seeds add a great texture contrast that won't get soggy in the fridge. You'll love how easily it packs up for work or a quick grab-and-go meal.
Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Total
1 hr 0 min
Servings
1
Course
Salad
Ingredients
1 diced sweet potato
Salt as desired
1 tbsp. olive oil
½ cup cooked black beans 1 cup cooked quinoa ¼ diced red pepper 1 cup baby spinach
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1½ tbsp. water Instructions:
Instructions
1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Place the diced sweet potato on a baking sheet and toss thoroughly with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them in an even layer so they roast rather than steam.
3Roast for 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
4Combine the cubed mango, balsamic vinegar, and water in a food processor. Blend until smooth to create the dressing.
5Add the cooked black beans to the bottom of a quart-sized jar. Layer the cooked quinoa and the cooled roasted sweet potatoes on top of the beans.
6Pour the mango dressing over the layers, then add the diced red pepper, baby spinach, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Notes
Storage: Seal the jar tightly with its lid and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat.
Make ahead: This salad is designed for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tip: Make sure the sweet potatoes are completely cool before layering so the spinach doesn't wilt.