Layered Mixed Grain Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing: A Nutritious Power Jar

If you’re looking for a filling and nutritious meal that’s perfect for meal prep, this Layered Mixed Grain Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with hearty grains, fresh veggies, plant-based protein, and topped with a rich, tangy tahini dressing, this salad will keep you energized and satisfied. The best part? You can prep everything in jars for easy grab-and-go meals. Whether it’s for lunch at work or a quick, wholesome dinner, this layered salad is full of vibrant flavours and textures.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed grain rice (such as brown rice, quinoa, or wild rice)
• 1 apple, cubed
• 1 cup vegan protein of choice (like tofu, tempeh, or seitan)
• 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• Nafsika’s Garden Feta style cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups spinach

Dressing:

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 3 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a small blender or food processor, add tahini, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed to reach your desired thickness.
2. Divide the dressing evenly between two large jars, pouring it into the bottom. This ensures the salad ingredients remain fresh and crisp until you’re ready to eat.
3. On top of the dressing, start layering your salad ingredients. Begin with the mixed grain rice, followed by cubed apple, chickpeas, vegan protein, pumpkin seeds, crumbled Nafsika’s Garden Feta style cheese, and finally, spinach. Make sure to divide all the ingredients evenly between the two jars.
4. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, pour the contents of the jar into a shallow bowl. The dressing at the bottom will coat the ingredients as they mix together. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly dressed.
5. Dive into a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal full of plant-based goodness! The combination of crisp apple, creamy feta, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and the savoury vegan protein paired with the tangy tahini dressing will leave you craving more.
   
   

Perfect for Meal Prep:

This jar salad is ideal for meal prepping. You can make several jars ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and simply grab one whenever you need a quick, nourishing meal. The dressing at the bottom keeps everything fresh and prevents any sogginess.