Tahini Tango - 12/04/2024

Ingredients

For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing (makes about 1 1/2 cups, ~1/4 cup per jar):

• 1/3 cup tahini
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave nectar)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Water (to thin, about 2–4 tbsp)

For the Salad Layers (prepare enough for 6 mason jars, each about 16 oz):

1. Hearty Base (Layer 2):

   • 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa (about 1/4 cup per jar)
   • 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (canned or cooked, rinsed; about 1/4 cup per jar)

2. Veggie Medley (Layer 3):

   • 1 red bell pepper, diced
   • 1 cucumber, diced
   • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
   • 2 medium carrots, shredded
   • (Optional) 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

3. Fresh Greens (Layer 4):

   • 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, arugula, or your favorite blend; about 1 cup per jar)

4. Additional Toppings (to add at serving):

   • 1–2 avocados, sliced (add just before eating to prevent browning)
   • A sprinkle of nuts or seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for crunch

Assembly Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
   • Gradually add water until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

2. Cook the Quinoa and Prepare the Chickpeas:

   • Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
   • If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them.

3. Chop & Prep Vegetables:

   • Dice the red bell pepper and cucumber.
   • Halve the cherry tomatoes and shred the carrots.
   • If using, thinly slice the red onion.

4. Layer the Mason Jars:

   • Bottom Layer: Pour about 1/4 cup of lemon-tahini dressing into the bottom of each jar.
   • Next Layer: Add 1/4 cup of cooked quinoa and 1/4 cup of chickpeas. These sturdier ingredients help keep the dressing from soaking into the greens.
   • Middle Layer: Layer in your chopped vegetables—bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, and red onion. Feel free to adjust the quantities so each jar looks vibrant and full.
   • Top Layer: Fill with about 1 cup of mixed greens. This top layer stays crisp because it’s kept away from the dressing.

5. Storage & Serving:

   • Seal each mason jar with a lid and refrigerate for up to 6 days.
   • When you’re ready to eat, simply shake the jar to mix the dressing with the layers.
   • For a fresh boost, add sliced avocado and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds right before enjoying.