This Southwestern Prep Daniel Salad is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare meal prep option that stays fresh for days. Inspired by the concept of salads in a jar, it features layers of wholesome ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, brown rice, and a vibrant Green Goddess Dressing. Perfect for those following a Daniel Fast or anyone looking for a nutritious, plant-based meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Meal Prep: These salads are pre-portioned, portable, and stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Nutrient-Packed: Full of fiber, protein, and vitamins from a variety of plant-based ingredients.

Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Daniel Fast-Friendly: This recipe is oil-free, gluten-free, and entirely plant-based.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dressing:
- 1 cup Green Goddess Dressing (oil-free, Daniel Fast-compliant)
Salad Layers:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup thawed frozen corn or fresh corn kernels
- 1 large sweet potato, diced and roasted
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup collard greens or kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts (optional)
To Serve:
- 4–5 cups mixed baby salad greens or chopped romaine lettuce

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Cook Grains: Prepare brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
Roast Sweet Potato: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice sweet potato (with or without skin) and roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25 minutes or until tender. Cool to room temperature.

Prepare Dressing: Make the Green Goddess Dressing and set aside.
Prep Vegetables: Chop red onion, bell pepper, and collard greens. Rinse and drain black beans. Thaw frozen corn if using.

Assemble the Jars:

Divide ingredients evenly among three 32-ounce mason jars in the following order to keep everything fresh:
- Add ⅓ cup Green Goddess Dressing to the bottom of each jar.
- Layer chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, and corn on top of the dressing.
- Add ½ cup black beans to each jar.
- Layer ¾ cup roasted sweet potato cubes.
- Add ½ cup cooked brown rice or quinoa.
- Top with ⅓ cup chopped collard greens or kale.
- Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts, if using.

Storing the Salad:

Seal jars with lids and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Serve:

Shake the jar to mix the ingredients, then pour onto a bed of 3–4 cups of mixed baby greens or romaine lettuce. Enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 3 mason jar salads
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (for sweet potatoes)

Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Grain-Free: Skip the brown rice or quinoa and add more vegetables or beans.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the dressing or top with sliced jalapeños.

Additional Veggies: Include diced avocado (add just before eating), cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots.
Nut-Free: Omit pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts if necessary.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store jars sealed for up to 5 days. Keep the salad greens separate to maintain freshness.

FAQs

1. What is a Daniel Fast Salad?

A Daniel Fast Salad focuses on plant-based, whole ingredients free from processed sugars, oils, and animal products, inspired by the Daniel Fast dietary guidelines.

2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Fresh roasted sweet potatoes are recommended for texture, but canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch.

3. What is Green Goddess Dressing?

It’s a vibrant dressing made with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and other Daniel Fast-friendly ingredients, offering bold flavor without oil.

4. How do I make the salad dressing oil-free?

Blend avocado, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and water for a creamy, oil-free alternative.

5. Can I make this without a mason jar?

Yes, layer ingredients in any airtight container following the same stacking order.

6. Can I freeze these salads?

No, fresh vegetables and the dressing don’t freeze well. It’s best to prepare and store them in the refrigerator.

7. Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes, fresh mango, pineapple, or sliced apples pair beautifully with the Southwestern flavors.

8. What can I substitute for collard greens?

Use kale, spinach, or Swiss chard as an alternative.

9. How do I prevent sogginess in meal prep salads?

Always layer dressing at the bottom and greens at the top to keep them crisp.

10. How do I make it kid-friendly?

Omit strong-flavored ingredients like onions and add milder ones, like shredded carrots or cucumbers.

Conclusion

This Southwestern Prep Daniel Salad is a flavorful, nutritious way to enjoy meal prep while adhering to Daniel Fast guidelines. With its vibrant layers, oil-free dressing, and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s perfect for busy lifestyles or anyone looking to eat healthier. Assemble ahead of time, shake, and serve for a fresh, delicious salad experience every time!