½ to 1 chipotle in adobo, depending on spice tolerance
Juice of 2 limes
Splash of olive oil
Salt and pepper
Water as needed to thin
1 oz cotija cheese or feta
½ bell pepper, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
½ cup cucumber, sliced
Thinly sliced red onion to taste
½ cup quinoa
1 cup loose leaf lettuce
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Salt and pepper
1 cup liquid for cooking quinoa - water, chicken stock or vegetable stock
Instructions
For the dressing: Blend ingredients in avocado, chipotle, lime juice and olive oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add water to thin as necessary. Can be stored up to a week in the fridge.
Cook quinoa according to package directions. Add smashed garlic cloves directly to cooking liquid for flavor. Once cooked, allow to cool completely before adding to salad.
Layer salad: start with 2-4 tablespoons of dressing on the bottom of the jar or container, followed by cooled quinoa, cucumber tomato pepper and onions, lettuce and cilantro, and cheese. Seal lid lightly and shake up before eating!
Recipe by The Two Bananas at https://thetwobananas.com/simple-steps-mason-jar-salad/