Are you tired of the same old lunch routine? Look no further! Mason jar salads are a game-changer for busy days when you need a nutritious and delicious meal that’s also easy to prepare. With their layers of fresh greens, veggies, proteins, and dressings, these adorable jars are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor.
From classic combinations like Greek feta and olives to international inspirations like Asian sesame ginger and Mediterranean chickpea, we’ve got 20 refreshing mason jar salad recipes to spice up your lunchtime routine. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and zesty or hearty and satisfying, there’s a Mason jar salad on this list that’s sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these mouthwatering recipes, sharing tips and tricks for customizing them to suit your taste preferences. So grab a jar, get creative, and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal on-the-go!
Greek Mason Jar Salad with Feta and Olives
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of Greece in a beautiful mason jar presentation. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mason jar, add the mixed greens.
2. Arrange the cherry tomatoes on top of the greens.
3. Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in minutes.
Asian-Inspired Sesame Ginger Mason Jar Salad
Experience the flavors of Asia with this refreshing salad, featuring a harmonious blend of crunchy vegetables, savory sesame seeds, and spicy ginger. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a healthy addition to your lunchbox.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup sliced carrots
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Layer the mixed greens, red bell pepper, and carrots in a 16 oz mason jar.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the mason jar.
4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! Assemble and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Southwest Black Bean and Corn Mason Jar Salad
This vibrant salad combines the flavors of Southwestern cuisine with the convenience of a mason jar meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to customize and can be made in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mason jar, layer the black beans, corn kernels, and red bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the mason jar.
4. Sprinkle with cilantro and jalapeño (if using).
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Caprese Mason Jar Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese Mason Jar Salad with Balsamic Glaze: A Simple Yet Elegant Summer Side Dish
Create a stunning and delicious salad perfect for warm weather gatherings with this easy-to-make Caprese Mason Jar Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil are layered in a mason jar and topped with a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Layer the ingredients in a 1-quart mason jar: start with cherry tomatoes, followed by mozzarella cheese, and finish with basil leaves.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Top with balsamic glaze (about 1-2 tablespoons).
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick assembly process, perfect for last-minute gatherings or meal prep.
Quinoa and Kale Mason Jar Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
A nutrient-packed salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this quinoa and kale mason jar salad is elevated by a creamy lemon tahini dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large mason jar, layer quinoa, kale, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using).
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (quinoa cooking time)
Mediterranean Chickpea Mason Jar Salad
This refreshing salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the creaminess of chickpeas, the crunch of veggies, and the tanginess of feta. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Layer the ingredients in a 16 oz mason jar, starting with the chickpeas, then cucumber, bell pepper, feta, and finally parsley.
2. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the top of the salad.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Close the lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Thai Peanut Noodle Mason Jar Salad
A vibrant and flavorful salad that combines the creamy richness of peanut sauce with the crunch of noodles, all in a convenient mason jar.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Thai rice noodles
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mason jar, layer the mixed greens, cooked noodles, roasted peanuts, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
2. Drizzle the peanut sauce over the top of the salad.
3. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Thai Peanut Noodle Mason Jar Salad!
Spinach and Strawberry Mason Jar Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This refreshing salad combines sweet strawberries with peppery spinach, crunchy pecans, and a tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 pint sliced strawberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach and sliced strawberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the spinach mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Drizzle with additional poppy seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Taco-Inspired Mason Jar Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
Taco-Inspired Mason Jar Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing Recipe
Get ready to twist up your salad game with this vibrant and flavorful taco-inspired mason jar salad! A refreshing blend of crunchy greens, tangy avocado, and zesty lime dressing will transport you to a sunny day by the beach.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cooked black beans, warmed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crushed tortilla chips for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, mashed avocado, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Beet and Goat Cheese Mason Jar Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad that combines the natural sweetness of beets with the tanginess of goat cheese, perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup mixed greens
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mason jar, create a layer of mixed greens.
2. Arrange the sliced beets on top of the greens.
3. Add a layer of crumbled goat cheese.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the cheese.
5. Drizzle olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time included)
BBQ Ranch Chicken Mason Jar Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of tangy BBQ ranch dressing with tender grilled chicken and crunchy veggies, all packed into a colorful mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup BBQ ranch dressing
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ ranch dressing and chopped parsley.
3. Assemble the salad by layering mixed greens, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red bell pepper strips in a mason jar.
4. Pour the BBQ ranch dressing mixture over the top of the salad.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Pasta Mason Jar Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Quickly assemble a delicious and refreshing salad perfect for lunch or dinner! This Pesto Pasta Mason Jar Salad is packed with flavor, texture, and color.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as bowtie or penne)
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil.
2. In a mason jar, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
3. Pour the pesto mixture over the ingredients in the jar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (preparing the salad only; cooking time for pasta not included)
Waldorf-Inspired Mason Jar Salad with Apples and Walnuts
A refreshing twist on the classic Waldorf salad, this mason jar salad combines crisp greens, sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dressing in a single, easy-to-prepare container.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Start by layering the mixed greens in a clean mason jar.
2. Add the diced apple on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the apples.
4. Drizzle the olive oil and white wine vinegar over the ingredients, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with crumbled blue cheese, if using.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assembly only)
Moroccan Carrot and Lentil Mason Jar Salad
Moroccan Carrot and Lentil Mason Jar Salad Recipe
This vibrant salad combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the earthy flavor of lentils, all wrapped up in a jar. A perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Mason jar with a lid
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grated carrots, parsley, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss to combine.
- Transfer the salad to a mason jar, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
- If desired, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with additional parsley for garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in no time.
Cobb Salad Mason Jar with Bacon and Blue Cheese
Elevate your salad game with this creative take on the classic Cobb Salad, served in a charming mason jar. Crunchy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and fresh greens come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 large egg, hard-boiled and sliced
– 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, crumbled bacon, blue cheese, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Slice the hard-boiled egg and add on top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately in a mason jar or individual bowls.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summer Corn and Tomato Mason Jar Salad
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer salad, perfect for potlucks or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions:
1. Cut the corn kernels from the cob and place them in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and cumin.
3. Pour the dressing over the corn and toss to coat.
4. Add diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro to the bowl; gently combine.
5. Divide the mixture among 4-6 mason jars or containers.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is a quick assemble and serve, perfect for hot summer days.
Harvest Mason Jar Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This recipe combines the flavors of fall with the convenience of a mason jar salad, featuring roasted sweet potatoes and a mix of seasonal greens. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pecans.
4. Slice roasted sweet potatoes into rounds and place on top of the salad mixture.
5. Drizzle apple cider vinegar over the salad.
6. Assemble mason jars by layering the salad mixture, followed by a few slices of sweet potato.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Mason Jar Salad with Ranch Dressing
This recipe combines the flavors of buffalo chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy ranch dressing all in one convenient mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add buffalo wing sauce and stir until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, blue cheese, red onion, and cilantro.
3. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the top of the salad and toss to coat.
4. Fill 4 mason jars with the salad mixture, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
5. Drizzle ranch dressing into each jar and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Kale Caesar Mason Jar Salad with Parmesan Crisps
Elevate your salad game with this creative mason jar masterpiece featuring curly kale, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy Parmesan crisps.
Ingredients:
– 1 large bunch of curly kale, stems removed and discarded
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– Water for crisping
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage kale leaves with olive oil and garlic until tender.
2. Divide the kale mixture among four clean mason jars.
3. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the kale, followed by Parmesan cheese.
4. Top each jar with breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. To make Parmesan crisps, place grated cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
6. Serve the mason jars with Parmesan crisps on top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Protein-Packed Mason Jar Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs
Elevate your salad game with this easy and nutritious recipe that combines the power of protein-rich hard-boiled eggs, leafy greens, and quinoa. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 4-6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Layer the mason jar with mixed greens, cooked quinoa, sliced hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None ( assembly only)
Summary
Get ready to make meal prep a breeze! These 20 refreshing mason jar salad recipes are perfect for busy days. From classic combinations like Greek and Caprese, to international inspirations like Asian-Style Sesame Ginger and Moroccan Carrot Lentil, there’s something for everyone. With creative twists on traditional salads, these recipes feature fresh veggies, proteins, and dressings that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a salad newbie or a seasoned pro, these mason jar masterpieces are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.