Servings: 1 jar per person
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Ingredients
- Base (Layer 1): 2–3 tbsp dressing of your choice (vinaigrette, ranch, tahini—follow your heart)
- Crunchy Veggies (Layer 2): ½ cup chopped cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers
- Proteins (Layer 3): ½ cup cooked chicken, hard-boiled egg slices, beans, or tofu cubes
- Grains or Pasta (Layer 4): ½ cup cooked quinoa, rice, farro, or pasta (optional)
- Leafy Greens (Layer 5): 1–2 cups spinach, kale, or mixed greens (pack it tight, they shrink)
- Toppings (Layer 6): Nuts, seeds, cheese, dried cranberries, or croutons (keep these dry and crispy)
Instructions
- Grab a Mason Jar:
- Use a wide-mouth jar (16 oz or larger) so you can actually get your fork in there later.
- Layer Like a Pro:
- Start with the dressing at the bottom—this keeps your greens from turning into a soggy mess.
- Add your crunchiest veggies next; they act as a shield between the dressing and everything else.
- Follow with protein, grains, and leafy greens in that order. Finish with toppings.
- Seal and Store:
- Screw the lid on tightly and store in the fridge. These jars can last up to 3–4 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Shake and Serve:
- When ready to eat, give the jar a good shake to distribute the dressing, or pour everything into a bowl if you prefer not to play salad Jenga at your desk.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Keep the dressing on the bottom to prevent sogginess.
- Pack the jar tightly to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.
- Use sturdy veggies and greens that won’t wilt quickly.
DON’T:
- Add croutons or nuts in advance—they’ll lose their crunch. Store them separately if you can.
- Forget to use a lid that seals properly. Dressing spills are no joke.
- Overfill the jar. Leave some space to make shaking easier.
Flavor Combos to Try:
- Mediterranean: Hummus dressing, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, quinoa, and feta.
- Southwest: Cilantro-lime dressing, corn, black beans, bell peppers, grilled chicken, and avocado.
- Harvest: Maple-balsamic dressing, apples, roasted sweet potatoes, pecans, and goat cheese.
Mason Jar Salads are the perfect grab-and-go meal for busy days. They’re customizable, Instagrammable, and an easy way to eat your greens without much effort. 🥗🫙✨
