Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a chore. With mason jar salads, you can prep an entire week’s worth of lunches in just a few minutes—and keep everything fresh until you’re ready to dig in. These layered salads are not only visually stunning but also designed to prevent soggy greens and flavor-packed piles of veggies.
In this listicle, we’re sharing five easy mason jar salad recipes that will revolutionize your meal prep game. From Mediterranean classics to Tex-Mex twists, there’s something here for every palate. Roll up your sleeves, grab your jars, and let’s get layering!
1. Classic Greek Salad Jar
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 cups mixed salad greens
Assembly Steps
1. Whisk oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Pour dressing into the bottom of a 16-oz mason jar.
3. Layer tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta in that order.
4. Pack salad greens on top, leaving a little headroom.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Tips
– Swap in baby spinach or arugula for a peppery kick.
– Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
2. Asian-Inspired Chicken Caesar Jar
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips
– 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Assembly Steps
1. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic.
2. Drizzle dressing into the jar.
3. Add chicken, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
4. Top with lettuce, seal, and chill.
5. When ready to eat, shake jar to coat and sprinkle wonton strips on top.
Tips
– Use pre-cooked chicken for speed.
– Swap wonton strips with crushed peanuts for crunch.
3. Rainbow Quinoa and Black Bean Jar
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup corn kernels
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 cups baby kale or spinach
Assembly Steps
1. Combine lime juice, oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add dressing to jar bottom.
3. Layer quinoa, beans, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro.
4. Finish with kale or spinach, seal, and store up to 5 days.
Tips
– Cook quinoa in vegetable broth for extra flavor.
– Top with sliced avocado at lunchtime.
4. Caprese Pesto Dream Jar
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp basil pesto
– 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 cups arugula
Assembly Steps
1. Spread pesto evenly on the bottom of the jar.
2. Layer tomatoes and mozzarella.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze.
4. Pack arugula on top, seal, and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Tips
– Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a bold twist.
– Add prosciutto slices for salty richness.
5. Southwest Taco Salad Jar
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp salsa verde
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey or beef
– 1/2 cup black beans
– 1/2 cup corn
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups shredded lettuce
Assembly Steps
1. Whisk salsa, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour dressing into jar.
3. Layer meat, beans, corn, onion, and cheese.
4. Top with lettuce, seal, and chill up to 4 days.
Tips
– Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce.
– Serve with tortilla chips on the side for dipping.
With these five mason jar salads in your meal prep arsenal, you’ll never settle for boring lunches again. They’re balanced, customizable, and seriously easy to assemble. Next time you’re pressed for time, simply grab a jar and go—your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!