Sharing some tips on how to make a perfect mason jar salad + some of my favorite combos and mason jar salad recipes!
Hi hi, friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a wonderful morning so far! I have so much going on! I’ll report back with all of the fun I’ve been having on my journeys by sharing some stories on IG! I’ve just been having the best time lately.
Anyway, for today’s post, I wanted to share a meal prep staple that I absolutely love, especially if you have a busy schedule and routine: the mason jar salad! Seriously good!
These are a simple yet convenient way to pack in a nutrient-dense and satisfying meal and they’re great for healthy packed lunches. One of my favorite things about them is that you can prepare them days in advance, so they’re an amazing meal prep option. I’m dedicating this post to share practical tips to help ya prepare mason jar salads that are delicious (and not soggy!).
How To Make A Mason Jar Salad
Why Put Salad In A Mason Jar?
- It’s a single-serve lunch option
- You can customize these salads to suit your preferences
- You can start with the same base and then add flavor variations, so you’re not eating the exact same thing all week
- It’s a convenient way to get in nutrients, veggies, protein, and healthy fats
- You can make them a full-sized lunch or a side salad
- You can have a ready-to-eat meal whenever you please
How To Layer A Mason Jar Salad
Step 1
The very first step is to prepare all of your ingredients. I like to have a mix of fresh greens (rotate types to get different nutrients and benefits), roasted veggies, protein (chicken, tuna, tempeh, lentils, leftover steak or salmon, hardboiled eggs, anything you like), a healthy starch (cooked rice, beans, quinoa, sweet potato or any squash, etc), healthy fats (nuts/seeds work well in these) and any extras (like dried fruit, cheese, olives, pickles or pickled veggies, etc.) Then you can add those ingredients whenever you please because you simply have them on hand.
Step 2
Now you can start to layer! The key to mason jar salads is to layer each ingredient, starting with the highest water content and most dense options and ending with the greens. I would do beans first, pickled veggies, roasted veggies, protein, starches, and greens on top. Anything that adds extra flavor or crunch (like nuts/seeds, croutons), I would keep on the side in a little reusable bag or container so they don’t get soggy in the mix.
Step 3
Keep your dressing on the side. You can use a homemade dressing or your favorite store-bought option. I like Primal Kitchen, which we order from Thrive Market. I have some tips below regarding salad dressings.
How To Eat Mason Jar Salad
If you’re at home, I like to add my mason jar salad to a bowl, top with dressing, and then use a pizza cutter to chop it up. From here, I can add any additional seasonings or herbs on top and enjoy!
If you’re eating your salad on-to-go, just make sure you have wide-mouth jars. Add your dressing and toppings to the jar, add the lid, shake it up, and then remove the lid and eat!
What Size Mason Jar For A Salad
I usually use jars that are 32 oz and have a wide mouth for a nice, hefty salad. I also love using glass jars instead of plastic for meal prep, so you don’t have to worry about plastic chemicals in contact with your food as it’s sitting. You also want to avoid having lots of extra space in the jar, because extra oxygen can cause food to spoil more quickly.
How Long Does Salad Last In A Mason Jar?
Depending on the ingredients you use, salad in a mason jar can last up to 5 fives. You can make sure the salad stays fresh by ensuring your salad greens are completely dry before you add them to the jar.
Mason Jar Salad Ideas
I like that mason jar salads allow you to layer fresh ingredients, which helps keep everything crisp and fresh when you store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a picnic dish, here are some mason jar salad ideas to inspire your next creation! Hope you’re not hungry, because these are sure to make your stomach growl in hunger.
Mediterranean Salad in a Jar
Layer the following ingredients: chickpeas, feta, chicken, pepperoncini, feta, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and chopped romaine. Top with red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano before shaking and enjoying! Serve with pita bread on the side. This is my secret favorite salad-in-a-jar recipe.
Cobb Salad in a Jar
Layer the following ingredients: cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, chopped hard-boiled egg, feta, chopped turkey bacon, chicken, and romaine. Add Ranch dressing before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Here is the recipe! Add the chicken and feta first and then top with salad greens and cilantro. Add your dressing before shaking and serving.
Mexican Chopped Salad
Layer the following ingredients: cooked black beans, cheese, salsa, rice, chicken, bell pepper, cilantro, red onion, and greens. Before serving, add cilantro-lime vinaigrette (store-bought or try this recipe) and chopped tortilla chips.
Tuna Salad
We love tuna and chicken salad in our house. Here’s my go-to tuna salad recipe! Add some to the bottom of the jar, and top with celery, olives, and salad greens. Add dressing and chopped avocado before serving. I’d have this with a piece of fresh sourdough.
Beet, Goat Cheese, and Basil Salad
Layer the following ingredients: cooked beets, crumbled goat cheese, protein of choice, fresh basil, and salad greens. Top with your favorite balsamic vinaigrette before enjoying.
Curry Chickpea Salad
This is my go-to recipe! I would add this to the bottom of a jar and salad greens on top. I’d serve it with Primal Kitchen dressing and Simple Mills crackers.
Mason Jar Salad Dressing Tips
Ahh, no good salad is complete without the right dressing. Mason jar salad dressings are a super awesome and practical way to prepare fresh, flavorful dressings in advance. The mason jar not only serves as a way to shake and mix your ingredients, but it also makes storing and pouring easy with minimal mess. Plus, the compact size makes it very easy for you to make small batches that can be used throughout the week. Whether you’re making a classic vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, these tips will help you make the most of your mason jar dressings.
Layer ingredients in the right order.
When making your dressing in a mason jar, start by adding the thicker ingredients, like mustard, honey, or garlic, at the bottom. Then you can layer your oils, vinegars, and seasonings on top. This will make it easier to shake and blend the dressing together.
Shake, shake, shake!
After adding all of your ingredients into the jar together, seal it tightly and give it a good ol’ shake. Shaking ensures that the oil and vinegar (or any other liquids) emulsify and blend into a smooth, delicious dressing. For best results, try to shake for at least 20-30 seconds!
Let it sit before using it.
Letting the salad dressing sit for about 10-15 minutes before you use it helps the flavors to come together and develop a more balanced taste. This resting time also helps any solid ingredients like herbs or garlic to infuse the liquids.
Make some extra and store for later.
One of the great benefits of using a mason jar is the ability to store your dressing few days in the fridge! Simply pour any leftover dressing back into the jar, seal it, and feel free to store it for later. Shake again before each use to ensure everything stays mixed and fresh. When you’re running out of time to eat good meals, prepping them ahead of time can seriously make your life easier.
So tell me, friends: how often do you meal prep? Do you like mason jar salads? If you’re a fan, please share your favorite combo! I’m always looking for delicious new salads and dressings to add to my armory of recipes!
xo
Gina