Getting ready for a busy day? No need to sacrifice your health and well-being! With these 20 refreshing mason jar salad recipes, you can take lunch on-the-go while still enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal. Mason jars are the perfect vessels for assembling salads that are both visually appealing and easy to eat. Simply layer your favorite ingredients, add a dressing of your choice, and voilà! You’ll have a healthy and satisfying meal in no time.
From classic Cobb Salads to international-inspired flavors like Greek and Asian noodle salads, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 20 mason jar salad recipes. Whether you’re a busy professional or an active family member, these salads are sure to be a hit. So why not start your day off right with one (or two, or three…)? Read on for the full list of recipes and get ready to elevate your lunch game!
Cobb Salad in a Mason Jar
A classic salad gets a creative twist with this easy-to-make recipe. Layered in a mason jar, the flavors and textures of the Cobb Salad come together perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped bacon
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Start by layering the mixed greens in the bottom of a 16 oz mason jar.
2. Add the diced chicken breast on top of the greens.
3. Next, add the crumbled blue cheese, chopped bacon, and cherry tomatoes in that order.
4. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None!
Greek Mason Jar Salad with Feta and Olives
Experience the flavors of Greece with this refreshing salad recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Layered in a mason jar, the combination of crisp greens, tangy feta, and briny olives creates a delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Start by adding a layer of mixed greens to the mason jar.
2. Top with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Asian Noodle Mason Jar Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of Asia with the convenience of a mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s also great as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked soba noodles
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
3. In a mason jar, layer cooked noodles, mixed vegetables, cilantro, and sesame seeds in that order.
4. Pour the dressing over the top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooking time)
Southwest Black Bean and Corn Mason Jar Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of the Southwest with the convenience of a mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mason jar, layer the black beans, corn kernels, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the mason jar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready to eat as soon as you assemble it.
Caprese Mason Jar Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your summer salad game with this visually stunning Caprese Mason Jar Salad featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and creamy basil. This refreshing recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
– 4-6 mason jars with lids
Instructions:
1. Layer the ingredients in each jar in the following order: cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Top each jar off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (assembly only)
Quinoa and Kale Mason Jar Salad
This refreshing salad combines nutritious quinoa, crispy kale, and tangy dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
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 apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, kale, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using).
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Taco Mason Jar Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of a mason jar, topped with a creamy and tangy avocado lime dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese)
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mason jar with lid
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil to make the dressing.
2. In the mason jar, layer the black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco.
3. Top with the avocado slices.
4. Pour the lime dressing over the salad.
5. Close the lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None!
Mediterranean Chickpea Mason Jar Salad
This refreshing salad is a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors and textures, packed into a convenient mason jar. With its creamy chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy veggies, it’s a delightful meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mason jar, layer the chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumber, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just assemble the jar!)
Spinach and Strawberry Mason Jar Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional salads, this recipe combines sweet strawberries with earthy spinach, all contained within a charming mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 pint sliced strawberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by layering the mason jar with spinach leaves, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
2. Add sliced strawberries on top of the spinach.
3. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans over the strawberries.
4. Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
BBQ Ranch Chicken Mason Jar Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional salads, this BBQ ranch chicken mason jar salad is perfect for a quick and easy meal or lunch on-the-go. With the flavors of tangy BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy vegetables, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mason jar, layer the mixed greens at the bottom.
2. Add the diced chicken breast on top of the greens.
3. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the chicken.
4. Add the ranch dressing, followed by the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Apple Walnut Mason Jar Salad with Honey Mustard
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of apples and honey with the crunch of walnuts, all packaged in a charming mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup mixed greens
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp honey mustard dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Dressing:
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey mustard dressing ingredients until smooth.
2. Layer the mason jar with mixed greens, diced apple, and chopped walnuts.
3. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the top.
4. Add crumbled feta cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Thai Peanut Mason Jar Salad with Crunchy Veggies
This refreshing salad combines the creamy richness of peanut sauce with the crunch of fresh veggies, all in a convenient mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup crunchy veggies (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup Thai peanut sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Layer the mixed greens, chicken breast, and crunchy veggies in a mason jar.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Thai peanut sauce, soy sauce, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the peanut sauce mixture over the salad ingredients.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Greek Yogurt Caesar Mason Jar Salad
A refreshing twist on the classic Caesar salad, this recipe combines creamy Greek yogurt with tangy Caesar dressing and crunchy croutons for a deliciously healthy meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
– 1/4 cup chopped romaine lettuce
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Layer the Greek yogurt, Caesar dressing, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons in a large mason jar.
2. Squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pasta Primavera Mason Jar Salad
This colorful salad combines the flavors of spring with pasta, vegetables, and a tangy dressing, all in a convenient mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked pasta (any shape)
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mason jar, layer cooked pasta, mixed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad, making sure all ingredients are coated.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None (pre-cooked pasta)
Beet and Goat Cheese Mason Jar Salad
This vibrant salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted beets with the tanginess of crumbled goat cheese, all in a convenient mason jar. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let beets cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer the mason jar with roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, chopped parsley, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mexican Street Corn Mason Jar Salad
Mexican Street Corn Mason Jar Salad: A delicious twist on traditional salads, this recipe combines the flavors of Mexico with the convenience of a mason jar salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, add chopped jalapeño for an extra kick of heat.
6. Divide the salad among 4-6 mason jars or containers.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! Just assemble and refrigerate.
Teriyaki Chicken Mason Jar Salad with Edamame
A deliciously easy-to-make salad that combines the flavors of teriyaki chicken, crunchy edamame, and tangy greens, all in a convenient mason jar.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/2 cup cooked edamame
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Bake chicken for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool, then slice into strips.
3. In a jar, layer mixed greens, edamame, cherry tomatoes, and green onions.
4. Place sliced chicken on top of the salad.
5. Drizzle teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serve: In the mason jar or transfer to a bowl and serve immediately.
Harvest Mason Jar Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This refreshing salad combines the warmth of roasted sweet potatoes with the crunch of fresh greens, perfect for a cozy harvest gathering. Layered in a mason jar, it’s an easy and impressive dish to serve.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese (if using).
3. Layer roasted sweet potato cubes on top of the greens mixture in a mason jar.
4. Drizzle apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard over the sweet potatoes.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (roasting time)
Avocado and Shrimp Mason Jar Salad
This refreshing salad combines succulent shrimp with creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing, all packed into a charming mason jar.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup cooked and chilled shrimp
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup cucumber slices
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Layer the ingredients in a 16 oz mason jar in the following order: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shrimp, avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Close the jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time)
Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Mason Jar Salad
A flavorful and visually appealing salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed roasted vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots)
– 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil.
2. Add the cooked quinoa to the bottom of a 16 oz mason jar.
3. Arrange the roasted vegetables on top of the quinoa.
4. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the vegetables.
5. Sprinkle chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on the roasted vegetable preparation time)
Summary
Looking for quick and easy meal solutions? Look no further! This article features 20 refreshing mason jar salad recipes perfect for busy days. From classic combinations like Cobb Salad and Caprese to international flavors like Greek, Asian, and Mexican-inspired dishes, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe is carefully crafted to fit perfectly in a mason jar, making it easy to take on-the-go or enjoy at home. Whether you’re a salad lover or just looking for healthy meal ideas, these recipes are sure to impress.