These 10 healthy mason jar salad recipes can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for meal prep lunches! Layering your salad in jars helps them to last for longer.
Salads in jars are not just a cute Pinterest fad, they are actually really functional! Like these make ahead salads, these mason jar salad recipes were developed so that they can work for meal prep...and still taste amazing on day 4!
What's the deal with mason jar salads? It's all about the layering. By placing the dressing at the bottom of the jar, and delicate greens towards the top, we are able to keep them from wilting.
How to layer mason jar salads
- dressing in bottom
- protein (chickpeas or chicken) next
- somewhat durable ingredients next (chopped vegetables)
- leafy greens at the top (kale, romaine, spinach)
How to serve mason jar salads
There are two ways to serve your salad: eat it right out of the jar, or dump it into a bowl.
Eat out of the jar
You will need a large jar for this (quart mason jars work well). Layer your salad, and when you're ready to serve, shake it all up, and eat out of the jar.
- it can be tough to get your fork all the way into the bottom of the jar
- make sure to use wide mouth jars as tapered jars are hard to eat out of!
Dump into a bowl
For this method, a smaller (1 pint) jar will work just fine. When you are ready to serve, dump everything out into a bowl. Since the dressing comes out last, it will pour over everything evenly!
- wide mouth or tapered jars work fine for this method
Tips for jar salads
- nuts and seeds will still soften, even when placed at the top. Consider storing them separately to keep them crunchy
- wide mouth jars should be used if you plan to eat out of the jar
- if you don't have a jar, try layering your salads this way in a meal prep container
- find my favorite jars in this post
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Ooh these all look great love the Asian noodle jar. Perhaps you will join our Meatless Monday linkup one week with one of your yummy recipes!
Denise says
Hi Deborah, thanks so much! I am definitely hooked on this mason jar salad thing 😉
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
So I haven't tried mason jar salads yet...what the heck?! I need to get on that train because these look SO good! And salads in a jar are just more fun to eat, too. Love this roundup!
Denise says
You should try them, Gayle 🙂 So practical, and of course cute.
Catherine says
Dear Denise, this has to be one of my favorite food inventions...its so beautiful and convent. I am loving all these ideas. xo, Catherine
Denise says
Thanks so much, Catherine! I agree 🙂
Rachel Cooks says
I want them all! Pinning! Thanks for including mine 🙂
Denise says
I've just bought a spiralizer and I'm dying to try your zoodle salad, Rachel! Looks delicious!
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
I have yet to try a mason jar salad but now you've got my mind racing with all sorts of ideas! I love this roundup and can't wait to try these recipes, especially your crunchy Asian chicken salad!
Denise says
They are so practical! I totally thought it was just for looks, but that stacking thing is great 🙂
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
I haven't tried a mason jar salad yet...but I can see how clever it really is. I wonder if a plastic quart container would work too, since those won't break. Hmmm...pinning!
Denise says
I'm sure a plastic container would work just as well, so long as it is 'tall'. Thanks, Andrea 🙂
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Oh yes! I love a good mason jar salad. Definitely so much more than just a Pinterest fad. I haven't made one since this summer (when I'm more apt to take food to go), so this is the perfect little reminder. I think I would definitely be better at eating a "proper" lunch if I made up a bunch of these at the start of the week. Thanks for the inspiration!
Denise says
Agreed! I guess they do seem kind of 'picnic-y', but I think they are great for a packed lunch year round. I have to try your blistered tomato salad!