15 Make-Ahead Mason Jar Salads
If you’re looking to take the stress out of lunchtime or meal prep for the week, mason jar salads are the way to go. These salads are not only visually stunning, but they also allow you to make your meals ahead of time, store them, and enjoy a fresh, ready-to-eat salad whenever hunger strikes.
The beauty of mason jar salads is that by layering the ingredients properly, you can keep everything crisp and fresh without worrying about soggy lettuce. Ready to shake up your meal prep routine?
Let’s dive into these 15 vibrant, nutrient-packed mason jar salads that are as delicious as they are convenient!
1. Classic Cobb Salad in a Jar
Description:
This classic Cobb salad is full of protein, featuring grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, and avocado. It’s layered with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing for a filling, well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled chicken breast, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 strips bacon, crumbled
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
Instructions:
- Layer the ingredients in the mason jar in the following order (bottom to top): dressing, bacon, chicken, tomatoes, eggs, avocado, blue cheese, and lettuce.
- Seal the jar and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- When ready to eat, shake the jar to mix the ingredients and enjoy.
2. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad in a Jar
Description:
A Mediterranean-inspired salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta, drizzled with a tangy lemon-oregano dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Layer the ingredients in the mason jar in the following order: olive oil, lemon juice, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and finally lettuce.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shake the jar before serving to mix everything together.
3. Taco Salad in a Jar
Description:
This Tex-Mex-inspired salad includes seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies, topped with a tangy dressing and a sprinkle of cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 tbsp salsa (for dressing)
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer the salsa, black beans, corn, red onion, tomatoes, seasoned beef, cheese, and lettuce in that order.
- Seal the jar and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Shake well before serving and enjoy.
4. Greek Salad in a Jar
Description:
A vibrant Greek salad with cucumbers, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese, topped with a zesty Greek dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens (for the top layer)
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer olive oil, vinegar, oregano, cucumbers, onions, olives, tomatoes, feta, and then top with mixed greens.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Shake well before serving for the perfect Greek-inspired lunch.
5. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad in a Jar
Description:
A crunchy and refreshing salad with grilled chicken, cabbage, carrots, and a savory sesame dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, edamame, carrots, cabbage, chicken, and sliced almonds.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shake the jar to mix the dressing and enjoy!
6. Caprese Salad in a Jar
Description:
A simple and elegant Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Layer balsamic vinegar, olive oil, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, salt, and pepper in the mason jar.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Shake gently before serving for a delicious and refreshing salad.
7. Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Salad in a Jar
Description:
This hearty salad features protein-packed quinoa and roasted veggies, perfect for a filling and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup roasted bell peppers
- 1/2 cup roasted zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and fresh parsley.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shake the jar to mix everything together before serving.
8. Southwest Chicken Salad in a Jar
Description:
Packed with protein and vibrant flavors, this Southwest Chicken Salad features seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s a perfect meal to make ahead for a busy week.
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, black beans, corn, onions, peppers, cilantro, chicken, and lettuce.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shake the jar before serving for a deliciously fresh meal.
9. Spinach & Strawberry Salad in a Jar
Description:
This refreshing salad combines sweet strawberries, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese, all topped with a balsamic glaze for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, strawberries, spinach, walnuts, and goat cheese.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Shake the jar before serving and enjoy this sweet and savory combination!
10. Pesto Pasta Salad in a Jar
Description:
This Italian-inspired pesto pasta salad is perfect for summer days. With pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a vibrant pesto dressing, it’s a meal that’s easy to make ahead and take anywhere.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked pasta (preferably fusilli or penne)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer pesto sauce, olive oil, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Shake before serving for a fresh Italian-inspired dish.
11. Apple & Walnut Salad in a Jar
Description:
A crunchy, refreshing salad with apples, walnuts, and blue cheese, topped with a sweet vinaigrette. This salad is simple yet full of flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Mixed greens, for the top layer
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, apples, walnuts, blue cheese, and mixed greens.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shake well before serving and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
12. Kale & Roasted Beet Salad in a Jar
Description:
This earthy, nutrient-packed salad features roasted beets, hearty kale, and a lemon-tahini dressing. It’s a great option for a filling and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted beets, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, beets, kale, and feta cheese.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shake before serving to mix the flavors and enjoy a vibrant, earthy salad.
13. Asian Noodle Salad in a Jar
Description:
This Asian-inspired noodle salad features cold noodles, shredded veggies, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a light, refreshing meal with a touch of crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked soba noodles or rice noodles
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, julienned
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, noodles, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Shake the jar to combine and serve this light, flavorful salad.
14. Roasted Chicken & Veggie Salad in a Jar
Description:
A protein-packed, hearty salad with roasted chicken, mixed veggies, and a honey-mustard dressing. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal that’s easy to make ahead.
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled or roasted chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted Brussels sprouts
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp honey-mustard dressing
- Spinach or arugula, for the top layer
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer honey-mustard dressing, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onions, chicken, and spinach or arugula.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Shake before serving and enjoy a filling, nutritious meal.
15. Tuna Salad in a Jar
Description:
A classic tuna salad with a creamy dressing, crunchy celery, and hard-boiled eggs, all packed into a mason jar for easy storage and meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens, for the top layer
Instructions:
- In the mason jar, layer mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, tuna, celery, eggs, and mixed greens.
- Seal and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Shake the jar to mix the salad before serving.
