Rainbow Veggie Mason Jar Salads

Q: Is it okay to make these * Mason jar salads meal * the night before, or do they need longer in the fridge to keep well?

Making these the night before is absolutely fine – in fact, it's ideal! The layering helps to keep everything fresh, and they're designed for up to 5 days of meal prep. Just ensure the lids are on tight and store them upright in the refrigerator. Give them a good shake before you tuck in for lunch!

Rainbow Veggie Mason Jar Salads Meal Easy Lunches

By Avery MaloneSeptember 2, 2025

4.53 (55 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever feel like your lunch routine is a total snooze? These Mason jar salads meal are here to rescue you! Honestly, I'm obsessed with how flavorful and fresh they are.

Get ready for a veggie explosion in every bite.

Brief Overview

These layered salad in a jar are inspired by Mediterranean flavors. They are super easy to make and ready in under an hour.

This recipe yields 4 delicious and healthy Mason jar salads meal prep perfect for weekday lunches.

Main Benefits

The best part? It is packed with nutrients and fibre. It is an incredible way to get those veggies in.

These are seriously perfect for a quick and healthy mason jar salads lunch. What makes this recipe so special is the vibrant mix of flavours and the fact that it stays fresh for days!

Why Mason Jar Salads Meal Prep?

Oh my gosh, where do I even start? These Rainbow veggie salad in a jar are a game changer. I used to grab whatever takeaway was closest to the office.

Now I can have a fresh and vibrant meal prep salads ready to go.

What Makes This Recipe Unique

This isn't just any salad. This is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. I swear, the combination of crunchy veggies, tangy feta, and zesty dressing is addicting.

Honestly, I'm not even a huge salad person but I could eat this every day.

Perfect for Work

These Mason jar salads for work are fantastic. No more sad desk lunches. It's like a mini farmers market in a jar! They look so good and that means that it is easy to make.

What You Will Need

Alright, let's round up the troops. We need some fresh veggies, feta, quinoa, and a good dressing. Oh, and don't forget the mason jars! I like the 32-ounce size.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Salad Party Started!

Right then, let's talk about what you need to make these amazing Rainbow Veggie Mason Jar Salads . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

We're aiming for ease here. This is meal prep salads , not brain surgery. And for a quick mason jar salads meal prep , you'll need to prepare all the elements beforehand.

Main Ingredients: The Starry Lineup

Okay, here’s the lowdown. Exact measurements coming at ya! Remember, you can adjust these to your liking, but this is a good starting point.

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ cup (120 ml) - Go for a good quality one. You know, the one that tastes peppery.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (60 ml) – About 2 medium lemons. Fresh is best, trust me.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) - Adds a little tang.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) - A must for emulsification.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) – For a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup if you're keeping it vegan.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Freshly Chopped Herbs: ¼ cup (15g) – Parsley, dill, chives, whatever you fancy.
- Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon , freshly ground.
Salad (per jar, roughly):
- Cherry Tomatoes: ½ cup (75g) , halved.
- Diced Cucumber: ¼ cup (40g) .
- Diced Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) .
- Diced Bell Pepper: ¼ cup (40g) , any colour.
- Cooked Quinoa or Chickpeas: ½ cup (90g) - Cooled completely!
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: ¼ cup (30g) .
- Sliced Kalamata Olives: ¼ cup (35g) .
- Mixed Greens: 2 cups (70g) , tightly packed and bone dry!
- Toasted Sunflower Seeds or Sliced Almonds: 2 tablespoons (15g) .

For the quinoa, the quality indicator is simple: fluffy, not mushy. And remember: Cooled COMPLETELY! I cannot stress this enough.

Warm quinoa will wilt your greens faster than you can say mason jar lunch ideas .

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

Right, so the vinaigrette is where the magic happens. Don’t be afraid to play around. Basil and oregano give it an Italian feel, whilst a pinch of chilli flakes adds a welcome kick! You can make quick substitutions, you know? If you don’t have Dijon, English mustard will do, but use a tiny bit less.

For the flavor enhancers, think about some roasted garlic, honestly it takes the taste to the next level.

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

Honestly, you don't need a load of fancy kit for these healthy mason jar salads .

4 (32-ounce) Mason Jars: With lids, obviously. That seems pretty essential for these Mason jar salads for work .
Small Bowl or Jar: For the vinaigrette.
Whisk: Or a fork will do in a pinch.
Salad Spinner: This is key for dry greens. Soggy salad = no-no.
Measuring Cups and Spoons .

If you haven't got a salad spinner, a clean tea towel will do, but honestly, the spinner is worth the investment. It is necessary to create great Layered salad in a jar.

Cooking Method: Layer Up Your Rainbow Veggie Mason Jar Salads Meal

Honestly, who has time for sad desk lunches? Not me! That's why I'm obsessed with these Rainbow Veggie Mason Jar Salads .

It is so easy, and makes mason jar salads meal prep a breeze. Plus, they look so pretty!

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!

First, you need to get organized. Chop all your veggies. It's the key essential mise en place . Remember, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, the bell peppers and red onion.

Get your cooked quinoa completely cooled down. You can use chickpeas instead. It needs to be completely cooled, seriously. And for the love of all that is holy, dry your greens.

It's essential!

step-by-step Salad Magic

Here's how to build your salad tower, making sure freshness:

Dressing First: Pour your homemade lemon herb vinaigrette into the bottom of each jar. About 1/8 cup (30ml) per jar.
The Barrier: Add halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber on top. This prevents soggy greens.
The Crunch: Next, toss in your diced red onion and bell pepper.
Grain Time: Spoon cooled quinoa (or chickpeas) into each jar. About 1/2 cup (90g) .
Protein Power: Now add crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup (30g) and sliced Kalamata olives.
Green Goodness: Pack mixed greens tightly, about 2 cups (70g) . Press down to remove air.
Top It Off: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons (15g) or sliced almonds on top.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips. If you learn this expert techniques or shortcuts , it makes your healthy mason jar salads stay fresher longer.

Avoid Soggy Greens: Super dry greens are essential. Trust me! A salad spinner is your best friend here. Soggy meal prep salads are the pits.
Cool It: Warm quinoa will ruin everything. Cook it ahead and let it cool completely.
Shake It Up: When you're ready to eat, shake vigorously. Distribute that yummy dressing! These salad jar recipes are yummy and healthy!

These Mason jar lunch ideas are a game changer!. So much layered salad in a jar , just wait for you.

Recipe Notes for Brilliant Mason Jar Salads Meal Prep

Right then, let's chat about making these rainbow veggie salad in a jar even more awesome. Honestly, it’s all about making this work for you .

And don't worry, these tips will help.

Serving Suggestions: Making It Look Pretty (and Taste Even Better)

Want to impress your mates at lunchtime? Of course, you do! Think about plating and presentation . Layering your healthy mason jar salads in a clear bowl after shaking looks proper swanky.

Add a sprig of fresh herbs for that extra chef's kiss.

A bit of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up all that yummy dressing. If you're feeling fancy, a light soup, like gazpacho, complements it nicely.

Grilled chicken or salmon on the side? Now you're talking! Proper good stuff.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh as a Daisy

Refrigeration is key. These Mason jar salads meal prep bad boys will last up to 5 days in the fridge. Just make sure the lid is on tight!

Freezing? Not really recommended for this one. The fresh veggies will get a bit sad and soggy. Reheating isn't an issue since you eat it cold. Job done!

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Need a vegan option? Easy peasy! Just swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup, and ditch the feta.

Sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe. Fancy a bit of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing does the trick.

Swap out the ingredients for seasonal ones! In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash or some shredded kale. Winter? Maybe some pomegranate seeds or blood oranges.

It's your meal prep salads , your rules!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body Like a Champ

These Mason jar lunch ideas are packed with goodness! We're talking about a balanced meal with healthy fats, carbs, and protein. It's good for you, honest.

Each jar is roughly around 500 calories, with a decent amount of protein and fiber. Plus, all those veggies are bursting with vitamins. It's basically a superhero in a jar!

So there you have it! A few extra tips and tricks to make your layered salad in a jar experience even better.

Have a go, don't be scared to experiment, and enjoy your delicious, healthy creation! You got this! Honestly, Salad jar recipes are the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do these Mason jar salads meal last in the fridge? I'm trying to get my meal prep sorted, you see.

These salads are great for meal prepping as they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. The layering technique is key, as it prevents the greens from getting soggy. Make sure all your ingredients, especially the quinoa, are completely cooled before assembling to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute any of the ingredients in my Mason jar salads meal ? I'm not a massive fan of feta, to be honest.

Absolutely! You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking. If you're not a fan of feta, goat cheese works well as a substitute, or you can simply omit it for a dairy-free option. Also, feel free to swap out the quinoa for brown rice, farro, or even couscous. Get creative!

My greens always seem to go soggy in my Mason jar salads meal , what am I doing wrong? It's a right bother!

Soggy greens are a common issue, but easily solved! The most important thing is to make sure your greens are completely dry before packing them into the jar. Use a salad spinner and even pat them down with a paper towel.

Also, the order of layering matters - keep the greens away from the dressing by layering heavier, less absorbent ingredients like tomatoes and cucumber first.

Is it okay to make these Mason jar salads meal the night before, or do they need longer in the fridge to keep well?

Making these the night before is absolutely fine in fact, it's ideal! The layering helps to keep everything fresh, and they're designed for up to 5 days of meal prep. Just ensure the lids are on tight and store them upright in the refrigerator. Give them a good shake before you tuck in for lunch!

Can I add chicken or other protein to this Mason jar salads meal recipe? I want something a bit more substantial.

Definitely! Adding a protein source will make the salad even more filling and nutritious. Cooked chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or even hard boiled eggs would be fantastic additions. Just make sure they are cooled before layering them into the jar to prevent the greens from wilting.

You could add them in with the quinoa or chickpeas layer.