Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice (from approximately 2 medium lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Honey or Maple Syrup (for vegan option)
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Freshly Chopped Herbs (e.g., parsley, dill, chives, or a mix)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup (40g) Diced Cucumber
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Diced Red Onion
  • 1/4 cup (40g) Diced Bell Pepper (any color)
  • 1/2 cup (90g) Cooked Quinoa or Chickpeas, cooled completely
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Crumbled Feta Cheese
  • 1/4 cup (35g) Sliced Kalamata Olives
  • 2 cups (70g) Tightly Packed, Dry Mixed Greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) Toasted Sunflower Seeds or Sliced Almonds

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until emulsified (creamy and combined).
  2. Divide the Dressing: Evenly distribute the vinaigrette among the four mason jars.
  3. Layer 1: The Barrier (Tomatoes & Cucumber): Add halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber to each jar, directly on top of the dressing.
  4. Layer 2: The Crunch (Red Onion & Bell Pepper): Add diced red onion and bell pepper to each jar.
  5. Layer 3: The Grains (Quinoa or Chickpeas): Spoon cooled quinoa or chickpeas into each jar. Ensure grains are completely cooled to prevent wilting.
  6. Layer 4: The Protein & Fat (Feta & Olives): Add crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives to each jar.
  7. Layer 5: The Greens (Mixed Greens): Pack thoroughly dried mixed greens tightly into each jar. Press down to compress and remove air. This is crucial!
  8. Layer 6: The Toppings (Seeds or Almonds): Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds on top of the greens.
  9. Seal and Store: Wipe the jar rims, seal tightly with lids, and store upright in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  10. Serve: When ready to eat, shake vigorously to distribute the dressing and pour into a bowl. Enjoy!