17 Mouthwatering Mason Jar Salad Recipes

We're taking brown-bagging to a new level.

jarred salads image via shutterstock

jarred salads image via shutterstock

While your grandmother may have reserved Mason jars for homemade jam, these handy containers can be used for a lot more than just grape jelly. Mason jars are the ideal container for salads because you can prep a meal in advance by layering from wet to dry—therefore preventing the dreaded soggy salad. The jars are also reusable and sleek enough to slip into your handbag or briefcase.

Below, we found 17 Mason jar salad recipes guaranteed to put your turkey sandwich to shame.

1. Southwestern Chicken Fajita Salad
via Food Network

Made with roasted sweet potatoes, peppers, and spicy chicken, this salad is sure to keep you energized throughout the afternoon. The recipe requires only one pan to bake the ingredients, simplifying meal prep time and effort.

2. Mason Jar Pineapple Potato Chicken Salad
via She Knows

This salty and sweet mix of pineapple, root vegetables, and chicken is great substitute for a boring chicken salad sandwich. Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for added nutrition.

3. Asian Zoodle Salad Jar
via Foxes Love lemons

Go low-carb with some zucchini noodles or “zoodles.” The addition of colorful vegetables, such as yellow peppers and snap peas, make this recipe a nutritional powerhouse.

4. Kale and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
via MJ and Hungryman

With this lunch, you’ll get your greens and grains together for one filling meal. Couscous and arugula topped with sweet oranges and crunchy celery create a healthy salad with texture.

5. Pomegranate and Pear Salad
via Fake Food Free

This salad mixes greens with fruit for a sweet take on a typical green salad.

6. Barley, Feta, and Asparagus Salad
via She Knows

Asparagus season is upon us and this recipe is the perfect way to use the season vegetable. Set aside a couple of minutes the night before to cook the asparagus and barley.

7. Burrito Bowl Mason Jar Salad
via StrictlyDelicious

With sweet potato, quinoa, and chicken, this burrito bowl is more nutritional and easier on the wallet than Chipotle.

8. Couscous Salad in a Jar
via Buona Pappa

Satisfy your pizza craving with this healthier salad. Mix the couscous with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to create a drool-worthy Italian feast.

9. Strawberry and Goat Cheese Mason Jar Salad
via My Food and Other Stuff

Sweet and simple, this salad incorporates spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese together in one meal. The recipe includes instructions on how to make a dressing cup out of parchment paper to prevent things from getting soggy.

10. Deconstructed Sushi
via Krista and Jess

Get your chopsticks ready, this meal is everything that you love about avocado rolls—but in a jar. Brown rice, nori, carrots, and avocado fuse with the Asian flavors of rice vinegar, ginger, and soy sauce for a healthy, palette-pleasing lunch.

11. Marinated White Bean Salad Jars
via Foxes Love Lemons

This recipe includes a zesty, homemade vinaigrette, which adds a rich flavor to white beans topped with tomatoes and arugula.

12. Chopped Salad Jars with Balsamic-Dijon Vinaigrette
via Foxes Love Lemons

Swap out boring lettuce for a mix of chopped veggies and chicken. A sprinkle of nuts and seeds makes this salad a crunchy crowd-pleaser.

13. Grilled Beet, Chicken, Apple, and Spinach Salad
via Popsugar

You’ll get the most out of your grill this summer with this recipe. Grilled beets and sweet apple blend to create an earthy and unconventional lunch.

14. Cajun Shrimp Jar
via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

Instead of chicken, try mixing it up with a spicy serving of shrimp. Sautéed veggies and a dollop of guacamole compliment the kick of Cajun spice.

15. Mason Jar Carrot Noodle Salad
via Nosh and Nourish

Using carrot noodles is a great low-carb option. Hemp seeds are also included in this salad for a punch of plant-based protein.

16. Wild Rice Salad
via Fat Girl Trapped in a Skinny Body

An untraditional salad, this wild rice blend incorporates dried cranberries, and crunchy celery with a simple vinaigrette. This wholesome meal is full of nutty flavor and a variety of textures.

17. Chicken Ceasar Kale Mason Jar Salad
via Popsugar

The classic Caesar salad we all know and love gets a healthy twist.  Kale and tomatoes boost the vegetable content and avocado adds a satisfying dose of healthy fat.