Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Mason Jar Salad (6 Easy Recipes)
A jar of crisp greens and colorful toppings is especially inviting once the dressing is tossed through it. These variations offer creamy cheese and savory protein among the vegetables, with a fresh crunch waiting in each bowl after you shake and pour.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Original yield
- Serves 1
- Ingredients
- 37 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Primary protein
- Chicken · Pork · Fish
- Cuisine
- American · Greek · Mediterranean · Italian · Mexican
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less
- Dish type
- Salads
A few quick notes
1. Put dressing underneath
Start each jar with dressing at the bottom before layering in the chosen salad ingredients.
2. Keep greens at the top
Layer sturdy vegetables first and finish with greens, following the ingredient order for your chosen salad variation.
3. Shake before pouring
Shake the closed jar vigorously to coat the ingredients with dressing before tipping the salad into a bowl.
Get to know the ingredients
Cooked chicken
Use cooked chicken in the variations that include it, cubed or shredded before layering into the jar.
Cucumber
Cut the cucumbers into half moons before layering them as one of the sturdy vegetable components.
Fresh basil
Cut basil into ribbons for the Caprese variation, adding it with the greens toward the top of the jar.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 1. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
How to make it
0 of 4 steps completeMake room for Mason Jar Salad (6 Easy Recipes)
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Pour into a bowl
When ready to eat, shake the jar to dress its layers, then empty the salad into a bowl.
A little more help as you go
Mix Caprese dressing in place
For the Caprese version, whisk oil, balsamic and seasonings in the bottom of the jar before adding the layers.
Cover and refrigerate
Seal the layered jars with lids and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat.
A few questions you might have
Where does the dressing go?
Pour it into the jar first, keeping it beneath the salad ingredients and greens until serving.
What is different about the Caprese dressing?
Whisk its oil, balsamic vinegar and seasonings together at the bottom of the jar instead of using premixed dressing.
Which ingredients go on top?
Finish with greens after the sturdier vegetables, protein, watery vegetables, cheese and any nuts or seeds.
How do I mix the salad when ready?
Shake the closed jar vigorously to spread the dressing, then pour the contents into a bowl.
How should the prepared jars be stored?
Cover them with lids and store them in the refrigerator until ready to shake, pour and serve.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: wholesomeyum.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
