Mason Jar Salad
A mason jar salad is one of the best lunch ideas if you know you’re going to have a busy day!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or farro
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers any color, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups mixed salad greens such as spinach, arugula, or kale
- 4 ounces grilled chicken breast diced
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese optional
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds or seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds
- Optional additional vegetables: sliced radishes diced avocado, shredded cabbage
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble your Mason jar salads in the following order:
- Divide the dressing evenly among the Mason jars, pouring it into the bottom of each jar.
- Layer the cooked quinoa or farro on top of the dressing in each jar.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, shredded carrots, and any additional vegetables you're using, dividing them equally among the jars.
- Layer the diced grilled chicken breast on top of the vegetables in each jar.
- If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds or seeds over the chicken in each jar.
- Top each jar with the mixed salad greens, pressing them down gently to fit.
- Seal the Mason jars tightly with their lids and store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat. The salads can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to enjoy, simply shake the Mason jar to distribute the dressing evenly, then pour the salad into a bowl or eat directly from the jar.
Notes
Nutritional Information (approximate, based on specific ingredients and quantities used): Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams Fiber: Approximately 7-9 grams