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Fresh 5-Day Summer Mason Jar Salad Prep with 5 Easy Dressings

5-day summer mason jar salad prep - featured image
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A fresh and easy mason jar salad prep recipe perfect for summer, featuring layered ingredients that stay crisp for up to five days and five delicious dressings to keep your meals exciting all week long.

Ingredients

  • Mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix) – washed and dried
  • Shredded carrots
  • Cucumber slices – thinly sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes – halved
  • Bell peppers – diced, any color
  • Red onion – thinly sliced (optional)
  • Grilled chicken breast – sliced (leftover or store-bought rotisserie)
  • Chickpeas – rinsed and drained
  • Feta cheese – crumbled
  • Hard-boiled eggs – peeled and halved
  • Toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
  • Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional)
  • Croutons (add just before eating)
  • For the Five Dressings:
  • Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper
  • Creamy Avocado Cilantro: ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt
  • Honey Mustard: Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt
  • Herbed Lemon Tahini: tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, water to thin, salt
  • Spicy Peanut: peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry your greens thoroughly (a salad spinner helps). Chop veggies and proteins into bite-sized pieces. Toast nuts if using.
  2. Start layering in the mason jars by adding 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen dressing at the very bottom to keep greens from getting soggy.
  3. Add the heartier veggies next: cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and red onion.
  4. Add your protein and cheese: grilled chicken, chickpeas, feta, or eggs on top of the veggies.
  5. Top with the greens or spinach last, packing lightly but firmly to keep them away from the dressing and crisp.
  6. Seal the jars tightly and store upright in the fridge.
  7. When ready to eat, shake the jar vigorously to mix dressing and ingredients, or pour into a bowl. Add crunchy toppings like nuts or croutons last to keep them crisp.

Notes

Dry greens thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Layer dressing first, then sturdy veggies, proteins, and greens last. Seal jars tightly and store upright. Add crunchy toppings like nuts or croutons just before eating to keep them crisp. Dressings can be thinned with water or olive oil if desired. Use gluten-free croutons or omit for gluten-free diet. Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: mason jar salad, meal prep, summer salad, healthy lunch, easy salad dressing, make ahead salad, gluten-free salad, dairy-free salad option

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/fresh-5-day-summer-mason-jar-salad-prep-with-5-easy-dressings/