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Fresh Glass Jar Salads Recipe Easy Layered Lunch Ideas for Work

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A vibrant and fresh glass jar salad recipe perfect for busy workdays, featuring layered ingredients that stay crisp and flavorful until lunchtime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded or julienned
  • ½ bell pepper, diced (mix of colors)
  • ½ cup cooked chickpeas or black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Avocado slices (add just before sealing to avoid browning)
  • 1 cup mixed baby greens or spinach, washed and dried
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (optional)
  • Crunchy toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the sturdy veggies: Slice ½ cucumber thinly, halve 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, shred 1 medium carrot, and dice ½ a bell pepper.
  3. Layer the jar: Pour about 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) of dressing into the bottom of each jar. Add the sliced cucumber, then layer in cherry tomatoes, shredded carrot, and diced bell pepper.
  4. Add protein and creamy elements: Spoon in ½ cup (120 g) cooked chickpeas or beans, then crumble ¼ cup (35 g) feta cheese over the top. If using avocado, add slices now but be mindful of timing to prevent browning.
  5. Top with greens: Add a generous handful (about 1 cup or 30 g) of mixed baby greens or spinach. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
  6. Seal and refrigerate: Screw the lid on tightly and store the jars upright in the fridge. Keep fresh up to 3 days. When ready to eat, shake the jar or dump it into a bowl and enjoy.

Notes

Dry greens thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Add avocado slices just before sealing to avoid browning or add right before eating. Layer ingredients starting with dressing at the bottom and delicate greens on top to keep salad fresh. Store jars upright and sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake before eating or dump into a bowl.

Nutrition

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