Rainbow Vegan Mason Jar Salads with Lemonherb Vinaigrette

Vegan Mason Jar Salads Rainbow Goodness on the Go

By Jamie ElridgeSeptember 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a vibrant lunch that's ready when you are? Ever wondered about the magic of vegan mason jar salads ? Honestly, these layered salads are my go-to for busy weeks.

They're packed with flavour and goodness! Think fresh, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying.

Brief Overview

Mason jar salad recipes have a long history. People have enjoyed layered salads for ages. They're super easy, taking only 20 minutes of prep.

It's your ticket to a healthy vegan lunch that fits in a jar. One recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for the week ahead.

Main Benefits

The best part? These are not just any salads; they're packed with goodness! The rainbow salad in a jar is a nutritional powerhouse.

It offers a high fiber meal that keeps you full. Perfect for taking to work. What makes this recipe so special is the delicious lemon herb vinaigrette , which brings all the flavours together!

Level Up Your Lunch Game

Want to ditch the soggy desk lunch? Vegan meal prep doesn't have to be a drag! These plant based jar salads are your new best friend.

They're so much more than just lettuce and dressing.

These salads are about layering to avoid that lunchtime lettuce sadness.

Why I Love Vegan Mason Jar Salads

I remember the first time I made these. I had some leftover chickpeas. I thought, why not make a salad? It was a total game changer.

No more sad sandwiches or last minute takeaway temptations. Vegan salad ideas for work never looked so good.

Get Ready to Assemble Your Masterpiece

These layered vegan salads are all about the build. You start with the dressing at the bottom. Think of it as a flavour explosion waiting to happen! Then add the sturdy ingredients.

It is all about getting creative! Soon, you'll be making easy vegan jar recipes like a pro. They are great portable vegan meals .

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's dive into what you'll need for these amazing vegan mason jar salads . Honestly, it’s more about the assembly than complicated cooking.

We are making rainbow salad in a jar , but first we need to get our stuff together. Think of it as prepping your art supplies for a masterpiece!

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on what goes into our plant based jar salads . Remember, fresh is best, especially when you're going the vegan meal prep route! These measurements are for 4 vegan mason jar salads .

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette:
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Go for good quality stuff!
- Fresh lemon juice: 3 tablespoons (45 ml) . Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is zingier!
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives): 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Fresh herbs add so much flavour!.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Just a touch of sweetness!
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
- Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) .
- Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 ml) . Freshly ground is always best.
Salad Layers (bottom to top):
- Cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed: 1 cup (240 g) . Essential for protein.
- Diced cucumber: 1 cup (240 g) . Crispness is key.
- Diced red onion: 1 cup (240 g) . Adds a nice bite.
- Diced bell peppers (mixed colors): 1 cup (240 g) .
- Shredded carrots: 1 cup (240 g) .
- Halved cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (240 g) .
- Baby spinach or mixed greens: 2 cups (480 g) .
- Chopped avocado (optional): 1/2 cup (120 g) .
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds (optional): 1/4 cup (60 g) .

Seasoning Notes

These are essential spice combinations to take the lemon herb vinaigrette up a notch. You know, those little flavour boosters that make all the difference.

Herbs : I adore the combo of parsley, dill, and chives. They're like the holy trinity of fresh flavours!.
Dijon Mustard : Adds a tangy depth. Don't skip it!
Sweetener : Maple syrup provides a subtle sweetness. Agave works too.
Substitution : If you don’t have fresh herbs, a pinch of dried Italian seasoning will do.

Equipment Needed

Okay, let's talk tools. You don't need a fancy chef's kitchen for these easy vegan jar recipes ! These are the absolute essentials.

4 wide mouth mason jars (quart or 32-ounce size) : The stars of the show! Any big jar will do actually.
Cutting board : For chopping all those lovely veggies.
Chef's knife : A sharp knife makes chopping a breeze.
Small bowl or jar : For mixing the vinaigrette.
Whisk or fork : To emulsify the dressing.

You now can start creating your own vegan mason jar salads . Are you ready for this?

Let's Talk Rainbow Vegan Mason Jar Salads !

Oh my gosh, you guys! I'm so excited to share this. As a chef who loves to eat healthy and is always short on time, I'm obsessed with vegan meal prep , especially vegan mason jar salads .

Honestly, these plant based jar salads are a game changer. Picture this: a colorful, delicious, and super easy lunch waiting for you in the fridge.

This saves me a ton of time and reduces the chances that I have a sugar crash!

I've perfected the art of layered vegan salads , and trust me, it's easier than you think. Think of it as a rainbow in a jar!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Mania!

Before we dive in, let's get our ducks in a row, yeah? First, chop all the veggies. Dice that cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers.

Shred the carrots. Halve the cherry tomatoes. I like to get all my ingredients prepped and measured out. This way, the layering process is smooth as butter.

Time saving organization tips ? Totally worth it.

Building Your Salad Masterpiece: step-by-step

Alright, here's the magic formula for our vegan mason jar salads ... Easy vegan jar recipes incoming!

Make the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette : Whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil , 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice , 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs , 1 tablespoon maple syrup , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , 1/4 teaspoon sea salt , and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper . Give it a taste and adjust as needed.
Pour the dressing into the bottom of 4 mason jars. It's important to keep the dressing away from your greens, otherwise they become soggy.
Layer 1 cup cooked chickpeas on top of the vinaigrette. This acts as a barrier.
Add 1 cup diced cucumber , 1 cup diced red onion , and 1 cup diced bell peppers .
Follow with 1 cup shredded carrots and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes . This brings the healthy vegan lunch to life.
Top with 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens .
Seal and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days .

Pro Tips for Salad Perfection

Here's the insider info: Don't skip the chickpea layer! Seriously . It's the secret to keeping your salad from becoming a soggy mess.

Also, pack those jars tightly . It helps everything stay fresh longer and creates beautiful layers. Oh, and about the dressing.

.. Give it a good shake before you pour! And if you need vegan salad ideas for work , then add the avocado just before serving to avoid browning.

Wrap it up

So there you have it! Your ticket to a week of super yummy and ridiculously easy portable vegan meals . Honestly, give these vegan mason jar salads a whirl, and let me know what you think.

I hope these salad jars bring some color into your life!.

Recipe Notes

Alright, let's talk about making these rainbow vegan mason jar salads even better. It's like jazz a basic structure, but plenty of room to riff! We've got all the tips and tricks for healthy vegan lunch prep, right here.

Fab Serving Ideas

Plating and presentation ideas: Honestly? Half the fun is how darn pretty these jars look. For extra fanciness, swirl the salad onto a plate. Top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It makes it feel like a proper meal, you know?
Complementary sides or beverages: Some crusty bread is always great. To drink, try a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. It's a perfect pairing for these plant based jar salads .

Secret Storing Tips

Refrigeration guidelines: These layered vegan salads are good for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. The key is the layering! Keep that dressing at the bottom. Trust me.
Freezing options (if applicable): I wouldn't freeze them, to be honest. Fresh veggies get a bit sad after thawing. No one wants soggy lettuce.
Reheating instructions: No reheating needed! These are meant to be enjoyed cold. Just shake and go.

Amazing Variations

Dietary adaptations: For a nut-free version, swap out the sunflower seeds. Maybe some toasted coconut flakes. It gives you that satisfying crunch.
Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the autumn, add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato. In summer? Grilled corn would be amazing. Feel free to adapt this vegan meal prep to suit the season. The vegan salad ideas for work are endless.

Nutrition Basics

Simplified nutrition information: Each jar is roughly around 350 calories. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of good stuff.

Key health benefits: This salad is great for your gut! All those veggies and fiber keep things moving, if you catch my drift! The lemon herb vinaigrette alone is a burst of freshness.

This portable vegan meals are fantastic.

So, there you have it! All my secret tips for making the best vegan mason jar salads . Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

The whole point is to enjoy a delicious and healthy easy vegan jar recipes . Plus, they are a total breeze to take on the go, perfect for a vegan salad ideas for work .

Now go on, get Mason jar salad recipes and enjoy a delightful meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make these vegan mason jar salads ahead of time? Will they get soggy?

Absolutely! The beauty of layering is that it prevents sogginess. Putting the dressing at the bottom and a barrier like chickpeas above it keeps the greens crisp. They're good to go for 3-4 days in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep like a contestant on the "Great British Baking Show" preparing for pastry week.

What's the best way to layer ingredients in vegan mason jar salads to keep everything fresh?

Think of it like building a flavor fortress! Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by sturdy veggies like chickpeas, cucumbers, and onions. Next, layer in the carrots and tomatoes, ending with the leafy greens at the very top.

This prevents the greens from getting soggy, ensuring a delightfully crisp salad every time, just as Mary Berry would want!

I'm allergic to nuts and seeds. Are there substitutions I can make to these vegan mason jar salads?

No problem at all! Just skip the sunflower or pumpkin seeds. For a similar crunch, try toasted coconut flakes, dried cranberries, or even some crispy fried onions if you're feeling adventurous! Remember, you're the chef, so don't be afraid to switch it up like Gordon Ramsay tweaking a classic dish.

Can I use different vegetables in these vegan mason jar salads? What are some good variations?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and use whatever veggies you have on hand. Roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, or even steamed broccoli would all be fantastic additions. Think about a Mediterranean twist with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, or a spicy fiesta version with black beans and jalapeños!

It’s all about making it your own personal flavor adventure.

How long do vegan mason jar salads last in the refrigerator, and what's the best way to store them?

These salads will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The key is to make sure the lids are on tight to prevent air from getting in. If you're adding avocado, it's best to add it right before serving to avoid browning, unless you fancy some brown mush!

What if I don't have chickpeas? Can I substitute something else in my vegan mason jar salads for protein?

Of course! Lentils, quinoa, or even cubed and pan-fried firm tofu would be excellent substitutes for chickpeas. Just ensure they are cooked/prepared beforehand and cooled down before adding to the jar, as with a shepherd's pie, the filling ingredients can be interchanged for a unique twist!