Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing

Get ready to experience freshness in a jar with our Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad! This delightful recipe will show you how to layer the perfect medley of garden-fresh vegetables, creating a colorful and nutritious masterpiece. Toss together crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a rainbow of bell peppers for a burst of flavor in every bite.

But wait, the real game-changer lies in the homemade dressing! Drizzle our tangy vinaigrette over the layers, and you've got a salad that tastes just as fabulous as any gourmet offering. The best part? These mason jar salads are not only visually appealing but also incredibly convenient for meal prep or on-the-go lunches. Elevate your salad game with this simple yet scrumptious treat!

Now, let's talk about that homemade dressing – it's pure magic!

Now, let's talk about that homemade dressing – it's pure magic! This tantalizing vinaigrette brings together the flavors of fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and just a hint of sweetness, elevating the entire salad to new heights. The best part is that you can customize the dressing to your taste, making it as zesty or mellow as you like. With our Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad, you'll experience the joy of a garden-fresh meal, bursting with flavor and wholesome goodness. Whether you're at work, school, or simply craving a scrumptious lunch, these salads are the perfect go-to solution for a delicious and nutritious dining experience!

This tantalizing vinaigrette brings together the flavors

This tantalizing vinaigrette brings together the flavors of fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and just a hint of sweetness, elevating the entire salad to new heights. The best part is that you can customize the dressing to your taste, making it as zesty or mellow as you like. With our Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad, you'll experience the joy of a garden-fresh meal, bursting with flavor and wholesome goodness. Whether you're at work, school, or simply craving a scrumptious lunch, these salads are the perfect go-to solution for a delicious and nutritious dining experience!

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Serves: 6

Jump to:

• Now, let's talk about that homemade dressing – it's pure magic!
• This tantalizing vinaigrette brings together the flavors
• Ingredients needed to make Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad
• How to make Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad
• Variations on the Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad recipe
• Equipment needed for the Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad
• Storage for the Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad
• Top tips for making Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad
• Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Ingredients needed to make Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad

• Basic Balsamic Dressing:
  ⅔ c. extra virgin olive oil
  ⅓ c. good balsamic vinegar
  2 T. Dijon mustard
  2 t. fresh oregano leaves
  3 T. fresh lime juice
  1 T. honey
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  
  

• Salad Ingredients:
• 2 medium English cucumbers, chopped
• 2 large bell peppers, seeded, chopped  115-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed, drained1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ c. fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• ½ c. fresh basil leaves, chopped

How to make Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad

1. To prepare the dressing, whisk the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, lime juice, and honey together in a small glass or other non-reactive bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Set aside.
   
2. Wash and pat dry all vegetables before prepping. Toss Romaine lettuce, parsley, and basil in a medium bowl to combine. Divide all vegetables into 6 equal portions and set aside. 
   
3. Divide dressing among the 6 mason jars. Add a layer of chopped cucumbers to each jar, followed by a layer of bell peppers. Next, add chickpeas and then the grape tomatoes. Top each jar with the lettuce-herb mixture and seal with a lid.
   
4. Store salads in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Each salad will last 4-5 days. To serve, remove from refrigerator and pour each jar into a salad bowl and enjoy!

Variations on the Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad recipe

Here are 10 variations you can make to the "Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad with Homemade Dressing" recipe:

1. Protein-Packed Power Salad: Add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or tofu cubes to the salad to make it more filling and protein-rich.
   
2. Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by adding Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to the dressing.
   
3. Tex-Mex Fiesta: Give your salad a Tex-Mex twist by adding black beans, corn, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. Top it with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
   
4. Caprese Salad Delight: Transform the salad into a Caprese-style delight by layering fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.
   
5. Asian-Inspired Crunch: Add a touch of Asia by incorporating shredded carrots, sliced red bell peppers, mandarin oranges, and toasted sesame seeds. Toss with a sesame ginger dressing for an Asian-inspired flavor.
   
6. Greek Goddess Salad: Elevate the salad with a Greek twist by adding cucumber slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress it with a tangy Greek vinaigrette.
   
7. Harvest Autumn Salad: Embrace the flavors of fall by incorporating roasted butternut squash cubes, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese into the salad. Drizzle with a maple-Dijon dressing.
   
8. Southwestern Fiesta: Give your salad a spicy kick by adding grilled corn, black beans, diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Use a chipotle-lime dressing for a smoky flavor.
   
9. Italian Garden Salad: Create an Italian-inspired salad by adding marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sliced pepperoni or salami, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Toss it with a zesty Italian dressing.
   
10. Tropical Paradise: Transport your taste buds to the tropics by incorporating diced mango, pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and macadamia nuts into the salad. Dress it with a citrusy tropical dressing.

Feel free to customize these variations based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy your culinary adventures!

Equipment needed for the Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad

6 quart-sized mason jars

Storage for the Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad

The storage duration of the "Garden Veggie Mason Jar Salad with Homemade Dressing" in the fridge depends on several factors, including the freshness of the ingredients used, the type of dressing, and the storage containers used. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Freshness of Ingredients: The salad will last longer if you use fresh, crisp vegetables. If the veggies are already wilted or past their prime, the salad won't stay fresh for as long.
2. Type of Dressing: If your dressing contains perishable ingredients like dairy, eggs, or fresh herbs, the salad will have a shorter shelf life. Homemade dressings with fresh ingredients should ideally be consumed within a few days.
3. Storage Containers: Using airtight mason jars is great for preserving the salad's freshness. Ensure the jars are clean and dry before assembling the salad.

In general, properly stored, a mason jar salad with homemade dressing can last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. The layers in the jar help keep the ingredients separate until you're ready to eat, preserving the salad's texture and flavors.

To ensure your salad stays fresh for as long as possible, follow these tips:

• Keep the salad refrigerated at all times.
• Don't mix the layers until you're ready to eat. The dressing should remain at the bottom, and the lettuce should be at the top.
• Avoid using ingredients that are prone to wilting quickly, such as delicate greens or sliced avocados (unless they are consumed within a day).
• If you plan to store the salad for an extended period, consider omitting ingredients like tomatoes that can release excess moisture and make the salad soggy.

Always use your senses (sight, smell, and taste) to check if the salad is still fresh before consuming it, especially if you're nearing the end of the storage period. If anything looks or smells off, it's best to discard the salad to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

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