Italian Chicken Mason Jar Salad

Learn how to make a fresh, flavorful Italian chicken mason jar salad. Tote this Mediterranean salad anywhere.

A closeup shot of a black plate piled with Italian chicken mason jar salad
by
Sabrina Tillman
— Signos
Health & Fitness Writer
Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Reviewed by

Sabrina Tillman
Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Updated by

Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Science-based and reviewed

Updated:
Published:
December 3, 2024
August 16, 2021
No items found.

Table of Contents

Mason jar salads make quick, convenient, nutritious make-ahead lunches or dinners that you can tote to work, pack for a picnic in a park, or carry from your refrigerator to your backyard to eat mindfully outside.

To make mason jar salads a part of your weekly meal prep, these tips can make assembly fast and easy:

  • Pick 2-3 mason jar salad recipes to make for the week; try to find recipes that have some similar ingredients to make shopping easier and more economical
  • Wash and dry all salad ingredients beforehand
  • Cook and cool any meat or plant-based proteins
  • Toast any nuts or seeds and allow to cool
  • Chop your lettuce or greens into thin strips or tear into small pieces
  • Cut all raw vegetables and protein into bite-sized pieces
  • If you choose to store your salad dressing at the bottom of the mason jar instead of separately, make sure to layer the salad in a manner so that it doesn't matter if the ingredients touching the dressing get wet. For example, you want nuts or seeds to be stored at the top of the jar so they retain their crunch
  • Prep 3-5 mason jar salads on the same day to make prep, assembly, and clean up efficient.

If you have any concerns about using plastic to store food, mason jars make great reusable alternative that are dishwasher safe, take up little space in a refrigerator or tote bag, and can be wrapped in a kitchen towel to prevent breaking. Buy a pack of six or 10 mason jars from the grocery store or superstore and make sure to wash before your first use.

Italian Chicken Mason Jar Salad Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cooked chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • ½ red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 5 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 6 basil leaves, torn

Instructions

Layer salad ingredients into a mason jar in the following order, from bottom to top: dressing, chicken, bell pepper, mozzarella, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, basil. Put the top on and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

{{mid-cta}}

Vegan Italian Mason Jar Salad Recipe

Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or just want a plant-based salad for a meatless meal, this vegan version of our Italian mason jar salad fits the bill.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ½ red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 5 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds or pine nuts
  • 6 basil leaves, torn

Instructions

Layer salad ingredients into a mason jar in the following order, from bottom to top: dressing, bell pepper, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, seeds or nuts, basil. Put the top on and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. 

<p class="pro-tip">Learn more about the Mediterranean diet and blood sugar</p>

Get more information about weight loss, glucose monitors, and living a healthier life
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
  • Item 1
  • Item 2
  • item 3
Get more information about weight loss, glucose monitors, and living a healthier life
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Topics discussed in this article:

No items found.

References

About the author

Sabrina has more than 20 years of experience writing, editing, and leading content teams in health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. She is the former managing editor at MyFitnessPal.

View Author Bio

Please note: The Signos team is committed to sharing insightful and actionable health articles that are backed by scientific research, supported by expert reviews, and vetted by experienced health editors. The Signos blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Read more about our editorial process and content philosophy here.

Interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight management?

Try Signos.