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Fresh Mason Jar Greek Salad Lunch Prep with Lemon Dressing

Fresh Mason Jar Greek Salad Lunch Prep - featured image

A fresh, vibrant Greek salad layered in mason jars with a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for easy meal prep and keeping salads crisp for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup mixed greens (baby spinach or arugula)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened. Set aside.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion (soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow if desired), and halve the pitted Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese if not pre-crumbled. Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly.
  3. Layer the Salad in Mason Jars: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon dressing at the bottom of each jar. Add the denser veggies in order: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Add crumbled feta on top of the veggies. Finally, top with mixed greens. Do not mix; keep layers intact.
  4. Seal and Store: Screw lids on tightly and refrigerate. Salads keep fresh up to 4 days.
  5. When Ready to Eat: Shake the jar vigorously to mix dressing through the salad or pour contents into a bowl and toss well to activate flavors and keep greens crisp.

Notes

Keep dressing at the bottom and greens on top to prevent sogginess. Use dry greens and shake jar just before eating. Can substitute kale or romaine for greens. For dairy-free, omit feta or use vegan cheese alternative. Variations include adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas, swapping veggies seasonally, or using different dressings.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek salad, mason jar salad, lemon dressing, meal prep, healthy lunch, easy salad, Mediterranean diet