Quinoa Tahini Mason Jar Salad
The perfect balance of protein and veggies in one grab-and-go container! Enjoy my quinoa tahini mason jar salad anytime, anywhere!
This Quinoa Tahini Mason Jar Salad is like the friend you can take anywhere. It’s perfect for busy days on the go and equally great as a last minute lunch at home. Use this recipe as a framework according to what you have at home and see how easily one simple recipe can unfold with infinite possibilities! Enjoy with Creamy Tahini Dressing or swap it for another homemade favorite. Another great idea is to add a few tablespoons of a yummy homemade dip, like this lemony fresh Edamame Purée.
Plus, if you’re a visual person, this Quinoa Tahini Mason Jar Salad can be a helpful representation of what people mean when they say things like, “eat the rainbow” and “count colors, not calories.” Putting it all together could even be a fun activity for kids to participate in, transferring each ingredient into the jar!
Here’s how to do it: add salad ingredients to your mason jar in order of the list below. Always do dressing first. Then add your hard veggies or grains, followed by softer veggies and finished with greens. Putting it all together in this way will ensure that your salad stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.
When you’re ready to eat, grab a bowl, empty the jar and enjoy! If you’re enjoying your salad out of the mason jar, be sure to give it a good shake to mix everything up.
Pro tip: Swap water for bone broth and make your quinoa more flavorful and nutrient dense.
Why You’ll Love It
Mason jar salads are one of the easiest, healthiest, most satisfying meal prep recipes you can make. Plus they’re incredibly versatile; customization is endless according to what you have at home and how you’re feeling
They can be prepped ahead of time, stored in the fridge and enjoyed leisurely as a pre-portioned meal or a nutritious option on-the-go
It’s helpful to make a few different combinations so you have a little variety throughout the week
Nutritional Value
Versatility
Effort / ROI
Recipe Cost Breakdown
¼ red pepper, finely chopped: $0.75
⅓ cup quinoa, cooked: $1.02
¼ cucumber, finely chopped: $0.42
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped: $0.18
1 small chicken breast, seasoned cooked and finely chopped: $3.49
1 cup spinach: $0.31
For the dressing
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil: $0.99
¼ cup tahini: $1.49
3 tbsp lemon juice: $0.48
2 tbsp Dijon mustard: $0.16
2 tbsp maple syrup: $0.87
1 clove garlic: $0.06
Total Cost: $10.22
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
Adjust Servings
| ¼ red pepper, finely chopped | |
| ⅓ cup quinoa, cooked | |
| ¼ cucumber, finely chopped | |
| ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped | |
| 1 small chicken breast, seasoned cooked and finely chopped | |
| 1 cup spinach |
For the dressing
| ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil | |
| ¼ cup tahini | |
| 3 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste | |
| 2 tbsp Dijon mustard | |
| 2 tbsp maple syrup | |
| 1 clove garlic | |
| ½ teaspoon fine sea salt | |
| Filtered water, as needed for consistency |
