Strawberry Spinach Mason Jars

There's something magical about a salad that travels well, looks stunning, and tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. These Strawberry and Spinach Mason Jar Salads with Balsamic Vinaigrette are the answer to your meal prep prayers—colorful layers of sweet strawberries, tender baby spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted almonds, all tied together with a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing. Perfect for busy weekdays, picnics, or healthy lunches on the go, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that you'll actually look forward to eating.

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The secret to a great mason jar salad is all in the layering. By placing the dressing at the bottom and building up with heartier ingredients like onions, grains, and strawberries, you keep the delicate spinach crisp and fresh until you're ready to eat. When lunchtime rolls around, just give the jar a shake or pour it into a bowl, and you've got a restaurant-quality salad that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you're packing them for work, school, or a weekend adventure, these salads prove that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated.

Ingredients

• For the Balsamic Vinaigrette: 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 small garlic clove (finely minced), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• For the Salads: 4 cups baby spinach (washed and dried), 2 cups strawberries (hulled and sliced), 1 cup cooked quinoa or cooked farro (optional, for added protein), 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese), 1/3 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (toasted), 1/3 cup cucumber (diced, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Set aside.

Step 2: Layer the salads

Layer the salads in four wide-mouth mason jars (quart or pint size, as preferred). Start with 2–3 tablespoons of vinaigrette at the bottom of each jar.

Step 3: Add onions and grains

Add the red onion slices next, followed by cucumbers and cooked quinoa or farro (if using). This prevents the greens from getting soggy.

Step 4: Add strawberries and toppings

Layer the sliced strawberries over the grains, then add the feta cheese and toasted almonds.

Step 5: Top with spinach

Top each jar with a generous handful of baby spinach.

Step 6: Seal and refrigerate

Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate until ready to eat. To serve, shake the jar or pour into a bowl and toss to combine.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, toast your almonds or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and golden—this brings out their natural oils and adds incredible depth of flavor. When whisking the vinaigrette, add the olive oil slowly in a thin stream to create a smooth, creamy emulsion that won't separate. If you're making these salads ahead, they'll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, though they're best enjoyed within the first two days for optimal freshness. Wide-mouth mason jars are essential for easy layering and eating, so invest in a set if you plan to make these regularly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and omit or substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for extra protein if you need a heartier meal. Substitute walnuts or sunflower seeds for the almonds if you prefer a different crunch or need a nut-free option. You can also swap the baby spinach for arugula, mixed greens, or kale, and replace strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or dried cranberries depending on the season. For a different flavor profile, try swapping the balsamic vinaigrette for a lemon-tahini dressing or a honey-mustard variation.

Serviervorschläge

These mason jar salads are perfect as a light lunch on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of soup, a slice of crusty whole-grain bread, or a side of hummus and crackers. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a warm grain bowl. When it comes to beverages, pair these salads with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a dry rosé, or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. They're ideal for picnics, office lunches, post-workout meals, or as part of a healthy brunch spread. For entertaining, set out the jars on a buffet table and let guests customize their own salads with extra toppings like avocado, sunflower seeds, or croutons.

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These Strawberry and Spinach Mason Jar Salads with Balsamic Vinaigrette prove that eating healthy can be convenient, delicious, and visually stunning. With their vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and perfectly balanced flavors, they're a meal prep game-changer that will keep you excited about salads all week long. Whether you're new to mason jar salads or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation—fresh, flavorful, and ready whenever you are.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How can I keep the greens crisp in mason jars?

Layering the vinaigrette at the bottom, followed by sturdy ingredients like onions, grains, then strawberries and greens on top helps prevent sogginess until ready to eat.

→ What are good alternatives for nuts in this dish?

For nut-free options, substitute toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds to maintain crunch and flavor.

→ Can I add protein to the salad layers?

Yes, options like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa provide extra protein and texture.

→ What dressing ingredients create the balsamic vinaigrette?

The vinaigrette combines balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil emulsified together for bright, balanced flavor.

→ How should I serve the salad from the mason jars?

Either shake the jar to toss or pour the contents into a bowl to mix before eating for the best texture and flavor blend.