This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.
Step up your meal prep with this mason jar salad that is bursting with delicious fall flavors!
Mason Jar Salad: Apples, Walnuts & Pepitas with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Mason jar salads have been popular for a while now among those who like to meal prep. They are easy to make at the beginning of the week, and allow you to have a healthy meal at the ready so you are less likely to grab greasy fast food when you are hungry.
There is a simple method to making mason jar salads: dressing on the bottom, additional ingredients in the middle, and greens on top so they don't get soggy. You'll want to stay away from putting other ingredients on top of the dressing that will also get soggy or mushy, like cucumbers or squash. For this salad, I put the apples on the bottom. Apples soften up a little, but they won't turn to mush.
In addition to the apples, this vegan mason jar salad recipe also contains: apple cider vinaigrette, walnuts, carrots, pepitas, cranberries, and of course - greens. I love using arugula & sprouts for my salads, but you can use whatever type of green you enjoy.
The ingredients for this salad are seasonal fall flavors - but in my opinion, it's always a good time for a fall salad!
Layer it Up
The amounts are totally up to you and your personal preferences. If you like lots of crunch, texture & flavors to go along with your greens like I do, here are the estimates of the amounts I used in each individual jar:
- 3 tablespoons of dressing
- half a chopped apple
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons of pepitas
- + arugula stuffed to the top of the jar
Apple, Walnut and Pepita Mason Jar Salad
Ingredients
- apple cider vinaigrette dressing
- chopped apple
- walnuts
- dried cranberries
- shredded carrots
- pepitas pumpkin seeds
- greens (spinach, arugula, sprouts, etc)
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients into the jars in the order listed, with the dressing on the bottom and the greens at the top.
- Store in the fridge.
- When you're ready to eat, shake to incorporate the dressing. You can eat straight from the jar or pour into a bowl.
If you'd like more mason jar salad ideas or meal prep ideas, let me know in a comment! I'd love to share more recipes with you.
Anna says
I'm so ready to try this! Can you tell me what size jar you used? Is this an entree or side salad?