Quinoa Mason Jar Salad with Hemp Seeds
Layered mason jar salad built from the bottom up for optimal freshness and texture. Dressing anchors resilient vegetables, quinoa adds protein and substance, and tender greens topped with hemp seeds create a complete, portable meal that stays fresh for days without wilting.
Ingredients
- 2 cup quinoa, cooked
- 2 cup mixed greenskale or spinach1:1vegangluten-free
adds more nutrients per source
- 2 cup grape tomatoes
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 green pepper, chopped
- 4 tsp Braggs vinaigretteother vinaigrettes or oil-based dressings1:1vegangluten-free
confidence 5
- 2 tsp hemp seedschia seeds1:1vegangluten-free
confidence 5
Instructions
- 1
Add dressing to the bottom of a mason jar
- 2
Layer resilient vegetables (peppers, onions, tomatoes) directly over dressing
- 3
Add cooked quinoa as the protein layer
- 4
Pack mixed greens tightly over quinoa to help keep ingredients in place
- 5
Top with hemp seeds and any additional toppings
Tips
Layer in order given to prevent sogginess; dressing at bottom acts as barrier between jar and delicate greens
Pack greens tightly to stabilize layers and maintain structure during transport or storage
Darker greens like kale or spinach retain more nutrients than lighter varieties
Good to Know
Sealed mason jar in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep dressing at bottom to prevent greens from absorbing moisture.
Prepare through topping step up to 5 days ahead. Shake jar gently before eating to distribute dressing.
Eat directly from jar or transfer to bowl. Shake well before consuming to redistribute dressing and flavors.
Common Mistakes
Add dressing on top of greens to avoid soggy salad; dressing must stay at jar bottom
Pack greens loosely to avoid compaction damage; firm packing holds structure without crushing leaves
Skip hardy vegetables at bottom to avoid waterlogged salad; tender greens absorb too much liquid when in direct contact with dressing
Substitutions
Vegan Options
confidence 5
adds more nutrients per source