10 Super Healthy Mason Jar Meal Prep
Meal prepping is an excellent way to stay on track with healthy eating, and mason jars offer the perfect solution for making nutritious meals that are both portable and easy to store. When you’re looking for convenience without sacrificing nutrition, mason jar meal prep allows you to create a variety of healthy, balanced meals in advance. These meal jars are not only practical but also visually appealing, making your meals look as good as they taste.
The best part about mason jar meal prep is its versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for a wholesome breakfast, light lunch, or hearty dinner, you can tailor your jars to meet your specific dietary preferences and needs. By incorporating lean proteins, fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains, these meal prep ideas ensure you’re getting the nutrition your body needs to thrive. Additionally, mason jars are portable and airtight, meaning your meals stay fresh for several days, making them perfect for busy individuals, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to make healthier choices throughout the week.
Healthy Mason Jar Meal Recipe’s
In this post, we’ve curated a list of 10 super healthy mason jar meal prep ideas that are easy to make, pack with flavor, and will fuel your body with essential nutrients. From overnight oats to grain bowls, protein-packed salads to nutrient-dense soups, these recipes are designed to support your lifestyle while saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Say goodbye to unhealthy takeout and hello to fresh, home-cooked meals that will keep you energized all week long!
1. Mason Jar Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a nutritious and easy-to-make breakfast or snack. This no-cook meal can be prepped the night before, saving you time in the morning. By soaking oats in milk and chia seeds, the oats absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy, pudding-like texture. You can top them with fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey for sweetness. These mason jar breakfasts are portable, customizable, and a healthy start to your day.
Equipment
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- ½ cup mixed berries or other fruits of your choice
- A handful of nuts or seeds for topping
Detailed Instructions
- In a mason jar, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and almond milk. Stir well to combine.
- Drizzle in honey if desired.
- Close the jar tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, add your choice of berries, nuts, or seeds as toppings.
- Stir before eating and enjoy!
Tips
- Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
- For extra sweetness, add a dollop of yogurt or peanut butter.
2. Mason Jar Greek Salad
This Greek salad is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal that is simple to prepare and perfect for meal prepping. Layering the ingredients in a mason jar keeps them fresh until ready to eat. With crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty olives, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is light, healthy, and full of flavor. The homemade vinaigrette ties everything together without making the veggies soggy.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Knife for chopping vegetables
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ÂĽ red onion, thinly sliced
- ÂĽ cup Kalamata olives
- ÂĽ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Instructions
- Start by layering the ingredients in a mason jar. Add the olive oil and vinegar to the bottom of the jar first.
- Layer the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives on top.
- Add the feta cheese last to avoid it getting too soggy.
- Seal the jar and store in the fridge.
- Shake the jar to mix the salad before serving.
Tips
- You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some sunflower seeds or walnuts before eating.
3. Mason Jar Chicken Caesar Salad
This mason jar meal is a lighter version of the classic Caesar salad. By layering the ingredients, you can keep them fresh and ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice. Grilled chicken provides lean protein, while the Caesar dressing and croutons offer that familiar creamy and crispy texture. Perfect for busy lunches, this salad is packed with flavor and can easily be customized to your taste.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Grill or pan for cooking chicken
- Knife for chopping lettuce
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Caesar dressing
- ÂĽ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Instructions
- Layer the Caesar dressing at the bottom of the mason jar.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the dressing.
- Next, layer the romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
- Seal the jar and store in the fridge.
- Shake the jar well to mix the dressing before serving.
Tips
- To prevent croutons from getting soggy, add them just before eating.
- Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
4. Mason Jar Chickpea Salad
This chickpea salad is packed with fiber and protein, making it a hearty and nutritious meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemon-olive oil dressing makes for a light yet filling option. It’s easy to prepare, and layering the ingredients in a mason jar keeps it fresh for days, perfect for meal prepping.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Knife for chopping veggies
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ÂĽ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Instructions
- Layer the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion in the mason jar.
- Add the chopped parsley on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing into the jar, on top of the vegetables.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate.
- Shake the jar well to combine the salad before serving.
Tips
- Add some feta cheese or avocado for extra richness.
- This salad can be eaten cold or at room temperature.
5. Mason Jar Rice and Bean Burrito Bowl
This burrito bowl is a quick and healthy option for a satisfying lunch. With layers of rice, beans, and fresh veggies, it’s both filling and flavorful. The mason jar method keeps everything fresh until you’re ready to eat, and you can top it with your favorite salsa and avocado when serving.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ½ avocado, sliced (added fresh)
- 2 tbsp salsa
- ÂĽ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Lime wedge for serving
Detailed Instructions
- Layer the rice at the bottom of the mason jar.
- Add the black beans, corn, and shredded cheese (if using).
- Seal the jar and refrigerate.
- Before eating, top with salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Tips
- Add grilled chicken or ground turkey for more protein.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with cilantro or a dash of hot sauce.
6. Mason Jar Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a great make-ahead lunch that’s full of flavor and easy to customize. By layering cooked pasta with roasted veggies and a dressing of your choice, you get a meal that’s both filling and refreshing. This salad keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for meal prep, especially when you need something quick during a busy week.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Knife for chopping veggies
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 cup roasted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
- ÂĽ cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 2 tbsp Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette
- ½ cup grilled chicken (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Instructions
- Start by layering the Italian dressing at the bottom of the mason jar.
- Add the cooked pasta, followed by roasted vegetables, mozzarella balls, and grilled chicken if desired.
- Seal the jar and store it in the fridge.
- Before serving, shake the jar to combine the salad and enjoy!
Tips
- You can add any veggies you like such as broccoli, olives, or spinach.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese before eating.
7. Mason Jar Quinoa Buddha Bowl
The quinoa Buddha bowl is a vibrant and nutrient-packed meal that combines a variety of vegetables, legumes, and grains. The base of quinoa provides protein, and the roasted vegetables add texture and flavor. Drizzling the bowl with tahini dressing ties it all together, making it a balanced and filling meal. It’s a versatile option that can be made ahead of time for quick lunches.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Knife for chopping vegetables
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup roasted vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots)
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tahini dressing
- Lemon wedge for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Instructions
- Layer the cooked quinoa at the bottom of the mason jar.
- Add roasted vegetables and chickpeas.
- Drizzle tahini dressing on top.
- Seal the jar and store it in the fridge.
- When ready to eat, shake the jar to mix the ingredients or enjoy directly from the jar.
Tips
- Add avocado or a boiled egg for extra protein.
- For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bowl before eating.
8. Egg Muffin Cups Mason Jar
Egg muffin cups are an excellent grab-and-go breakfast or snack option, packed with protein and veggies. These can be prepped in advance, stored in mason jars, and eaten cold or reheated. By using eggs as the base and adding spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, you get a filling and nutrient-dense meal. These muffins are ideal for busy mornings.
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mason jar
- Whisk for eggs
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ½ cup mushrooms, chopped
- ½ cup cheese (cheddar, feta, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salsa (optional for topping)
Detailed Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chopped spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, mixing to combine.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin (about Âľ full).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set.
- Let the egg muffins cool, then store them in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge.
- Serve with salsa or avocado for extra flavor.
Tips
- These can be frozen for longer storage—just reheat in the microwave.
- Customize the veggies by adding bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes.
9. Mason Jar Chicken Stir Fry
This chicken stir fry is a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for a mason jar prep. With stir-fried vegetables, lean chicken, and a touch of soy or teriyaki sauce, it’s a balanced dish that’s full of flavor. Layering the ingredients in a jar makes it easy to store, and when you’re ready, just heat it up and enjoy.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Pan for stir-frying
- Knife for chopping veggies
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup mixed stir-fry vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
- ½ cup cooked rice or noodles
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Detailed Instructions
- Start by layering the rice or noodles at the bottom of the mason jar.
- Add the stir-fry vegetables and cooked chicken on top.
- Drizzle with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
- Seal the jar and store it in the fridge.
- When ready to eat, heat the stir fry in a pan or microwave, then serve.
Tips
- Use any veggies you like, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish.
10. Mason Soup Jar
Soup jars are perfect for prepping hearty meals that you can cook when ready to eat. By layering the dry ingredients for soup in a mason jar, you can easily make a nutritious meal by adding broth when you’re ready to cook. This method is perfect for lentil, bean, or vegetable-based soups and is great for busy weeks.
Equipment
- Mason jar
- Pot for cooking soup
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils or beans
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable or chicken broth powder
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Instructions
- Layer the dried lentils or beans, tomatoes, carrot, celery, and onion in the mason jar.
- Add the broth powder and bay leaf on top.
- Seal the jar and store it in the pantry or fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- When ready to make the soup, transfer the ingredients into a pot and add 4 cups of water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips
- You can make several soup jars in advance and store them for easy access.
- Add some cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Conclusion
Mason jar meal prep is the ultimate solution for anyone looking to make healthy eating more convenient and sustainable. With these 10 delicious and nutrient-packed recipes, you can create a variety of meals that are not only good for your body but also easy to prepare. By organizing your meals in advance, you save time, reduce stress, and ensure you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients throughout the week.
From nutrient-dense salads to hearty grain bowls and savory soups, these mason jar meals cater to a variety of dietary preferences and are sure to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables, increase your protein intake, or simply save time during the week, mason jar meal prep has you covered. Try these ideas today, and experience the benefits of having healthy meals on hand whenever you need them!