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    Home » What We're Eating » Apple Harvest Mason Jar Salads

    Apple Harvest Mason Jar Salads

    Published: Aug 17, 2016 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe
    A collage image of mason jar salads

    With layers of chicken, apples, cranberries, blue cheese, and pecans, these Apple Harvest Mason Jar Salads with Cider Vinaigrette are an easy and healthy lunch-on-the-go. Prep ahead and keep salads fresh in your refrigerator for days with this simple technique! 

    A close up of a mason jar salad with apples at the side

     

    Here in rural Central Virginia, apple harvest season is a BIG deal. Apples are some of our finest local produce, and tourists come from all over to celebrate at various Harvest Festivals and pick-your-own orchards throughout the season. As a result, I'm never short on apples at this time of year...and trust me...I'm not complaining!

    Three apples sitting on a wooden surface used to make mason jar salads

    I always make batches of my kids' favorite Slow Cooker Applesauce and my Crock Pot Apple Butter in the fall, but when I'm looking for a nutritious and satisfying lunch option that I can prep for the week ahead, a mason jar salad is my first choice. Once I discovered that I could layer ingredients in a big jar and have a salad (with dressing) ready to go for days, I was hooked.

    While I love my Chicken Taco Mason Jar Salads and my Spinach and Bacon Mason Jar Salads, this has to be my all-time favorite. It just doesn't get much better than the sweet and savory combination of delicious fall flavors -- all packed tightly into one neat container!

    A side shot of mason jar salads with apples and a fork at the sideTips And Tricks For Making Mason Jar Salads

    So here's the key: in order to keep everything fresh and not soggy, you need to start with the dressing on the bottom (this Cider Vinaigrette, by the way, is HEAVEN). The "sturdier" toppings go next, such as the chicken and apples. Lettuce or anything more delicate is always on top so that it's not in contact with the dressing. And be sure to really pack your jar TIGHTLY.

    I cram as much lettuce into the top of the jar as I can at the end (to the point where the lid is practically popping off) so that I'm sure there's no extra air in there. By layering and packing tightly, these salads stay fresh for at least 3 days!

    Then, when it's time to enjoy your salad, simply dump the jar onto a plate or into a big bowl. The dressing and toppings will all be on top! Voila! I like to toss everything together at that point so that the dressing coats the rest of the ingredients. It seriously doesn't get any quicker or easier!

    A close up of a mason jar salad with the lid screwed on sitting on a wooden surface

    If you’ve tried these Apple Harvest Mason Jar Salads or any other recipe on The Seasoned Mom then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to see what I’m getting up to.

    With layers of chicken, apples, cranberries, blue cheese, and pecans, these Apple Harvest Mason Jar Salads with Cider Vinaigrette are an easy and healthy lunch-on-the-go. Meal Prep | Salad Recipes | Apple Recipes | Lunch Ideas for Adults
    Print Pin

    Apple Harvest Mason Jar Salads

    Course Lunch
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 4 salads
    Calories 625kcal
    Author The Seasoned Mom

    Ingredients

    • For the Cider Vinaigrette Dressing:
    • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 4 teaspoons maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • For the Salads:
    • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce  or other greens of choice
    • 8 ounces cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces
    • 2 apples diced
    • Juice from ½ of a lemon
    • 1 cup dried cranberries
    • 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
    • 1 cup pecans coarsely chopped and toasted
    • 4 quart-size mason jars

    Instructions

    • Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup until completely combined.
    • Place a few tablespoons of dressing at the bottom of each jar.
    • Place diced apple in a small bowl and squeeze lemon over the bowl. Toss apple in lemon juice to coat (this will prevent browning).
    • Divide salad ingredients among the jars, layering in the following: chicken, apple, cranberries, cheese, pecans. Twist on the top to seal your salads and refrigerate up to 3 or 4 days.
    • When ready to serve, empty containers of the jar onto a large plate or bowl – the dressing will be on top! Toss to coat, if desired!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1large salad | Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.5g | Protein: 22.5g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 8.7g | Cholesterol: 63.5mg | Sodium: 1024mg | Fiber: 7.3g | Sugar: 34g
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

      August 17, 2016 at 7:09 am

      I love apple season! We always go apple picking in the fall and it's just so fun to make recipes with fresh apples. This mason jar salad looks delicious, Blair! Heading over to check out the recipe!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 17, 2016 at 12:44 pm

        Thanks, Gayle! I agree -- it's definitely my favorite time of the year!

        Reply
    2. Megan - The Emotional Baker

      August 17, 2016 at 7:09 am

      I still haven't made a mason jar salad. I love this flavor combo and know I'll be trying it soon!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 17, 2016 at 12:44 pm

        Definitely give it a try, Megan! It's the easiest lunch EVER to have on hand!

        Reply
    3. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

      August 17, 2016 at 7:13 am

      I used to make mason jar salads all the time when I was working. I haven't done it in awhile but they are sure are fun & bring on all the apples!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 17, 2016 at 12:45 pm

        Thanks, Megan! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Bethany @ Athletic Avocado

      August 17, 2016 at 7:21 am

      jarred salads are the next best thing since sliced bread, they make life so much easier! I love a good salad with fruit and nuts, like this one!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 17, 2016 at 12:45 pm

        Totally agree! Thanks, Bethany!

        Reply
    5. Kristy from Southern In Law

      August 18, 2016 at 6:03 am

      Yum! Apple season is probably the only thing I actually like about the cooler months, haha!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 18, 2016 at 12:15 pm

        Apple season is the best!!!

        Reply
    6. Lynn

      March 08, 2018 at 11:59 am

      Is each mason jar salad that many fat and calories?

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 08, 2018 at 12:35 pm

        Hi, Lynn! Yes...but those numbers are very easy to adjust if you're looking to decrease the calories/fat in the salad. You can use less of the dressing, use a lighter/lower fat store-bought dressing of choice, and/or decrease the amount of nuts, cheese, and cranberries. Just play around with the ratios to create a salad that suits your nutritional goals. 🙂

        Reply
    7. kelly

      September 25, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      Do you have a recipe for the chicken you use ?

      Reply

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