Best Vegan Mason Jar Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 6, 2025

Vegan meals are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, especially when prepared in convenient, portable containers like mason jars. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, packing a healthy lunch, or simply looking for a fresh and creative way to enjoy plant-based dishes, vegan mason jar recipes are an absolute game-changer.

These recipes combine vibrant vegetables, wholesome grains, nuts, and flavorful dressings layered perfectly to maintain freshness and taste until you’re ready to dig in. Plus, they’re beautiful to look at and fun to assemble!

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegan mason jar recipes that are easy to make, nutrient-packed, and perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. From hearty salads to creamy overnight oats and savory grain bowls, these recipes will inspire your plant-based journey with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mason jar meals are ideal for busy individuals who want to eat healthily without spending hours in the kitchen. These vegan recipes are specifically designed to keep ingredients crisp and fresh by layering them strategically, preventing sogginess.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to customize each jar with your favorite veggies, proteins, and dressings. Mason jars are also eco-friendly and reusable, making your mealtime both sustainable and stylish.

Plus, these recipes are balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, supporting your energy and wellbeing throughout the day.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Quinoa: 1 cup cooked
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Cucumber: 1 medium, diced
  • Shredded carrots: 1 cup
  • Avocado: 1 ripe, sliced
  • Baby spinach: 2 cups
  • Red onion: ¼ cup, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Olive oil: 3 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Hummus: ½ cup (optional layer)
  • Sunflower seeds: 2 tbsp (for crunch)

Equipment

  • Mason jars (16 oz or 24 oz): 3-4 jars depending on size
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Cooking pot or rice cooker (for quinoa)
  • Spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: Rinse ½ cup dry quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with 1 cup water, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  2. Prepare the veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred carrots, slice red onion thinly, and chop parsley.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Layer the mason jars: Start by adding the dressing at the bottom of each jar. This prevents sogginess.
  5. Add the chickpeas: Place about ½ cup chickpeas on top of the dressing.
  6. Follow with quinoa: Add about ⅓ cup cooked quinoa per jar.
  7. Add crunchy veggies: Layer cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and red onion next.
  8. Add leafy greens: Add a generous handful of baby spinach on top.
  9. Top with avocado and parsley: Place avocado slices and sprinkle parsley over the spinach.
  10. Optional toppings: Add a dollop of hummus or sprinkle sunflower seeds for texture and extra flavor.
  11. Seal the jars: Screw on the lids tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  12. To serve: Shake the jar gently to mix the dressing or pour contents into a bowl.

Tips & Variations

Layering is key! Always put wet ingredients like dressings or hummus at the bottom and delicate greens at the top to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Try swapping quinoa for brown rice or farro for a different grain base. You can also use black beans or lentils instead of chickpeas for varied protein sources.

For an extra burst of flavor, add olives, roasted red peppers, or your favorite vegan cheese alternative.

Want a breakfast twist? Prepare vegan overnight oats in mason jars by layering oats, plant-based milk, chia seeds, and fresh fruit.

For dinner, create a vegan taco jar with layers of seasoned beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and lettuce.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving (1 jar)
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 12 g
Fat 15 g
Carbohydrates 40 g
Fiber 9 g
Sugar 6 g
Vitamin A 60% DV
Vitamin C 45% DV
Iron 20% DV

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these vegan mason jar salads on their own for a light lunch or pair them with a warm soup for a more filling meal. They also work wonderfully as side dishes for vegan BBQs or picnics.

For added protein, serve with a side of toasted whole grain bread or vegan cheese slices. These jars travel well, making them perfect for work, school, or outdoor adventures.

Best Vegan Mason Jar Recipes List

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Jar

This recipe layers chickpeas, cucumbers, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Add a scoop of vegan feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean taste.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Kalamata olives: ½ cup, sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Cucumber: 1 medium, diced
  • Red onion: ¼ cup, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Vegan feta cheese: ¼ cup, crumbled (optional)
  • Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil: 3 tbsp
  • Oregano: 1 tsp dried
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  2. Layer dressing at the bottom of the jar.
  3. Add chickpeas, cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion sequentially.
  4. Top with parsley and vegan feta cheese.
  5. Seal and refrigerate until ready to eat. Shake before serving.

Vegan Overnight Oats Jar

A perfect make-ahead breakfast with creamy oats, chia seeds, almond milk, and fresh berries. Sweeten naturally with maple syrup and add your favorite nuts or seeds for crunch.

Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: ½ cup
  • Chia seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Almond milk: 1 cup (or any plant milk)
  • Maple syrup: 1 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract: ½ tsp
  • Fresh berries: ½ cup (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
  • Almonds or walnuts: 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a jar, combine oats, chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
  2. Top with fresh berries and nuts.
  3. Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Enjoy cold or warmed up in the morning.

Southwest Black Bean Bowl Jar

This flavorful jar layers black beans, corn, bell peppers, avocado, and brown rice with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. It’s perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

  • Cooked brown rice: 1 cup
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn kernels: ½ cup (fresh or frozen)
  • Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Lime juice: 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  2. Start layering with the dressing at the bottom of the jar.
  3. Add black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, and brown rice sequentially.
  4. Top with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
  5. Seal and refrigerate. Stir before eating.

Conclusion

Vegan mason jar recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy nutritious, colorful, and satisfying meals that fit perfectly into a busy lifestyle. Their portability and ease of preparation make them ideal for meal prep, work lunches, or casual picnics.

By layering ingredients thoughtfully, you can maintain freshness and flavor while incorporating a variety of textures and nutrients into every bite.

From the Mediterranean chickpea salad to creamy overnight oats and vibrant Southwest black bean bowls, these recipes are versatile and easily customizable to your taste preferences. Don’t forget to explore other delicious plant-based creations like the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes, Leche De Pantera Recipe, or the delightful Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more vegan inspiration.

Happy jar layering and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Mason Jar Salad

Description: A vibrant and nutritious layered salad perfect for meal prep. Packed with fresh veggies, beans, and a tangy dressing for a satisfying meal on the go.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add lemon juice and olive oil to the bottom of the mason jar.
  2. Layer chickpeas over the dressing.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in layers.
  4. Top with shredded carrots and quinoa.
  5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  6. Seal jar and refrigerate until ready to eat.
  7. Shake jar before serving to mix dressing.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 50g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Mason Jar Salad”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A vibrant and nutritious layered salad perfect for meal prep. Packed with fresh veggies, beans, and a tangy dressing for a satisfying meal on the go.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “2 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup cooked quinoa”, “1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed”, “1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1/2 cup cucumber, diced”, “1/4 cup shredded carrots”, “1/4 cup diced red bell pepper”, “1/4 cup chopped red onion”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley”, “2 tablespoons lemon juice”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add lemon juice and olive oil to the bottom of the mason jar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Layer chickpeas over the dressing.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in layers.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with shredded carrots and quinoa.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle with fresh parsley.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Seal jar and refrigerate until ready to eat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shake jar before serving to mix dressing.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350”, “proteinContent”: “12g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X