16 Vegan Recipes in a Jar for Easy, Healthy Meals

Discover the convenience and creativity of vegan recipes in a jar—a perfect solution for busy days, on-the-go meals, or thoughtful gifts. Packing layers of fresh, wholesome ingredients into a mason jar not only preserves flavors beautifully but also presents a visually appealing dish that’s easy to transport.

Whether you’re meal prepping, aiming for portion control, or simply want a delightful way to enjoy plant-based meals, these recipes combine nutrition, flavor, and style in one handy container.

From hearty salads and layered desserts to wholesome overnight oats and savory soups, these 16 vegan jar recipes showcase the versatility of plant-based cooking. Embrace the colorful layers, the textural contrasts, and the burst of nutrients all packed in one jar.

Let’s dive into these vibrant, easy-to-make vegan ideas that will brighten your mealtime and inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan recipes in a jar are designed to be simple, nutritious, and portable. They are perfect for meal prepping or quick snacks, offering a balanced mix of proteins, healthy fats, and fiber.

The layering technique helps keep ingredients fresh and prevents sogginess, making your meals taste as good as they look. Plus, jars are reusable and eco-friendly, reducing single-use packaging waste.

Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just exploring plant-based options, these recipes provide great variety and inspiration. They’re easy to customize with your favorite veggies, grains, and dressings.

And if you love vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas – 2 cups cooked or canned, rinsed
• Quinoa – 1 cup cooked
• Brown rice – 1 cup cooked
• Black beans – 1 cup cooked or canned, rinsed
• Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
• Spinach – 2 cups fresh, chopped
• Avocado – 1 ripe, sliced
• Carrots – 1 cup shredded
• Cucumber – 1 cup diced
• Red bell pepper – 1 cup diced
• Hummus – 1/2 cup
• Almond milk – 1 cup (for overnight oats)
• Rolled oats – 1 cup (for overnight oats)
• Chia seeds – 2 tbsp
• Maple syrup – 2 tbsp
• Flaxseeds – 1 tbsp ground
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley) – 1/4 cup chopped
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Vegan yogurt – 1/2 cup (optional for desserts)
• Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp (for dessert jars)
• Mixed berries – 1 cup fresh or frozen
• Nut butters (peanut, almond) – 2 tbsp
• Granola – 1/2 cup
• Cooked lentils – 1 cup
• Sweet potatoes – 1 cup roasted, diced
• Cauliflower rice – 1 cup
• Salsa – 1/4 cup
• Coconut flakes – 1/4 cup (for desserts)
• Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp (for toppings)

Equipment

• Mason jars – 16 jars, 16 oz size recommended
• Mixing bowls – various sizes
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Blender or food processor (optional for dressings)
• Large pot or rice cooker for cooking grains
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressings and oats
• Roasting pan (for roasted veggies)
• Spoons for layering and serving

Instructions

1. Prepare your base ingredients: Cook quinoa, brown rice, or lentils according to package instructions. Roast sweet potatoes and other veggies if using.
2. Wash and chop fresh produce: Dice cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and shred carrots. Chop herbs finely.
3. Mix dressings: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs in a small bowl or blender.
4. Layer ingredients in jars: Start with dressings or hummus at the bottom to keep other veggies crisp. Follow with sturdy veggies (carrots, peppers), then grains or beans, then leafy greens. Add softer items like avocado or tomatoes last.
5. Seal jars tightly: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For overnight oats or dessert jars, layer oats, almond milk, chia seeds, and sweeteners first, then add toppings like berries and nuts.
6. Before eating: Shake or mix well to combine layers, or pour into a bowl if preferred.
7. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful vegan jar meal: Perfect for lunch at work, picnics, or a quick and nutritious snack.

Tips & Variations

“To prevent sogginess, always layer dressings or wet ingredients at the bottom and leafy greens at the top.”

Feel free to swap grains like quinoa for couscous or barley, and beans with lentils or edamame. Add spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for a flavor boost.

For dessert jars, try layering vegan yogurt with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and fresh berries for a guilt-free treat.

Use different nut butters or seeds to add texture and protein. You can also prepare a batch of Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for a warm jar meal or try out the vibrant Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe for more veggie inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Each vegan jar meal packs approximately:

Nutrition will vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used, but each jar is balanced to provide sustained energy and essential nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these vegan jar meals straight from the jar for convenience, or pour them into a bowl for a more traditional eating experience. Pair with a side of fresh fruit or a warm beverage.

For a satisfying snack or light meal, these jars are ideal.

Try pairing your jar salads with a warm slice of crusty bread or a vegan wrap for a more filling dinner. For a sweet jar dessert, top with shredded coconut or vegan chocolate chips.

To expand your mealtime repertoire, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a delicious vegan breakfast option or the Bread And Gravy Recipe for comfort food inspiration.

16 Vegan Recipes in a Jar

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Jar

• 1/4 cup lemon-tahini dressing (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup baby spinach (top)

Southwest Black Bean & Quinoa Jar

• 1/4 cup salsa (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (top)

Vegan Greek Salad Jar

• 2 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice dressing (bottom)
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup chopped romaine lettuce (top)
• 2 tbsp crumbled tofu feta (optional)

Vegan Lentil & Roasted Veggie Jar

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup roasted cauliflower
• 1/4 cup steamed kale
• 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (top)

Asian-Inspired Cauliflower Rice Jar

• 2 tbsp soy-ginger dressing (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cauliflower rice
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup edamame beans
• 1/4 cup sliced bell pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (top)

Vegan Hummus & Veggie Crunch Jar

• 1/4 cup hummus (bottom)
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup cucumber sticks
• 1/4 cup celery sticks
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup mixed greens (top)

Overnight Oats with Berries Jar

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (top)
• 1 tbsp almond butter (optional)

Chocolate Avocado Pudding Jar

• 1 ripe avocado, blended
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 cup vegan yogurt (optional)
• 1 tbsp shredded coconut (top)

Vegan Taco Salad Jar

• 1/4 cup salsa (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced avocado
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (top)

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burrito Jar

• 1/4 cup chipotle sauce (bottom)
• 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/4 cup corn kernels (top)

Vegan Caprese Jar

• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella (optional)
• 1/2 cup mixed greens (top)

Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats Jar

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1/2 banana, sliced (top)
• 1 tbsp chopped peanuts (top)

Rainbow Veggie & Quinoa Jar

• 2 tbsp lemon vinaigrette (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (top)

Vegan Curry Chickpea Jar

• 1/4 cup coconut curry sauce (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup steamed broccoli
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (top)

Vegan Berry Parfait Jar

• 1/2 cup vegan yogurt
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1/4 cup granola
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Asian Sesame Tofu & Veggie Jar

• 2 tbsp sesame-ginger dressing (bottom)
• 1/2 cup cubed baked tofu
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup cucumber slices
• 1/4 cup edamame
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (top)

Conclusion

These 16 vegan recipes in a jar combine health, convenience, and flavor in a way that’s perfect for modern lifestyles. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, packing a lunchbox, or creating a thoughtful gift, jars offer an elegant and practical way to enjoy plant-based meals.

The variety of options—from savory salads to sweet desserts—ensures there’s something for every craving and occasion.

Experiment with layering your favorite ingredients and dressings to customize these recipes to your taste. Remember to keep the wet ingredients at the bottom and greens at the top to maintain freshness and texture.

For more inspiring vegan dishes, check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes or dive into the wholesome flavors of Bobo’S Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bar Recipe.

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