Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salad Recipe

Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salad Recipe: Fresh, Flavorful & Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’ve ever opened your fridge at lunchtime and thought, “Ugh, I have nothing to eat,” this Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salad is here to save you. It’s crisp, colorful, loaded with flavor, and the best part? It’s already portioned out and ready to grab. The layers stay fresh for days, and the dressing is so good you’ll want to put it on everything.

Whether you need a quick work lunch, a post-gym meal, or a make-ahead dinner, this mason jar salad is healthy eating without the sad desk salad vibes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Meal prep magic – Make 4–5 salads at once, and they’ll stay fresh for days.
  • No soggy greens – Layering keeps everything crisp until you’re ready to eat.
  • Bold Asian-inspired flavors – Sesame, soy, ginger, and a little sweetness.
  • Portable and mess-free – Great for lunches on the go.
  • Customizable – Swap veggies, change the protein, or tweak the dressing.

Recipe Overview

  • Serving Size: 4 mason jar salads
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (for chicken)
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews (optional)
  • 4 large mason jars (quart size)

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for spice)

Kitchen Equipment Required

  • 4 large mason jars with lids
  • Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salad

  1. Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using). Set aside.
  2. Layer the salad in jars – Start with the dressing at the bottom (about 2–3 tablespoons per jar).
  3. Add hearty veggies next – Cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers go in first to keep them from getting soggy.
  4. Add protein – Layer in the cooked chicken.
  5. Top with greens and nuts – Add mixed greens, then sprinkle with peanuts or cashews.
  6. Seal and store – Screw on the lids and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  7. Shake and serve – When ready to eat, shake the jar well to mix the dressing with the salad or pour it into a bowl.

Tips for the Perfect Mason Jar Salad

  • Always put dressing at the bottom – This prevents soggy greens.
  • Use hearty veggies as your first layer since they can handle sitting in the dressing.
  • Cook chicken ahead of time – Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep.
  • Don’t pack the greens too tightly – They need a little air to stay fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting the layer order – Dressing + sturdy veggies first, delicate greens last.
  • Not drying veggies – Wet greens and veggies spoil faster.
  • Overfilling jars – You need room to shake and mix before eating.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein swap – Use shrimp, tofu, or grilled steak.
  • Low-carb version – Add zucchini noodles instead of carrots.
  • Extra crunch – Add sesame seeds or crispy wonton strips right before serving.
  • Flavor twist – Try peanut dressing instead of sesame-soy.

How to Store and Meal Prep

  • Fridge life – Keeps fresh for up to 4 days.
  • Travel tip – Keep jars upright to prevent premature mixing.
  • Meal prep hack – Make multiple jars at once for grab-and-go lunches all week.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Pour into a big bowl for a lunch-at-home situation.
  • Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra flavor boost.
  • Pair with a small side of edamame or miso soup for a complete meal.
Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salad Save
Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salad

FAQs

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of chopping cabbage?
Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I freeze mason jar salads?
No, fresh veggies don’t freeze well. Stick to refrigerating.

What if I don’t have mason jars?
You can use any airtight container, but the layering method still applies.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—just swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

Related Post: High-Protein Tuna Salad

Conclusion

This Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salad is the perfect balance of fresh veggies, satisfying protein, and a tangy-sweet dressing that will keep you coming back for more. It’s portable, customizable, and practically designed for busy weeks when you don’t have time to think about lunch.

If you’re serious about meal prepping, I recommend investing in wide-mouth mason jars—they make layering easier and shaking a breeze. You can find my favorite set here (affiliate link).