Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad Recipe – The Ultimate Meal Prep Hack

I have a love-hate relationship with salads. Love eating them, hate making them every single day. You know the drill—washing, chopping, mixing, and by the time you’re done, the lettuce has given up on life, and the dressing has turned everything into a soggy mess. That’s why when I discovered the Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad recipe, it was a total game-changer.
Picture this: a perfectly layered salad that stays crisp for days, looks absolutely stunning (hello, Instagram-worthy lunch!), and requires zero effort when it’s time to eat. Whether you need a quick grab-and-go meal for busy weekdays, a picnic-ready lunch, or just an excuse to feel like a meal-prepping queen, this one’s for you!
If you haven’t seen my classic 7-layer salad recipe yet, check this out too! 🙂

Why You’ll Love This Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad
I wouldn’t rave about this if it wasn’t a true lifesaver, but here’s why you need to try it:
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Make a few at once, and you’ve got lunch sorted for the week.
✔ No More Soggy Salads – The layering keeps everything fresh and crisp.
✔ Packed with Protein – Hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese make it super satisfying.
✔ Tastes as Good as it Looks – Trust me, this one won’t disappoint.

Ingredients for the Perfect 7 Layer Mason Jar Salad
(For one large 32 oz / 1-liter mason jar)
Salad Layers:
- 1/3 cup creamy dressing (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise if preferred)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How to Assemble Your Mason Jar Salad Like a Pro
If you’ve ever suffered through a sad, wilted salad, let me show you the secret to a crisp and fresh mason jar salad—it’s all about the layering technique!
1️⃣ Start with the Dressing – Pour the creamy dressing at the bottom of the jar. This keeps everything else from getting soggy.
2️⃣ Tomatoes & Onion – These sturdy veggies act as a protective barrier between the dressing and the rest of the salad.
3️⃣ Add the Peas – Sweet, colorful, and they hold up well in the jar.
4️⃣ Layer the Eggs – The chopped hard-boiled eggs add protein and texture.
5️⃣ Cheddar Cheese – A rich, savory layer that melts beautifully into the salad when mixed.
6️⃣ Bacon Crumbles – Because let’s be honest, everything is better with bacon.
7️⃣ Lettuce Last – This should always be at the top to stay crisp and fresh until you’re ready to eat.
How to Eat & Store Your Mason Jar Salad
How to Eat:
- Shake the jar like a pro to coat everything in dressing. (Yes, it’s totally okay to dance a little while doing this.)
- Pour it into a bowl, give it a toss, and enjoy!
Storage Tips:
- Stays fresh for 3-4 days if sealed properly.
- Keep in the fridge until ready to eat.
- If using avocado, add it fresh on the day you eat it to avoid browning.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:
? Avocado Upgrade – Add avocado chunks (but only if you’re eating it that day).
? Crunch Boost – Toss in sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas.
? Extra Protein – Add grilled chicken for an even more filling meal.
? Cheese Swap – Try feta or Parmesan instead of cheddar.
Approximate Nutrition for One Serving
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portions.)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~30g
- Fiber: ~5g
Nutrition Disclaimer
The number of servings is approximate and depends on portion sizes. Nutritional values are general guidelines based on the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient types.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe, weigh the finished dish (excluding the jar), and divide by the number of portions you plan to serve.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This
If you’ve ever struggled with meal prepping or found yourself staring into the fridge with no idea what to eat, this Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad recipe is about to be your new best friend. It’s fresh, filling, easy to make, and honestly, just plain fun to eat.
Now, tell me—what’s your favorite salad combo? Have you tried mason jar salads before? Let’s chat in the comments or over on Pinterest!
