10 Mason Jar Lunch Recipes 

Ah the famous weekday lunches! If we were to count the number of lunch boxes we can prepare in a year, we would realize that it's a lot! In order to simplify the life of parents, workers or students, here are some recipes that can be prepared in advance and assembled directly in a Mason jar. 

Salads

#1 Lunch salad in a jar

Here is a tasty salad recipe with pomegranate, chickpeas, farro and a tasty pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. This salad will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator. 

#2 Niçoise salad in a jar

This layered salad recipe is made with potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, olives, cherry tomatoes and many other mouth-watering ingredients. 

#3 Greek-style zucchini salad in a jar 

Layer celery, bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini, tomatoes, spinach and onions with feta cheese and some homemade avocado and yogurt dressing. Feel free to add some couscous at the bottom to make a complete meal. In 30 minutes (including cooking time), you get four servings of this recipe, perfect for saving prep time during the week or sharing with family. 

#4 Nachos salad in a jar + fresh salsa or chipotle mayo dressing

This recipe is fun to eat, and simple to make. It's a far cry from the green salad recipe with its nachos adding texture to the meal. 

The soups

#5 Asian-style soup in a jar

This is the same principle as the jarred salad preparation. The ingredients are stacked in a pot beforehand. At lunchtime, you simply add boiling water and wait a few minutes before enjoying.

#6 Homemade soup on the go

The ramen noodles from this recipe can be swapped for already cooked pasta. It's perfect for passing on leftover macaroni, fusilli or any other noodle. Small chopped vegetables, cooked chicken and boiling water are added just before serving. The flavor comes from the soy sauce and chili paste, which can also be swapped for one tablespoon of chicken broth concentrate.

Other options  

#7 Shrimp sushi in a jar

When you think about it, this recipe may look like a salad... But all the ingredients used are the same ones found in sushi. Eating a sushi mix on your lunch hour is not bad at all!

#8 Omelet to go

This recipe is very versatile. It can be used as a breakfast, but can be eaten for lunch just fine. You break the eggs into a take-out jar, add veggies (bell peppers, zucchini, spinach), cheese and a protein of your choice (bacon, ham, shredded cooked chicken). Mix well, and at lunchtime, heat the jar in the microwave. You can complete the meal with crackers and raw veggies.

#9 Veggie-pâté lettuce wraps

Swap the Mason jar for a horizontal container that will hold the lettuce, vegetables and veggie-pâté. We keep a place for the sauce container. 

#10 Oats to assemble

If you have to go grocery shopping soon because you're out of vegetables, here's a breakfast-style recipe that could be a good substitute for a filling, high-fibre, protein-packed lunch. 

Looking for tips on how to better plan your weekly meals? It is possible to meet with a dietitian who will be able to guide you and give you advice according to your needs.