Name: Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: Salad Layers (bottom to top); 1/3 cup creamy dressing (about 80 g); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 75 g); 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced (about 40 g); 1/2 cup green peas, thawed (about 80 g); 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 40 g); 3 slices crispy bacon, crumbled; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 90 g); Creamy Dressing Ingredients; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (about 80 g); 2 tablespoons sour cream (about 30 g); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mason jar 7 layer salad recipe lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re craving a fresh, colorful, make-ahead meal that actually stays crisp and satisfying, this salad is about to become your new go-to. It’s layered, it’s creamy, it’s crunchy, and it’s one of those recipes that feels just as perfect for busy weekdays as it does for casual gatherings.

This mason jar 7 layer salad recipe is inspired by classic American potluck flavors, but packaged in a modern, practical way. Everything you love about a traditional layered salad is stacked neatly into a jar, making it easy to prep ahead, store, and enjoy whenever hunger hits.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad Recipe

I love recipes that feel effortless but still look impressive, and this mason jar 7 layer salad recipe checks both boxes. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel organized just by having it ready in the fridge.

This salad works beautifully when you:

Need a quick lunch for work
Want a light but filling dinner
Are planning meals ahead for the week
Need a reliable side dish for picnics or BBQs

It’s also endlessly customizable, which means you can tweak it based on what’s already in your fridge without losing that classic layered salad vibe.

When This Recipe Is Perfect to Serve

This mason jar 7 layer salad recipe fits into so many moments. I often make it when I know I’ll have busy days ahead and won’t want to think too much about food.

It’s especially great:

During warmer months when fresh salads shine
For meal prep Sundays
As a potluck or picnic contribution
When you want something lighter but still comforting

Because everything stays separate until you’re ready to eat, the textures remain fresh instead of turning soggy or sad.

The Secret Behind a Perfect Mason Jar Salad

If you’ve ever opened a container of wilted lettuce, you know the frustration. The magic of a great mason jar 7 layer salad recipe lies in strategic layering.

The key idea is simple:

Wet ingredients go at the bottom
Firm vegetables create a barrier
Greens stay safely at the top

This method keeps everything crisp for days, not hours.

Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Ingredients for the Perfect Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad Recipe

(For one large 32 oz mason jar / about 1 liter)

Salad Layers (bottom to top)

1/3 cup creamy dressing (about 80 g)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 75 g)
1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced (about 40 g)
1/2 cup green peas, thawed (about 80 g)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 40 g)
3 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 90 g)

Creamy Dressing Ingredients

1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (about 80 g)
2 tablespoons sour cream (about 30 g)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This combination creates a dressing that’s rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced for layered salads.

How to Assemble Your Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Layering matters more than you think here. Follow this order and you’ll get perfect results every time.

1. Start with the Dressing

Pour the dressing straight into the bottom of the jar. This keeps everything else protected and prevents soggy lettuce.

2. Add Tomatoes and Onion

These sturdy vegetables act as a buffer. They hold up well against the dressing and add freshness.

3. Layer in the Peas

Sweet, colorful, and firm, peas are ideal for mason jar salads.

4. Add the Eggs

Chopped hard-boiled eggs bring protein and make the salad more filling.

5. Sprinkle the Cheese

Shredded cheddar adds richness and that classic 7-layer flavor.

6. Bacon Goes Next

Crispy bacon adds crunch and smoky depth. It’s optional, but highly recommended.

7. Finish with Lettuce

Always keep the romaine on top. This is what stays fresh and crisp until serving time.

Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate.

How to Eat Your Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad

When you’re ready to eat, you’ve got two easy options.

Shake and eat: Shake the jar well to coat everything in dressing, then enjoy straight from the jar.
Pour and toss: Pour the contents into a bowl, toss gently, and serve.

Both ways work beautifully, depending on your mood.

Storage Tips: How Long Does It Last?

One of the biggest advantages of this mason jar 7 layer salad recipe is how well it stores.

Keeps fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator
Always keep the jar sealed tightly
Store upright for best results

If you plan to add avocado, do it on the day you eat the salad to prevent browning.

Easy Variations to Try

This recipe is flexible, which makes it perfect for experimenting.

Here are a few favorite ideas:

Add grilled chicken for extra protein
Swap cheddar for feta or Parmesan
Add crunch with sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas
Make it lighter by using all Greek yogurt in the dressing

No matter how you customize it, the layering principle stays the same.

What to Serve with This Salad

If you’re building a full meal, this mason jar 7 layer salad recipe pairs beautifully with warm, comforting dishes or lighter proteins.

I especially recommend checking out these recipes on my site:

They balance perfectly with the freshness of this salad and make meal planning easier.

Why This Recipe Works for Meal Prep

Meal prep doesn’t have to feel repetitive or boring. This mason jar 7 layer salad recipe proves that you can have variety, texture, and flavor without daily cooking.

Each layer stays distinct until you’re ready to eat, which means every bite feels intentional. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

Don’t Miss New Recipes

If you love easy, practical meals like this, make sure to follow me on Pinterest. I share new recipes, ideas, and inspiration there all the time.

👉 DailyAppetizer Pinterest

It’s the best place to stay up-to-date with what I’m cooking next.

Final Thoughts

This mason jar 7 layer salad recipe is simple, reliable, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation because it works just as well on a hectic Monday as it does at a relaxed weekend gathering.

If you’re looking for a fresh, make-ahead meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, this salad delivers every time. Prep it once, enjoy it for days, and feel good knowing a delicious meal is always waiting in your fridge.

Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

Salad Layers (bottom to top)
1/3 cup creamy dressing (about 80 g)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 75 g)
1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced (about 40 g)
1/2 cup green peas, thawed (about 80 g)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 40 g)
3 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 90 g)
Creamy Dressing Ingredients
1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (about 80 g)
2 tablespoons sour cream (about 30 g)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper