Description
Spiralized Lemon-Basil Zucchini Mason Jar Salads offer a fresh, vibrant, and healthy meal prep option perfect for lunch or light dinners. Crisp zucchini noodles are combined with juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, fragrant basil, crunchy pine nuts, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing layered in jars for maximum freshness. The salad is quick to prepare, portable, and easy to customize, making it ideal for busy lifestyles or picnics. Serve chilled straight from the jar or tossed in a bowl for a satisfying, nutrient-rich, and colorful meal that showcases the best of summer produce.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Using a spiralizer, spiralize the zucchini into noodles using the larger blade.
- Cut the zucchini noodles into manageable 3-4 inch pieces.
- In a small jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
- In mason jars, layer the dressing at the bottom.
- Add spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Layer with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and pine nuts if using.
- Seal jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- When ready to eat, shake the jar and pour contents into a bowl or eat directly from the jar.
Notes
For vegan salads, replace feta with vegan cheese or omit it. If pine nuts aren’t available, use sunflower seeds or walnuts. Prep veggies and dressing up to 2 days ahead; store them layered in jars for freshness. If zucchini seems watery, pat dry after spiralizing. Avoid overfilling jars for easy mixing. Store sealed salads in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dress before serving for the freshest texture. Zucchini may release water—drain excess liquid if needed before eating. Add protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken for a heartier meal if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw, Mason Jar Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 13mg