Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars

Enjoy a vibrant and refreshing lunch with these Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars. This Mediterranean-inspired meal features tender orzo, juicy chicken breast, and crisp vegetables layered perfectly in mason jars for a convenient, healthy, and colorful grab-and-go option.

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These jars are designed to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. By placing the dressing and the heartiest vegetables at the bottom, your orzo pasta and fresh parsley stay perfectly textured until the moment you're ready to eat.

Ingredients

• Pasta & Protein: 1 cup (180 g) dry orzo pasta, 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie).
• Vegetables: 1 cup (120 g) cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup (100 g) cucumber (diced), 1/2 cup (60 g) red bell pepper (diced), 1/2 cup (50 g) red onion (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley (chopped).
• Add-Ins: 1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced), 3/4 cup (100 g) feta cheese (crumbled).
• Dressing: 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 garlic clove (minced), 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Instructions

Cook the Orzo

Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it cool completely.

Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper.

Prepare the Jars

Gather four large (16 oz/480 ml) mason jars.

Layer for Freshness

Divide the dressing evenly between the jars. Add the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber directly on top of the dressing. Next, layer the cherry tomatoes, followed by the cooled orzo, diced chicken, olives, and feta cheese. Finish with a layer of fresh parsley.

Seal and Store

Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Serve

When ready to eat, shake the jar vigorously to distribute the dressing or pour the contents into a bowl and toss.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the salad stays fresh, it is essential to let the orzo pasta cool completely before layering. This prevents steam from being trapped in the jar, which could cause the vegetables to soften prematurely.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra fiber, you can substitute the orzo with whole-wheat pasta or cooked quinoa. If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.

Serviervorschläge

These jars are perfect as a standalone lunch, but they also pair beautifully with a side of warm pita bread. Shaking the jar well before eating ensures every bite is coated in the zesty oregano dressing.

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With these Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars, you have a healthy, delicious meal ready whenever you are. It’s the ultimate solution for stress-free lunches throughout the week.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long can these salad jars stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in airtight mason jars with the dressing layered at the bottom, these salads remain fresh and crisp for up to 4 days. The dressing prevents the vegetables from wilting while maintaining optimal texture.

→ What's the best way to layer ingredients for maximum freshness?

Place dressing at the bottom, followed by hardy vegetables (onion, peppers, cucumber), then tomatoes, orzo pasta, chicken, olives, feta, and fresh parsley on top. This layering prevents soggy ingredients and keeps everything properly marinated.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and dice chicken up to 2 days in advance. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano before cooking, then store separately until assembly day.

→ What are good substitutions for orzo?

Whole wheat pasta, regular pasta, quinoa, or farro work beautifully as alternatives. Each adds different nutritional benefits—quinoa provides extra protein, while whole wheat increases fiber content.

→ How do I make this salad dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with vegan feta alternatives available at most grocery stores. The salad remains flavorful and satisfying with the vibrant vegetables and olives providing plenty of character.

→ Is this suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. These jars are designed specifically for meal prep. Assemble all four jars at once, seal them tightly, and refrigerate. They're portable, no utensils needed beyond a fork, and perfect for busy weekday lunches.