If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with fresh summer flavors, look no further than this Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and crisp ingredients layered beautifully in a portable mason jar. Imagine juicy strawberries and blueberries mingling with creamy feta cheese and peppery spring mix, all dressed lightly in a luscious poppy seed dressing. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, heading to a picnic, or simply want a vibrant, healthy dish at home, this recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a refreshing salad anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one adds something special—from the fresh fruit’s natural sweetness to the salty creaminess of feta and the crispness of the greens, all brought together by a tangy poppy seed dressing.
- 4 tbsp poppy seed dressing: Choose a good quality store-bought or homemade dressing for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- 1 cup chopped strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a salty, creamy contrast that elevates the salad.
- ½ cup blueberries: These add pops of juicy tartness and a beautiful jewel-like hue.
- 2 cups spring mix lettuce: A mix of tender leaves offers a crisp and peppery backdrop to the fruits and cheese.
How to Make Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Dressing
Start your Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe by spooning 2 tablespoons of poppy seed dressing into the base of each mason jar. This keeps the greens fresh and prevents sogginess by separating the dressing from the lettuce until you’re ready to eat.
Step 2: Add the Fruit and Cheese Layers
Next, add ½ cup of chopped strawberries, followed by ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup of blueberries. Layering these ingredients ensures every bite has a perfect blend of sweet berries and creamy feta with each toss.
Step 3: Finish with the Greens
Top each jar with 1 cup of spring mix lettuce. This final layer keeps the salad light and fresh. Seal your jars tightly, and your salad is ready to be stored or enjoyed immediately.
Step 4: Shake and Serve
When it’s time to eat, give the mason jar a vigorous shake to evenly distribute the dressing. You can enjoy the Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe straight from the jar for a fun and practical meal or pour it into a bowl if you prefer.
How to Serve Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pecans or slivered almonds adds a satisfying crunch to your Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe. Fresh mint or basil leaves can also elevate the freshness with an herbal zing that complements the berries beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish to make a light yet protein-packed meal, especially on warm days. A crusty baguette or some herbed crackers on the side will make the meal more filling without overpowering the salad’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this salad in individual mason jars is a charming and practical idea, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or packed lunches. You can also layer all the ingredients in a large clear bowl to showcase the vibrant contrasts or serve it atop toasted crostini for a festive appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe stores best when kept refrigerated in an airtight container or sealed mason jar. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing at the bottom and add the greens last. Leftover salad can stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This particular salad does not freeze well due to the fresh berries and leafy greens. Freezing would alter the texture and flavor, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days of preparation.
Reheating
Since this Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe is intended to be enjoyed cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. The crispness of the greens and the juiciness of berries are best preserved without heat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the poppy seed dressing?
Absolutely! You can swap the poppy seed dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the sweetness to keep the balance with the berries.
What if I don’t have spring mix lettuce?
Spinach, arugula, or a simple romaine lettuce works perfectly in this recipe. Each offers its own unique crunch and flavor but will still complement the fruit and feta beautifully.
How long can I store this salad in the mason jar?
If kept properly sealed and refrigerated, your Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe will stay fresh for up to two days. Beyond that, the lettuce may start to wilt and the berries may lose their firmness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Definitely! To make it vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The berries and dressing will still provide plenty of flavor without it.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The mason jar layering method makes this salad an excellent option for meal prep. Assemble your jars ahead of time, store refrigerated, and shake when ready to eat for a quick, healthy meal.
Final Thoughts
This Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe is such a joyful way to embrace fresh, seasonal ingredients while keeping things simple and portable. I encourage you to give it a try—whether for a quick lunch, a festive picnic, or a light dinner, it’s a bright, flavorful celebration of summer in a jar that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Mason Jar Strawberry Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Mason Jar Salad, perfect for 4th of July celebrations, layers fresh strawberries, blueberries, spring mix lettuce, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy poppy seed dressing in portable jars. It’s a fresh, colorful, and convenient way to enjoy a light and healthy salad on the go or at any picnic.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups spring mix lettuce
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 4 tbsp poppy seed dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Layer the Dressing: Pour 2 tablespoons of poppy seed dressing into the bottom of each mason jar to ensure the salad leaves don’t get soggy.
- Add the Fruits and Cheese: In each jar, add ½ cup chopped strawberries followed by ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, then ¼ cup blueberries. These layers create a nice balance of flavors and textures.
- Top with Greens: Finish by adding one cup of spring mix lettuce on top of the fruit and cheese layers in each jar.
- Serve: To eat, shake the jar vigorously to mix the dressing with the salad, then enjoy directly from the jar or pour into a bowl.
Notes
- Use airtight mason jars to keep the salad fresh longer when stored in the refrigerator.
- For best texture, prepare the salad just before serving or within a few hours.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
- Customize the dressing by making your own poppy seed dressing for a fresher taste.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
