Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars

The first time I made these layered jars, I was skeptical about the whole concept. Who wants to eat salad out of a mason jar? But then I took that first jar to work, shook it up, and watched my coworkers eyes widen with curiosity. Now, my desk drawer always holds a stack of empty jars waiting to be filled with something colorful and fresh.

Last summer, my sister visited and we spent an entire Sunday afternoon assembling twelve of these jars together. We turned on music, poured wine, and made an assembly line out of my kitchen counter. She still texts me every time she makes them, usually with a photo of her colorful fridge and a caption about feeling ridiculously organized.

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta absorbs the dressing beautifully while maintaining a lovely texture that makes every bite interesting
• Cooked chicken breast: Use a rotisserie chicken from the store or grill extra on Sunday to keep prep time minimal
• Cherry tomatoes: They burst in your mouth and stay firm longer than larger tomato varieties
• Cucumber: English varieties work best because they have fewer seeds and crunchier flesh
• Kalamata olives: Their intense briny punch anchors all the fresh vegetables with a savory depth
• Feta cheese: The creamy tanginess ties everything together with that classic Greek flavor profile

Instructions

Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.

Check price on Amazon

Cool the pasta completely:

Rinse your cooked orzo under cold water until its chilled through. Warm pasta will make everything else wilt faster and throw off the texture of your entire salad.

Whisk together the dressing:

Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. The garlic will mellow as it sits, infusing the oil with its aromatic essence.

Layer with intention:

Start with dressing at the bottom, then add hearty vegetables like onion, peppers, and cucumber that benefit from marinating. Tomatoes go next, followed by orzo, then chicken, and finish with delicate feta and parsley on top.

Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.

Check price on Amazon

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about opening my refrigerator on Monday morning and seeing four perfectly portioned lunches lined up in a row. It is the kind of small victory that makes the rest of the week feel entirely more manageable.

Make Ahead Magic

Spend thirty minutes on Sunday and transform your entire week of lunches. The flavors actually improve after marinating together for a day or two, so what seems like meal prep becomes meal enhancement.

Customization Ideas

Swap chickpeas for chicken to make this vegetarian friendly or add grilled shrimp for an elegant touch. The Mediterranean flavor profile works with countless protein options, so make it your own.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these jars alongside warm pita bread or crisp crackers to scoop up any extra dressing at the bottom. A glass of chilled rosé or crisp white wine turns lunch into something celebratory.

• Keep an extra jar of dressing handy if you love your salads heavily dressed
• Wide-mouth jars are much easier to fill and clean than standard ones
• Let the jars sit at room temperature for ten minutes before eating for the best texture

Save

Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.

Check price on Amazon

These jars have saved me from countless takeout temptations and last-minute lunch decisions. There is quiet confidence in knowing something this delicious is waiting for you.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long do these jars last in the refrigerator?

These Mediterranean jars stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly in sealed containers in the refrigerator. The layering technique keeps vegetables crisp and prevents sogginess.

→ What's the best way to serve these jars?

Shake the jar vigorously to distribute the dressing evenly, then pour contents into a bowl. Alternatively, eat directly from the jar, though tossing in a bowl ensures better coating of ingredients.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative. The Mediterranean flavors remain vibrant without dairy, and olives provide enough savory richness.

→ What pasta substitutes work well?

Whole-wheat orzo, quinoa, or small pasta shapes like ditalini work perfectly. Quinoa adds extra protein and fiber, while whole-wheat orzo increases nutritional value.

→ Why layer ingredients in this specific order?

Dressing goes first to marinate hearty vegetables like onions and peppers. Pasta creates a barrier protecting delicate ingredients from excess moisture. Fresh herbs and cheese stay fresh on top, maintaining texture and flavor.