Quinoa & Chickpea Mason Jar Salad with Tahini Dressing

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Quart Jar Salad with Quinoa, Chickpeas & Creamy Tahini Dressing

If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy meal that’s easy to prep and ready when you are, this quart-sized mason jar salad is the answer. It’s layered with fluffy quinoa, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, creamy tahini dressing.

These salads are perfect to make ahead for busy weekdays, road trips, or casual dinners. The combination of chickpeas and **quinoa—one of the only grains that’s a complete protein—**makes this salad filling and energizing, while the lemony tahini dressing ties it all together with bold, savory flavor.

Why This Works

This salad is as practical as it is flavorful. It holds up well in the fridge, makes portioning easy, and gives you a fresh, no-cook option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken, serving it as a standalone meal, or taking it on the go—it’s a wholesome, satisfying choice every time.

Quinoa & Chickpea Mason Jar Salad with Tahini Dressing

This vibrant mason jar salad features layers of fluffy quinoa, hearty chickpeas, fresh veggies, and crisp greens, all topped with a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for make-ahead lunches or easy summer meals—customize with optional feta, olives, or seeds!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Servings quarts

Equipment

4 quart size mason jars

Ingredients

Salad Layers:

1½ cups cups cooked quinoa (about ¾ cup dry)
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1½ cans, rinsed and drained)
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1½ cups cucumber, diced
1½ cups shredded carrots
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens (about 1 cup per jar)

Optional Add-Ins:

Crumbled feta
Sliced olives
Toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds

Creamy Tahini Dressing

1/2 cup tahini
4 tbsp (¼ cup) lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
3-4 tbsp water (more if needed for thinning)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 large clove garlic, minced or grated
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Instructions: Tahini Dressing

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a small mason jar. you can also use your stick blender or food procceser. Start with 3 tablespoons of water and add more as needed to reach a pourable, creamy consistency.

How to Layer Your Quart Jar Salad

Bottom – Dressing
Pour ¼ cup tahini dressing into the bottom of each quart jar.
Next – Quinoa & Chickpeas
Add about ⅜ cup of quinoa and ½ cup chickpeas per jar. These absorb the dressing without getting soggy.
Middle – Veggies
Layer in carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes.
Top – Greens
Add 1 cup of spinach or salad greens to each jar. Keep them dry for the best texture.
Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, shake the jar well or pour into a bowl and toss.
A hearty, make-ahead mason jar salad layered with crisp vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and quinoa—topped with a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick grab-and-go lunch.

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