You can whip together four servings of this veggie-rich, perfect-for-summer salad in a jar in just 20 minutes. If you're a carnivore, simply add your meat of choice.

Makes four servings.

Ingredients:

1 cup orzo
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup halved snap peas
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
5 ounces baby spinach

Directions:

Cook the orzo as directed on the package. Let cool.

Whisk the oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, salt and pepper together to make the dressing. Divide it among four mason jars.

Layer the ingredients in the following order: cherry tomatoes, orzo, snap peas, mozzarella, spinach leaves. Screw on the lid and refrigerate.

(Source: Earthbound Farms)

Give extra zip to this mason jar salad with creamy, Greek yogurt dressing. The addition of orange zest and balsamic make it ultra flavorful and spruce up a tired chicken-and-orzo dish.

Makes four servings.

Ingredients:

Creamy Citrus Dressing:
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 tsp orange zest
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Salad:
2 cups cooked orzo
1 whole chicken breast, shredded
2 whole roasted red peppers, diced
1 cup red onion
2 cups fresh spinach

Directions:

Whisk together salad dressing ingredients.

Layer the in the following order: 2-3 tablespoons dressing, peppers, onions, orzo, chicken, spinach.

Seal and store in the refrigerator.

(Source: Recipe Corner)

This mason jar salad from Eat Drink Paleo combines them with chili flakes and lime for a zesty, mildly spice salad in a jar that's sure to keep you satisfied until the workday is over.

Makes one serving.

Ingredients:

Shrimp:
1 tsp coconut oil
5-6 raw king prawns, peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves, finely diced
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp salt

Salsa:
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1/4 red onion, diced
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt

Salad:
Chopped lettuce
1/2 avocado, diced
1/4 lime, for garnish

Directions:

Heat coconut oil in a large pan. While it's heating, coat prawns with the garlic, spices and salt, then pan fry for 3-4 minutes. Let cool before making the salad. Mix together the salsa ingredients, and then place them on the bottom of the jar. Top with the prawns, lettuce and avocado.

(Source: Eat Drink Paleo)

We love chicken breast because it's a lean protein option, but if we're being honest, it's not the most flavorful choice. When combined with fresh salad ingredients, tossed in a mason jar and topped with balsamic, suddenly it becomes drool-worthy.

Buy pre-diced red onion and bell pepper to make this mason jar recipe easier and quicker.

Makes two servings.

Ingredients:

1 cup cubed chicken
2 handfuls mixed greens
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
4 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Directions:

Divide the balsamic vinegar between two mason jars. Divide and layer the ingredients in the following order: onion, peppers, mushrooms tomatoes, chicken, mixed greens.

(Source: Newlyweds Blog)

Honey lime vinaigrette is easy (and inexpensive) to whip up at home — plus, you'll avoid additives and added sugars you find in most pre-packaged dressings. Black beans and quinoa provide filling protein, and mango adds a hint of sweetness to this mason jar recipe.

Makes five servings.

Ingredients:

Dressing:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Salad:
5 cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 avocados, diced
2 cups frozen diced mango, thawed
2 cans black beans
1 can yellow corn, drained
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 lime

Directions:

Blend all dressing ingredients in a blender until combined. With the blender running on low, slowly add the olive oil and blend until smooth.

Squeeze half of the lime over the mango, and the other half over the avocado.

Pack your jars in the following order: 2-3 tablespoons dressing, quinoa, mango, black beans, corn, avocado, onion, jalepeno, cilantro, lettuce.

(Source: Ya Gotta Have a Hobby)