Mason Jar Chicken & Quinoa Salad for Meal Prep

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

A protein-packed salad layered in jars with lemon-dill dressing, perfect for grab-and-go lunches all week. This Mediterranean salad recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken breast, olive oil, and paprika into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Add this recipe to your weekly plan" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast, boneless skinless (6 oz)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken breast with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Step 2: While chicken cooks, combine 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup diced red onion in a bowl.
3. Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the dressing.
4. Step 4: Layer ingredients in mason jars: 1/4 cup quinoa mixture, 1/4 cup sliced chicken, 1/4 cup quinoa mixture. Drizzle with 1 tbsp dressing and seal the jars.