150 Best Meals in a Jar

As our schedules get busier, we look for ways to simplify our lives without a lot of compromises, whether it be at work or at home. Meal planning and prep work is a biggy. It can be time-consuming depending on the recipe, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. There are innovative ways to prepare meals, eat healthy foods, and have time to spare. Check out 150 Best Meals in a Jar.

150 Best Meals in a Jar if filled with tempting and delicious recipes that you can make ahead of time in a mason jar. That’s right, mason jars are trendy! They’re used for more than preserves; they can be repurposed to make portable meals. These grab and go meals not only offer portion controls, they’re healthy, hearty, and homemade. They’re ready to go when you are.

Included are a wide variety of recipes for breakfast, snacks, soups, desserts, and even rice bowls. They look so fresh, colorful, and appetizing, but, there is a system for creating these meals; it’s layering.

If you’re making a salad, you simply put the dressing on the bottom of the mason jar, add layers of heavier or harder foods, and then top with lighter ingredients, like your leafy greens. Everything stays crisp and separate until you’re ready to dump the salad into a bowl. You simply toss and enjoy. Fun right? Who knew that food would look so yummy stacked. When healthy food looks appealing, fussy kids and adults will eat more.

No-Bake Raspberry Tart

This mini version of a simple no-bake tart is easy to take to work as an afternoon snack, but you could also make several portions to serve as individual desserts at a party.

• 8-oz (250 mL) mason jar

^*1⁄₄ cup graham cracker crumbs 60 mL
*1 tsp melted butter 5 mL
*1 tbsp granulated sugar 15 mL
^*1⁄₄ cup cream cheese, softened 60 mL
*2 tbsp sour cream 30 mL
*1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 15 mL
^*1⁄₄ cup raspberries 60 mL
*2 tbsp raspberry jam 30 mL

1. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice.
3. Press graham cracker mixture firmly into bottom of the jar. Layer cream cheese mixture and raspberries on top.

These recipes will inspire you to get out of the boring lunchtime rut of the same old sandwiches or unhealthy fast food and experiment with new flavors and delicious combinations! You have complete control of what ingredients go in your jars.

I love the concept of using Mason jars; they’re so versatile. They come in various sizes so larger jars can be used for meals and smaller ones for snacks and desserts. I also love the idea of using glass as opposed to plastic. Even BPA-free plastics leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals, so glass containers are a healthier option. Glass is eco-friendly and ideal storage containers.

Each recipe is nutritious, delicious, easy-to-prepare, economical, convenient and, most of all, fun. So, go dig out those mason jars.