mason jar meals
I love mason jars. They are perfectly portioned, retro, convenient, and reusable. They are affordable, accessible, versatile and stylish. They contain, shake, serve and store. And they travel. And given that Round 6 of the Project Food Blog challenge is to create a meal that will travel well and still look great, and given that my pizza pops survived Round 5 (THANK YOU for all of your wonderful votes, wonderful people!), I get to do something I’ve wanted to do for ages: create a mason jar meal. My meal for two fit easily in the Project Food Blog cooler we received, with plenty of room to spare.
how to pack a mason jar meal
I wanted a meal that tasted freshly made, even after sitting for hours in a jar. Mason jars allow you to stack food in layers, keeping unfriendly mixing at bay, until right before serving. My biggest challenge was deciding in what order to layer the meal in the jar. How could I dress the salad but not have limp lettuce? How do I prevent pesto from browning? Here’s how I layered things (there really isn’t layering to the chips, cookies or drink, but I thought you’d appreciate the consistency):
the mason jar meal recipes
chickpea and chicken salad:
Rinse and drain a can of chick peas. Place about half in a bowl, add your desired salad dressing (generously, as this will dress the whole salad) and mix. Spoon a layer of the chickpea mixture on the bottom of a mason jar. Top with a layer of sliced baby carrots, a layer of bite-size, cooked, seasoned chicken pieces, a layer of cucumber slices and a layer of lettuce. Shake right before eating.
homemade bagel chips:
Slice several bagels in half. Slice crosswise in thin slices. Brush both sides of the bagel pieces with olive oil and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once. Let cool and place in mason jar.
pesto pasta:
Cook penne pasta and drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the water. Prepare pesto: Process two cloves of garlic, about a cup of fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup of walnuts in a food processor. With the blade running, pour in about 1/4 cup of olive oil and the pasta water. Add salt and pepper to taste and blend. Add about 1/2 cup of Parmesean cheese. Mix briefly. Blend in more olive oil or hot water to desired consistency. Spoon a layer of pesto on the bottom of a mason jar. Add a layer of halved cherry tomatoes, a layer of cubed mozzarella cheese, and some of the penne pasta. Shake right before eating.
white wine sangria
In a saucepan, combine and heat 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, the zest and juice of a lemon, six whole cloves, and two cinnamon sticks over medium heat to a simmer. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. In a pitcher, combine a bottle of white wine, the spice mixture, one apple peeled, cored and cubed and lemon slices. Refrigerate overnight and pour in individual mason jars.
chocolate sandwich cookies:
Prepare chocolate cookie dough (click the link for recipe). Chill, roll out, cut out 1 1/2 inch circles and bake according to the recipe. Let cool. Prepare frosting (click the link for recipe) and tint white. Prepare a frosting bag with a coupler and size “10” tip. Fill with frosting and close tightly with a rubber band. Pipe and fill a circle of frosting on the back of a cookie and top with another cookie. Let dry overnight before packaging in mason jars.
packaging ideas
The beauty of mason jars is the pretty package. You can add ribbon, labels, and tags. Or attach napkins, plasticware, and straws with ribbon. I made labels for the top: “SHAKE” (pasta and salad), “CRUNCH” (chips), “SWEET” (cookies), “SIP” (drink), and “BRR” (ice).
tips for packaging mason jar meals
To test the freshness, I prepared my mason jar meal in the morning and we dined in the evening. The result? Even better than I expected. Flavorful, fresh, balanced. The layering works well for meals-that-have-to-wait because the veggies at the bottom of the jar marinate in the dressing and sauce, adding flavor, but the food at the top of the jar stays pristine. The pesto stayed green and the lettuce crisp. My pesto could’ve been a bit thinner for better mixing, but that’s my only complaint.
Some tips:
- I used the wide-mouth mason jars for the meal, as that made layering the food easier. For the drinks, I used the small mason jars.
- Add a couple extra mason jars filled with ice to your cooler to keep things cool.
- Mason jar meals would be ideal for outdoor parties and picnics to keep the bugs away.
- Mason jars add heft and the fear of breakage, so while they are perfect in so many ways, and they are perfect for traveling when heft and the fear of breakage is controlled (such as a nearby picnic, for tailgating, or for traveling in cars). I wouldn’t recommend packing a mason jar meal in your rucksack and climbing a mountain.
I run for cake! says
October 22, 2010 at 9:21 pmThis is fabulous! Each week your ideas just keep getting better and better! Way to keep plowing through this competition! I'm thinking you have a HUGE chance of winning! Good luck!
Meg says
October 22, 2010 at 10:04 pmFantastic idea- I could see these as the perfect way to do food for a backyard picnic (or even lunches) that don't prep well ahead of time.
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
October 22, 2010 at 10:04 pmThis is such a great idea to use mason jars! I love you even put pasta in the jars. YUM! And how cool that you attached the utensils and straws to the jars, very clever. I love what you did with this challange Great job and best of luck!
Ravenous Rowie says
October 22, 2010 at 10:08 pmThis is such a fun post! Very creative, and effective!
♥peachkins♥ says
October 23, 2010 at 12:55 ameverything you put in that mason jar looks terrific!
daphne says
October 23, 2010 at 1:54 amvery creative. . What a fun and novel presentation!
The District Chocoholic says
October 23, 2010 at 2:30 amAbsolutely adorable. So creative.
ClassicKitchenTwist says
October 23, 2010 at 2:48 amVery clever! What a great idea!
Sue says
October 23, 2010 at 4:59 amWhat a FANTASTIC idea! I just love it, and want to do it myself! You thought of everything, down to the labels and utensils! Darling, Meaghan:)
Emily (Foodie/Nutritionist) says
October 23, 2010 at 5:33 amThis is SO cute!! Beautiful presentation and all the recipes sound super yummy as well! Wish I was going on this picnic! 🙂
Fun and Fearless in Beantown says
October 23, 2010 at 12:23 pmThis is such an inventive and fabulous idea. You definitely have my vote in this round!
SprinkleBakes says
October 23, 2010 at 2:28 pmBeautiful and smart! Now I want go on a picnic. I love mason jars too. My family drinks iced tea from them – it's our little southern tradition.
notyet100 says
October 23, 2010 at 2:30 pmeverytime i come here,theres something new,..good luck for the next challenege
bridget {bake at 350} says
October 23, 2010 at 8:43 pmSuper, super cute, Meaghan!!! Love the Mason jars! Good luck!
Claudia says
October 23, 2010 at 9:11 pmI am going to totally steal your mason jar idea for picnics. Very creative! Kudos! I love the thought that went into it all – from the meal to the layering. Wishing you well with the voting (I'll be there).
FabFrugalFood says
October 23, 2010 at 9:52 pmWow – so creative! I MUST try these!
Donna
Chic Cookies says
October 23, 2010 at 11:29 pmCan you all please call me every day with such comments? What great cheerers you are!
Lorraine says
October 24, 2010 at 2:45 amWow. This is such a fabulous idea. Your ideas are so motivating. I want to have a picnic now too. I am going to have to try out the recipes as well – they all look delicious. It is so great that you continue to advance. Best of luck and cannot wait to see what you come up with for the next challenge.
LiEr says
October 24, 2010 at 6:26 amAlriiiiiight, Meaghan! Very glad you're on to Round 6! Love the mason jar meals – the salad and the pesto ones are my favorite – and something I shall try out myself soon – so simple and scrumptious. Thank you!
shaz says
October 24, 2010 at 10:39 amYay for advancing to round 6!! And such a brilliant idea for a picninc especially the salad layering technique. Definitely going to use that one. Well done again 🙂
Christina says
October 24, 2010 at 1:46 pmVery cool! I think a fall picnic will be in my near future!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Letizia Golosa says
October 24, 2010 at 3:15 pmLOVEEEEEEEEEE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
October 25, 2010 at 2:22 amGreat minds think alike!! I did a mason jar meal too 🙂 I love your photo instructions and labels!
ZUHAL says
October 25, 2010 at 5:30 amHello.Very useful post.
{Marianna} says
October 25, 2010 at 9:41 amYou are a GENIUS!!! Love it! Hugs, Marianna:*
cookeatlove says
October 25, 2010 at 1:41 pmFantastic post. You have my vote.
Winnie says
October 25, 2010 at 1:44 pmBrilliant! You have my vote, for sure 🙂
Lisa Orgler says
October 25, 2010 at 2:39 pmI LOVE this!! That a cute idea! Great job!
Kim says
October 25, 2010 at 2:50 pmLove it!!!! So creative!!
Amelia PS says
October 25, 2010 at 3:52 pmyour entries are always very very cute!!!
Lindsey @ Hot Polka Dot says
October 25, 2010 at 4:04 pmThat is adorable! I love the mason jar idea and your instructions on what to do with each are priceless! Very creative! Good luck!
Shannon says
October 25, 2010 at 4:06 pmLOVE IT!!!!!! I'm so inspired to go on a picnic now!
Kimberly :) says
October 25, 2010 at 5:52 pmMeals in mason jars AND fondant demystified AND little painted marshmallows? This must be Heaven…
Kimberly :) says
October 25, 2010 at 5:52 pmMeals in mason jars AND fondant demystified AND little painted marshmallows? This must be Heaven…
Kimberly :) says
October 25, 2010 at 5:52 pmMeals in mason jars AND fondant demystified AND little painted marshmallows? This must be Heaven…
Kimberly :) says
October 25, 2010 at 5:52 pmMeals in mason jars AND fondant demystified AND little painted marshmallows? This must be Heaven…
Leila Hamilton says
October 25, 2010 at 6:31 pmwhat a great meal! and your choice of container brilliant!
Leila @ My Barbarian Table
Ashley Craft says
October 25, 2010 at 6:39 pmWhat a perfect idea!! Love the package ideas. 🙂
Brooke - in Oregon says
October 25, 2010 at 7:09 pmYou are the BOMB this is awesome!!
Lynn says
October 25, 2010 at 8:02 pmLove it, love it, love it. This is just the cutest post ever.
Sippity Sup says
October 25, 2010 at 8:24 pmYou gotta love Mason Jars. They are durable, transportable and reusable. Great qualities for a picnic. GREG
Leslie says
October 25, 2010 at 8:46 pmWhat an awesome idea!
Megan says
October 25, 2010 at 11:51 pmAs a fellow Mason jar-a-holic, I approve! I love the cute labels you added. Great job!
Amy K. @ Onehealthypeanut says
October 26, 2010 at 3:08 amI LOVE eating out of mason jar! Something about it is so sweet. I love the pictures and graphics! bravo!!
Anonymous says
October 26, 2010 at 11:03 amSo great! This makes me want to pack a mason jar lunch! I have been looking forward to reading your entries every week! Voted!
marla {family fresh cooking} says
October 26, 2010 at 1:31 pmYou are just genius! I am truly speechless. Not only does this look tasty, but it is one of the most creative meals I have ever seen! xo
Chic Cookies says
October 26, 2010 at 2:21 pmWow, I needed that! I'm afraid my days are numbered in this competition with the amazing other entries!! Thank you all!!
Kudos Kitchen says
October 26, 2010 at 3:19 pmMeaghan, your creativity amazes me. Do you lay awake at night thinking of these brilliant ideas or what? I am SO impressed!!!
Good luck. Hope you win!
danasfoodforthought says
October 26, 2010 at 3:27 pmThe most creative meal I've seen yet!
Deeba PAB says
October 26, 2010 at 3:29 pmThis is brilliant, just brilliant. WOW! I love how creative you got here!! GOOD LUCK Meaghan!!
Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food says
October 26, 2010 at 3:36 pmWhat a brilliant way to pack a picnic, and the courses you've put in them are so very special and scrumptious looking.
I'm a new reader and am so happy to have discovered your fantastic blog. I love everything you're doing here!
J+S says
October 26, 2010 at 4:45 pmI love it and of course voted for you!
angela@spinachtiger says
October 26, 2010 at 7:00 pmI love mason jars. I use them in my pantry for everything. This was a very creative idea. I voted for you.
Nads' Bakery says
October 27, 2010 at 12:31 amVery cool!
We Are Not Martha says
October 27, 2010 at 4:32 amI love the way all the jars look fit into the cooler 🙂 This is such a fun idea and I think it's awesome how everything from salads to ice to crackers and sangria can go in a jar!
Sues
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says
October 27, 2010 at 10:42 amCUTE and informative! Love the way you showed how to layer the jars! You have a vote from me!
For my entry, I wanted to create a road trip and picnic for my boyfriend, who had recently given me a "do over" of one of my childhood memories. I decided to give him his own "do over" — a special birthday picnic with a heart-themed meal. Come see if you'd like 🙂
Joie de vivre says
October 27, 2010 at 4:11 pmI just love this idea and love that you included the recipes. You have my vote!
Liren says
October 28, 2010 at 1:21 amSuper clever! What a great way to contain and organize a picnic!
eataduckimust says
October 28, 2010 at 1:53 amlove this idea and your presentation. so stylish 🙂 i also like that it ends up being the cleanest, most practical and a delicious meal on the go 🙂
Jennifer (Savor) says
October 28, 2010 at 2:20 amLOVE – you are just too much Meaghan . keeping my fingers crossed
Mariko says
October 29, 2010 at 6:19 amWhat a great idea. Your pictures enhance it so well.
Sarah Kerchner says
October 29, 2010 at 2:36 pmWell done!
L'Atelier says
May 8, 2011 at 4:48 pmfabulous!!
sherala says
May 12, 2011 at 3:36 amYes!!
I do this for lunch at work everyday using mostly mason jars but occasionally French Le Parfait jars too.
Charlotte says
May 21, 2011 at 10:56 pmI am enamored with this idea!! Where do you suggest buying mason jars? (Looking for an online source.) Thanks!
Chic Cookies says
May 22, 2011 at 12:49 amCharlotte, I've never ordered online since they are so plentiful around me, but search for Ball's mason jars and they are everywhere. I even spotted some at overstock.com, which has the best shipping prices and speed. I buy mine at the hardware store. Supermarkets often have them, too.
Eliza J says
May 31, 2011 at 12:16 pmLOVE the idea! Great for summers! England doesn't really have mason jars, more pickle jars really. Will definitely be stacking up some cookies into those puppies and going for a picnic!
red food colouring says
June 1, 2011 at 3:10 pmthese are amazing!!! great idea. mason jars are great to transport soup and liquids because they won't spill.
quilly says
June 3, 2011 at 9:59 pmWhat an attractive, charming and FUNCTIONAL idea! Thank you!
dolphin lady says
June 3, 2011 at 10:18 pmWhat a great idea! And very creative way to go about it, too! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah @ Mum In Bloom says
June 4, 2011 at 1:52 amWhat a gorgeous post.. the photos, the instructions, the ideas, the inspiration! Wow! I don't think I've ever read a more complete post! I adore mason jars and pack the kids snacks in them, we no longer use drink boxes or plastic cups but use jars now and we never run out of ideas for them. Now I also prepare my steel cut oats, then put them in jars to continue soaking & pop them in the fridge to heat up later… perfect for my hubby sack lunch 🙂
Chic Cookies says
June 4, 2011 at 6:34 pmAw, thank you everyone! Agreed. Aside from the whole heavy-fear-of-breaking-glass thing, mason jars are practically perfect in every way. Sigh.
Jamie Barber says
June 8, 2011 at 11:20 pmThis is very creative! I bet kids would get a kick out of it too! Thanks for the great idea!
-jamie
Kathi Kraftyzales says
June 9, 2011 at 3:19 amI just thought of putting jello/yogurt (make jello but add one container of yogurt instead of cold water) …repeat: put jello/yogurt on the bottom of jar, about an inch, once it sets add pasta salad with veggies. Once the grandkids eat the pasta, time for dessert….yummy!!
Chic Cookies says
June 9, 2011 at 3:26 amJust thought of the gum from Charlie in the Chocolate Factory that has an entire meal, from apps to dessert, contained in one piece of gum! Well, a stretch, but sort of the same concept. 🙂
Elizabeth says
June 9, 2011 at 9:21 pmThis is awesome.
Geek+Nerd says
June 13, 2011 at 10:45 amThese are great. The presentation is *really* cute!
kelley says
June 29, 2011 at 8:31 pmSO cute. i am going to plan a picnic specifically so i can do this and make everyone think i am adorable. thank you for sharing!!
Aimee Steckowski says
July 9, 2011 at 8:05 pmi have been looking EVERYTHING for wonderful little picnic ideas for our monthly theme: hot&spicy — and came across your lovely little mason jar lunch! i've added it to your "picnic date" post today to encourage our readers to schedule something with their hubby's: http://www.fancylittlethings.com/2011/07/a-few-fancy-lil-things-2-picnic-date/
thank you again – lovely idea that i intend to use this summer!! 🙂
Anonymous says
July 21, 2011 at 3:09 pmLove this! What size are these jars?
Chic Cookies says
July 21, 2011 at 6:12 pmThe larger the jar the better, I think these are the wide-mouth pint jars. (The though bigger the heavier… warning for picnics involving lots o' carrying and walking.)
maman made says
August 19, 2011 at 11:23 pmjust brilliant!.. : )
Anonymous says
October 14, 2011 at 8:19 amHi. I'm an Italian girl… I'have seen your jar and I love it so much. Can you say where I can buy your perfect jar?
Thank you very much…
my e-mail is: scarabeo1807@hotmail.it
excuse me my english… ^_^
Maudene says
March 25, 2012 at 9:31 pmI love your ideas and I’ve got zillions of jars (from peanut butter, mayonnaise, pickles & salsa) that I just can’t see putting in the recycle collection. Now they’ve got a purpose just waiting for summer. Thanks!
Chanda says
March 26, 2012 at 11:21 pmI posted this page on facebook. Thanks for the fabulous idea. I saw my cousin post last year and I never forgot it. My husband said that it was the best picnic ever and if I wanted to do all future picnics like this, he is game. (I sometimes have trouble getting picnic cooperation from him.)
meaghanmountford says
March 27, 2012 at 12:06 pmThanks so much Chanda!! Ha, funny what we have to get the guys to do 🙂
Debbie says
April 15, 2012 at 2:20 pmI love your picnic jar idea. I am really fond of mason jars and use them to freeze extra food, like chili and sauces. I can’t wait to take your ideas on my next picnic.
Jacki says
October 21, 2013 at 8:27 pmBeautiful for picnics. I’m sharing this!
Kim hamstra says
May 21, 2014 at 10:41 amDo u eat the pasta cold, or do u heat. Only asking cuz of the cheese. Theses all look so yummy
meaghanmountford says
May 21, 2014 at 12:07 pmHi Kim… Cold! But gosh, mason jars are microwaveable. I’m thinking of all new recipes now :).