• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hummusapien logo
  • RECIPES
    • RECIPE INDEX
    • DIET >
      • Vegan
      • Gluten Free
      • Vegetarian
      • Dairy Free
      • Nut Free
      • Grain Free
    • METHOD >
      • 30 Minute
      • One Pot
      • No Bake
      • Baking
      • Instant Pot
    • BREAKFAST
    • SNACKS
    • MAINS
    • SOUPS
    • SALADS
    • DESSERT
    • SIDE DISHES
    • DRINKS
    • BABY AND TODDLER
    • SEASON >
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
    • HOLIDAY >
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • Mother's Day Brunch
      • Fourth of July
    • ROUND UPS
  • DINNER
  • DESSERT
  • LIFESTYLE
    • MOTHERHOOD
    • SHOP
    • HOME DECOR
    • MUST READS
    • TRAVEL
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • RECIPE INDEX
  • DIET TYPE
  • DINNER
  • DESSERT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Hummusapien » Recipes » Salads » Quinoa, Pear, and Spinach Salad in a Jar

    ★★★★★ from 6 reviews

    Quinoa, Pear, and Spinach Salad in a Jar

    Published May 28, 2015 · Modified Nov 8, 2021 · by Alexis Joseph · 178 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Salads in a jar! Mason jar salads! They're the hottest thing since....salad on a plate.

    Pear, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad in a Jar

    I turned my Mediterranean Quinoa Salad into a salad in a jar for yesterday's news segment and everyone went bonkers. There's something magical about dumping a bunch of layers into a bowl and watching it turn into a salad before your very eyes. Like, how in the world did that just happen.

    Ya know how lately I've been talking about how I haven't been in the mood to cook? Welp, these Mason jar salads have been the answers to all my prayers. Since my desire to cook is fleeting, I've been trying to take advantage of the ten minutes when I feel like making something that doesn't involve Hummusapien or Alchemy and make as much as humanly possible in that itty bitty time frame.

    These are SO simple. Since the dressing is at the bottom of the jar, you don't have to worry about the greenies getting all funkalicious. They stay nice and crisp while the goodies at the bottom soak up the vinaigrette. BADA BOOM CHICKA BOW WOW BOMB DIGGITY.

    Pear, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad in a Jar

    When I saw that Taylor's Gold pears were on sale for $1.99 at Whole Foods Market Upper Arlington, I was initially going to make them into muffins. Who doesn't die for a juicy, sweet pear stuffed into a muff? The issue is that I always bake up forty seven things and then think, "Wait. Why did I just make MORE baked goods when I don't have any food to eat for actual meals?!" Muffins are not meals. Or are they?

    Then there's the frozen quinoa. Yes, it's of course a tad pricier than buying it dry in bulk, but sometimes you just want to whip up your lunches in a flish flash without having to turn on the stove. Can I get an AMEN!

    Amen.

    Pear, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad in a Jar

    Microwave the bag of quinoa. Whisk together the four-ingredient dressing. Chop walnuts, onion, and pears. Layer. A monkey could make this salad!!

    If microwaving frozen quinoa and making Major jar salads ahead of time will make you all eat healthier, than so be it. Sometimes it's well worth it to spend that extra dollar on a convenience item if it means the difference between cooking at home or calling for take-out.

    WORSE THINGS HAVE HAPPENED THAN FROZEN KEEN-WA.

    IMG_2553a

    So make a few of these on a Sunday night and put it in your lunchbox with a big bowl for dumping. Hey lunch (for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), you just got SERVED.

    Print
    clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

    Quinoa, Pear and Spinach Salad in a Jar

    ★★★★★ 5 from 6 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph, MS, RD, LD
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Total Time: 10 mins
    • Yield: 1 1x
    • Category: Salad
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Loaded with protein-packed quinoa, pear, and spinach, this makes the perfect work week lunch!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the maple balsamic dressing:

    • 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1½ tbsp pure maple syrup
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

    For the salad:

    • 2 tbsp maple balsamic dressing
    • ½ cup cooked quinoa
    • ½ large ripe pear, diced
    • 2 tbsp pecans, chopped
    • 2 tbsp chopped red onion
    • 2 tbsp dried cherries or cranberries
    • 2-3 cups baby spinach (or enough to fill the jar)
    • 1-quart size (32oz) mason jar

    Instructions

    1. Place all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until combined. (I blended mine in my nutribullet.) You'll have leftover dressing.
    2. Place 2 tbsp of dressing at the bottom of a mason jar. Layer with quinoa and then top with walnuts, pear, onion, dried cranberries, and finishing with the spinach on top.
    3. Place lid on mason jar and refrigerate until ready to dump in a large bowl and eat!

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    [Tweet "Make these Pear, Quinoa, and Spinach Salads in a Jar for the work week! via @TheHummusapien @WholeFoodsUA"]

    This post is sponsored by Whole Foods Market Upper Arlington as part of our ongoing partnership. Thanks for supporting the companies that make Hummusapien possible! 

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

      Leave a comment & rating! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. popsspot says

      February 22, 2019 at 8:26 am

      The idea is nice and it’s easy. I’m usually busy so I can make it then storing for breakfast or lunch. Thanks so much for your sharing

      Reply
    2. popsspot says

      February 22, 2019 at 8:26 am

      The idea is nice and it’s easy. I’m usually busy so I can make it then storing for breakfast or lunch. Thanks so much for your sharing

      Reply
    3. Noah Behrman says

      February 04, 2019 at 6:48 am

      Chat With Strangers-The New Way to Meet People Online.In this day and age, there are many ways to communicate with other people and even those who are on the opposite side of the globe. With the advancement of technology, avenues have been opened left and right to allow people to do more things than they have ever imagined. For the past decade the World Wide Web has developed into one of the most innovative ways to make life easier for everyone and open countless opportunities for more people. The internet is a great place to meet new people, make new friends and connect with old ones as well. That is why we see many websites that are put up specifically to make communicating and interacting much easier. One way of keeping in touch is done through chatting on the web. Several programs have been specifically made to suite such needs of people surfing the web. There are even those sites that are specifically customized for what the internet population is looking for.

      Reply
    4. Noah Behrman says

      February 04, 2019 at 6:48 am

      Chat With Strangers-The New Way to Meet People Online.In this day and age, there are many ways to communicate with other people and even those who are on the opposite side of the globe. With the advancement of technology, avenues have been opened left and right to allow people to do more things than they have ever imagined. For the past decade the World Wide Web has developed into one of the most innovative ways to make life easier for everyone and open countless opportunities for more people. The internet is a great place to meet new people, make new friends and connect with old ones as well. That is why we see many websites that are put up specifically to make communicating and interacting much easier. One way of keeping in touch is done through chatting on the web. Several programs have been specifically made to suite such needs of people surfing the web. There are even those sites that are specifically customized for what the internet population is looking for.

      Reply
    5. Home Income System Scam says

      February 21, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Hi there, yes this paragraph is in fact nice and I have learned lot
      of things from it about blogging. thanks.

      Reply
    6. Home Income System Scam says

      February 21, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Hi there, yes this paragraph is in fact nice and I have learned lot
      of things from it about blogging. thanks.

      Reply
    7. Golden Hemp says

      February 20, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      Some really interesting points you have written.Assisted me a
      lot, just what I was looking for :D.

      Reply
    8. Golden Hemp says

      February 20, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      Some really interesting points you have written.Assisted me a
      lot, just what I was looking for :D.

      Reply
    9. Slim Organix says

      February 15, 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Hello, every time i used to check blog posts here in the early hours in the dawn, because i
      enjoy to gain knowledge of more and more.

      Reply
    10. Slim Organix says

      February 15, 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Hello, every time i used to check blog posts here in the early hours in the dawn, because i
      enjoy to gain knowledge of more and more.

      Reply
    11. TryVix Cream says

      February 03, 2018 at 8:07 pm

      This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've
      found something that helped me. Many thanks!

      Reply
    12. TryVix Cream says

      February 03, 2018 at 8:07 pm

      This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've
      found something that helped me. Many thanks!

      Reply
    13. Bioxelan Skin Cream says

      January 27, 2018 at 7:51 am

      Awsome site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am bookmarking your feeds also

      Reply
    14. Bioxelan Skin Cream says

      January 27, 2018 at 7:51 am

      Awsome site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am bookmarking your feeds also

      Reply
    15. Natural Pure CBD Review says

      January 20, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Hi there, You have performed a fantastic job. I'll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to
      my friends. I'm sure they'll be benefited from this site.

      Reply
    16. Natural Pure CBD Review says

      January 20, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Hi there, You have performed a fantastic job. I'll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to
      my friends. I'm sure they'll be benefited from this site.

      Reply
    17. Aquatru Water Filter says

      January 18, 2018 at 8:20 pm

      Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness to your submit
      is just cool and that i could think you're an expert in this subject.
      Fine along with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS feed
      to stay updated with approaching post. Thank you
      1,000,000 and please continue the gratifying work.

      Reply
    18. Aquatru Water Filter says

      January 18, 2018 at 8:20 pm

      Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness to your submit
      is just cool and that i could think you're an expert in this subject.
      Fine along with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS feed
      to stay updated with approaching post. Thank you
      1,000,000 and please continue the gratifying work.

      Reply
    19. Extreme Ultra Burn Side Effects says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      As I website possessor I believe the written content here is rattling great, appreciate it for your efforts.

      Reply
    20. Extreme Ultra Burn Side Effects says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      As I website possessor I believe the written content here is rattling great, appreciate it for your efforts.

      Reply
    21. Optimized Health CBD Review says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:45 pm

      This web site really has all the information and facts I needed about this subject and didn't know who
      to ask.

      Reply
    22. Optimized Health CBD Review says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:45 pm

      This web site really has all the information and facts I needed about this subject and didn't know who
      to ask.

      Reply
    23. Instantly Vivid Review says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:33 pm

      Hi to every one, because I am truly keen of reading this weblog's
      post to be updated daily. It carries pleasant material.

      Reply
    24. Instantly Vivid Review says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:33 pm

      Hi to every one, because I am truly keen of reading this weblog's
      post to be updated daily. It carries pleasant material.

      Reply
    25. Testo720 Testosterone Booster says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      Hey there, You've done an incredible job.
      I will certainly digg it and in my view recommend
      to my friends. I'm confident they'll be benefited from this website.

      Reply
    26. Testo720 Testosterone Booster says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      Hey there, You've done an incredible job.
      I will certainly digg it and in my view recommend
      to my friends. I'm confident they'll be benefited from this website.

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Well HELLO there, pal! I'm Alexis. Welcome to Hummusapien, a fantastical food blog brimming with nourishing (always delish!) recipes from a Registered Dietitian plus life tidbits to inspire you to live your most joyful, balanced life. Grab a super hot cup o' joe and let's get cookin'.

    Tell me more... →

    Most Loved Recipes

    • Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups
    • Easy Vegetable Teriyaki Stir Fry
    • Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta
    • Incredible Vegan Banana Bread
    • The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Ever
    • Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • BLOG
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT

    Join the recipe club!




    • FAQ
    • POLICIES
    • RECIPES

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © Hummusapien LLC 2011-2023 Hummusapien is a registered trademark of Hummusapien LLC.