Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars

The first time I packed one of these jars for lunch, my coworker actually stopped mid-sentence to ask what smelled so incredible. Something about that Mediterranean combination hitting the air after hours of marinating together is pure magic.

I started making these during a particularly chaotic work season when lunch was either forgotten or regretted. Now they have become my Sunday ritual, four little jars of sunshine waiting in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta soaks up the dressing beautifully while maintaining its texture
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves precious time
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness balances the briny olives and tangy feta
• 1 cup cucumber: English cucumbers stay crunchier longer during storage
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper: Adds that gorgeous pop of color and mild sweetness
• 1/2 cup red onion: Thinly sliced for just enough bite without overwhelming
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Bright and fresh, this keeps everything tasting lively
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives: These bring that authentic Greek flavor that makes everything sing
• 3/4 cup feta cheese: The creamy tangy element that pulls the whole Mediterranean theme together
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff since it carries the primary flavor
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Provides the perfect acidic backbone
• 1 tsp dried oregano: The herb that instantly says Greek cuisine
• 1 garlic clove: Minced fresh adds the right amount of aromatic punch
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard: The secret to emulsifying the dressing properly
• 1/4 tsp sea salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste but do not skip entirely

Instructions

Cool that pasta completely:

Rinse under cold water until no warmth remains because even slight heat will wilt those delicate vegetables

Whisk up your dressing:

Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified

Prep your jars:

Grab four 16-ounce mason jars and make sure they are clean and completely dry

Build the foundation:

Divide the dressing evenly among all four jars starting with this layer at the very bottom

Add the sturdy vegetables:

Layer in red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber directly on top of the dressing

Nestle in the tomatoes:

Scatter cherry tomatoes as the next layer before adding any pasta

Spoon in the orzo:

Spread the cooled pasta evenly creating a barrier between wet and dry ingredients

Top with proteins and cheese:

Finish with chicken, olives, feta, and finally the fresh parsley right at the top

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My sister-in-law requested these for her first week back at work after maternity leave. She told me later that opening that jar felt like a tiny act of self-care in the middle of an exhausting day.

Make Ahead Magic

The beauty of this recipe lies in how the ingredients continue to marry over time. Each component maintains its distinct character while contributing to something greater than the sum of its parts.

Customization Ideas

Sometimes I swap in chickpeas for chicken to make it vegetarian. Artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers can replace the bell pepper depending on what needs using up in the crisper drawer.

Assembly Success

Work with one ingredient at a time and divide evenly among jars rather than trying to layer each jar individually. This ensures consistent distribution and prevents the dreaded jar-three-is-mostly-feta situation.

• Use wide-mouth jars for easier packing and serving
• Wait to add the parsley until right before serving if making more than two days ahead
• Shake vigorously but briefly to distribute without bruising delicate ingredients

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There is something deeply satisfying about opening the refrigerator to see four perfectly portioned lunches waiting for you. These jars turn weekday survival into something that feels almost luxurious.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long do these jars stay fresh?

These Mediterranean layered jars stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly sealed in the refrigerator. The layering technique keeps ingredients crisp and prevents sogginess.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan feta alternative. The remaining ingredients provide plenty of flavor from olives, fresh vegetables, and the herb vinaigrette.

→ What other pasta works well?

Whole-wheat orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even quinoa work beautifully. These alternatives add fiber while maintaining the perfect texture for layered jars.

→ Should I shake or toss before eating?

Either method works perfectly. Shake the sealed jar vigorously to distribute the dressing throughout all layers, or pour contents into a bowl and toss thoroughly for even coating.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely. Artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, zucchini, or fresh spinach make excellent additions while maintaining the Mediterranean profile. Just keep amounts similar for proper layering.

→ What protein alternatives work?

Grilled shrimp, chickpeas for a vegetarian version, or leftover lamb all complement these Greek flavors wonderfully while keeping the meal prep convenience.