Mason Jar Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Carolina® White Rice
- 2 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 can (14 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 4 cups loosely packed kale leaves, chopped
- 1 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
Want something you can prepare ahead then enjoy later? Try this rice salad recipe layered in a convenient mason jar! Fill with all of your favorites from hearty greens and veggies to wholesome beans, protein and Carolina® White Rice. Top with your dressing of choice when ready to eat and shake it up.
Step 1
Cook rice according to package directions. Let cool completely.
Step 2
In small bowl, toss avocados with lime juice; set aside.
Step 3
Layer rice, beans, avocados, tomatoes, carrots and kale evenly among eight 2-cup Mason jars.
Step 4
Pour dressing over top; seal with lids. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Recipe Tip
Adjust ingredients and dressing for the rice salad as desired. Use hearty greens or veggies that will stand up to the dressing while refrigerated, such as cabbage and broccoli. Change up beans to lentils or chickpeas if preferred.
Recipe Video
Mason Jar Meals
Mason jar salads and other meals are perfect for meal prep and make life easier for those with a busy schedule. You can enjoy eating quality meals anytime for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
All you have to do is prepare your meal ahead of time, layer in a mason jar, and store it until you’re ready to eat, whether that’s a few hours or the next day. We suggest keeping it refrigerated for no more than 2-3 days, but use your best judgment when enjoying your meal.
Benefits to taking your meal in a mason jar:
– The glass doesn’t stain or retain odors/flavors like other plastic containers.
– Some come with special attachments for carrying your dressing on the side or if you’re making overnight oats, syrup on the side.
– Best of all, they seal wonderfully to avoid any leakage and are easy to take with you.
Compiling a Mason Jar Meal
The first step to this recipe is making sure you have a jar large enough to fit all your favorite ingredients and a cap to seal everything inside to make sure everything remains fresh. First, add your rice or other grains at the bottom, then top it with your favorite ingredients. For this specific rice salad recipe, add your pinto beans then your chopped avocado, tomatoes and carrots then fill the rest of the mason jar with your crunchy kale.
If you want to switch things up, you can try out this recipe with the ingredients of your choosing. Take a look at our favorite rice salad recipe ideas on our Carolina® Rice Recipe content page for inspiration. Try a tasty rice bowl layered in your mason jar like this Caribbean Chicken Rice Salad or a Morning Power Rice Bowl for Breakfast.
These salads can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, so prepare them on a relaxed Sunday evening to be able to enjoy them when your busy work schedule kicks in.
Looking for a few mason jar breakfasts, snacks or desserts? Try layering in a Spiced Breakfast Rice Bowl or one of our Rice Pudding Recipes. You may also enjoy a savory option like our Breakfast Power Bowl. Check out more recipe ideas in our recipe section.
