How To Make Salad In A Jar

Have you ever packed the perfect salad for lunch only to discover that once it’s time to devour it it is all soggy and wilted? Well you can erase that memory from your mind now that a new trend is on the scene: The Salad In A Jar!

Unlike traditional Tupperware, since you are layering the ingredients in order of moistness and weight, the ingredients wont mingle until it is time to eat them (as long as the jar sits upright). When you’re ready to dine all you have to do is shake the jar up and grab a fork or dump everything in a bowl to mix.

Ready to build your freshest salads yet?  Check out these tips for getting the most out of your favorite salad ingredients and get ready to toss it up!

Size Matters

You know those jars your grandma used to make jelly? Those are the best ones. My personal preference is the Mason jars by Ball. The Ball® 1 Quart (32-oz.) Wide Mouth Jars are perfect since they are easy to drop ingredients in and out of. Plus the 32-oz. size is just the right amount of space for all the healthy layering that’s about to take place.

Jam It All In…Order That Is

The makings of a perfect salad has tons of greens, an assortment of veggies, a little fat, some protein and both crunchy and chewy textures. Sound like a lot? Well it is, which is why the order in which you load your jar totally matters. Here is how it should go down:

1. Dress For Success 

Just a couple tablespoons of your favorite salad dressing should do. I also love a combo of olive oil and balsamic vinegar with most of my salad combos so give this easy dressing a try if a pre made option is unavailable.

2. The Hardest Veggies In The Batch

Think peppers, carrots, cucumbers, celery etc. This will guard that dressing from seeping to the top.

3. Beans Next

Black beans, chick peas any kind of beans are welcomed. And if you are using grains or pasta in your salad mix Miss Lady, then add those now too.

4. Protein Power

Stay full longer with a handful of protein. Chicken, tuna, hard boiled eggs and tofu are all excellent options. Also be sure to add your cheesy layer here too if you like. But be sure you are eating your salad by the next day – if not then save this layer for the day of.

5. Calling All Softies 

Think avocado, dried or fresh fruit, tomatoes etc. These delicate items however should only be added if you are eating your salad by the next day. If not, you know the drill, add it the day of as a top layer.

6. Go Nuts

Nuts and seeds add a nice crunch and a good dose of healthy fat. So add your walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds right here Dear.

7. Go Get Greens

Finally you add the greens – your spring mix, romaine lettuce, kale etc. Make sure the pieces are not too large though (smaller is better in this case). Also don’t be afraid to pack them in there, doing so really seals the deal (pun intended).

UP NEXT: Try These Recipes! 

Store For Four (Or Five) Days

Screw it! Make sure the lid is tight and refrigerate your salad creation for up to 5 days. That’s right, you can layer up lunches for the entire week all on Sunday night ladies. Just remember – proteins, cheeses and soft fruits/veggies go right on top the day of.

Get Crazy Creative

Clearly I love a good salad, so the more creative the better. I tossed a few things around in the kitchen just for you boo, so here are my three favorite creations. Try them out and don’t forget to load all the ingredients in the order listed:

Santa Fe Fun

1 Tbsl light ranch dressing

1 Tbls balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup cucumbers

1/4 cup red peppers

2 Tbls red onion

1/4 cup black beans

2 oz grilled chicken

1 oz cheddar cheese

1/4 cup corn

1/3 medium avocado

4-5 romaine hearts

Serve with a serving of tortilla chips on the side. Or if you want a little crunchy, crush them on top.

C3 Chinese Chicken Creation

2 Tbls sesame ginger dressing (or comparable)

1/4 cup celery

1/4 cup red peppers

1/4 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)

2 oz grilled chicken

1/3 cup mandarin oranges

2 Tbls sliced almonds

2 cups spring mix or shredded napa cabbage

Serve with wonton strips sprinkled top if you like momma.

Mediterranean Dream

1 Tbls balsamic vinegar

1 Tbls olive oil

1/2 medium lemon (juiced)

1/4 cup cucumbers

1/4 cup red peppers

1 Tbls red onion

1/4 cup kidney beans

3 oz tuna or salmon

2 oz feta cheese

2 oz artichokes

8-10 olives

6-7 cherry tomatoes (halved)

4-5 romaine hearts or kale leaves

Love this with pita bread and hummus. Yum!

Enjoy sis…P.S. Here’s a RAD Deal on Jars to help you get started.

Robbie Ann Darby (RAD Experience) is a professional FitGirl, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer in NYC. Follow her sweaty life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more fun health and fitness tips!