Mason Jar Salads

Published:  08/14/2016

Mason Jar Salad

Mason Jar Salads are an easy delicious and healthy lunch to prepare ahead of time! 

Mason jar salads are great because they can be batch prepped in advance and then stored in the fridge. They are convenient to grab for a quick lunch. They last a long time if you assemble them properly. Plus, they’re full of healthy nutritious ingredients you need at this time of day to give you a boost of energy.

Many of my clients have said that using a traditional glass mason jar was heavy to pack for work and they were concerned about the glass breaking. I have found 32 ounce wide mouth BPA plastic mason jars that work really well! Another alternative is using glass rectangle shaped food containers that stack well in the fridge. 

The secret to the perfect mason jar salad? It's all about how you layer it to keep the delicate ingredients from getting crushed or soggy. Begin by pouring some low fat salad dressing in the bottom of a large Mason jar. Then add your desired vegetables. Start with the firmest ones and end with the most fragile. I suggest making several so you have salads ready to go! Assemble, cover with the lid, refrigerate and pull one out to take to work with you.

• Layer 1: dressing
• Layer 2: beans/protein
• Layer 3: chopped veggies
• Layer 4: grains/nuts/seeds
• Layer 5: delicate greens or avocado

Can you just see the possibilities here? Here are some ideas:

• Layer 1: dressing such as Miso Lime Dressing, Honey Mustard Dressing, Nut Butter Dressing
• Layer 2: beans/protein (Chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans, edamame, chicken,  salmon, tuna, shrimp, extra firm tofu)
• Layer 3: chopped veggies (Cucumber, tomato, radish, sliced or shredded carrots, red onion, chopped celery, shredded cabbage, raw or cooked cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, snow or snap peas, roasted brussels sprouts)
• Layer 4: grains/nuts/seeds (Quinoa, farro, bulgur, whole wheat couscous, pistachios, cooked sweet potato, cooked corn, walnuts, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds)
• Layer 5: delicate greens (spring mix, spinach, arugula, romaine, watercress, parsley, cilantro. Avocado goes on last if using)

Looking for other ideas: go here for some salad inspiration.

When you are ready to eat it, give the jar a good shake and empty the salad into a bowl or a plate.

Have you tried mason jar salads yet? What are you favorite recipes? If you end up making your own mason jar salad, I want to see what you come up with ❤ Make sure to snap a pic and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @MariaFairesRD_Personal Trainer and using #MariaFaires

Mason Jars 32 oz Clear Plastic Wide Mouth with Lids, Storage Containers, Pack of 6, BPA Free, Made in USA

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I love these light weight mason jars. Glass is heavy and breakable so I use them for making my Mason Jar Salads.

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