Putting salad in a jar is the best way to make salads to go, and they are so easy to prepare. I could eat salad every day, but I get busy and it’s easier to grab something quick, like a sandwich. This is often a poor choice for me because I don’t need the extra calories and bread often makes me feel bloated the rest of the day.
You would think because I work from home, I would have plenty of time to stop and make lunch. Actually, I get involved in a project and I don’t want to stop until I’m finished. But a salad in a jar is easy to grab and munch on while I work.
I’ve found that if I take some time to prepare a few salads ahead of time so they are easily available, I will eat a healthier lunch. I was shocked at how long this preparation lasts in the fridge, too. Typically, a salad in a jar will last five days as long as it’s prepared correctly.
Many people think salads are always a healthy option. But we all know there are also ways to make salads become very unhealthy.
Too much high calorie or high-fat dressing will ruin the healthy benefit of eating salad. A great way to avoid using too much dressing is to make the salad in a jar.
Salad in a jar is a trend that helps make salads portable, keeps you from going overboard and also acting as portion control. All you need is a set of glass mason jars with lids and a few of the best salad in a jar recipes to get started. Salad to go is easier than you think!
For those of you who work outside the home, these make the best salads to go because they stay crisp and fresh in the jar. The bonus? You won’t be spending a fortune on carry-out salads.
This first one would be breakfast or an afternoon snack for me. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips or a candy bar, have a jar of delicious fresh fruit ready and waiting.
Recipes for Salads to Go
1
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
This simple Spinach and Strawberry Salad makes a lovely light entree or perfect side dish. Add meat or fish to give this meal a great protein boost. Just add this to a jar with the spinach and pecans on the bottom, cheese next, and goat cheese on top. Store the dressing separately and add just before eating.
The flavors of this roasted beet salad recipe are incredible. Salads don’t have to be boring, and this one is packed with nutrients and delicious. Add the sturdiest ingredients first and continue building with the softest ingredients on top.
The Tuna Nicoise Salad is a quintessential summer dish featuring vibrant seasonal ingredients like green beans, juicy tomatoes, and tuna with a lemony dressing. Add the sturdiest ingredients first and build the salad in the jar with the softest ingredients on top. Store dressing in a separate container and add just before eating.
Baked chicken breast with spicy southwest seasoning, black beans, avocado, and other vegetables mixed together with a light southwest ranch yogurt dressing!
A protein-packed meatless salad in a jar made with quinoa, lentils, grape tomatoes, arugula, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs are perfect to pack for anywhere!
This southwestern chopped salad has an easy dressing and tons of vegetables – it’s almost too pretty to eat. ALMOST. But it’s worth every beautiful bite.
Tips for Making Salad in a Jar for Easy Salads to Go
Always put the dressing in first so it doesn’t make any of the veggies or fruit soggy. When you turn the salad over onto a plate, the dressing will then cover the other ingredients.
Use the freshest veggies and fruit so your salad in a jar will stay fresh longer.
Use lots of crisp veggies, like jicama, carrots, beets, and turnips. The harder veggies will last longer than softer ones like cucumber.
Preparing your salad in a jar is actually enjoyable and you can make them for the entire week in about an hour. If you have kids at home, making them together just might encourage them to eat more salad!
I hope this makes your life a little easier! Looking for more salad ideas? Check out these 15 Summer Salads your family will love!
