Pack Salad in a Jar for Great Salads to Go

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.

20 Salad in a Jar Recipes for Salads to Go

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.

Rainbow Fruit Salad in a Jar | Whole and Heavenly Oven

I adore tomatoes, especially when they are in season. Paired with mozzarella or feta cheese along with fresh basil and arugula, this salad in a jar screams summer, but you can make it all year long. 

Caprese Salad in a Jar | Apron and Sneakers

Any other Southwest food fans? I love it, and the spicier the better! I would probably use a little hot salsa mixed in with the Ranch dressing. I’m going to try it with the chips in the jar, but I’m thinking there is no way they will stay crisp. Personally, I would add them later.

Southwest Ranch Chicken Mason Jar Salad | Organize Yourself Skinny

Speaking of spicey, the sriracha in this one is sure to give it a nice kick! Shrimp is one of my favorite foods, so I’m sure this will be delicious!

Mason Jar Sriracha Shrimp Caesar Salad | Running to the Kitchen

Are you a quinoa fan? My husband and I both have a favorite restaurant in the Atlanta airport that serves a Quinoa salad you can get to go. It’s a fantastic salad and so healthy. This one looks really good, too.

Quinoa Salad in a Jar | Yummy Mummy Club

I wish my kids liked Greek food because I just love it. I’ve never tried a Beachbody recipe I didn’t like, so can’t wait to try this one. Wouldn’t it be fun to make some salads to go for a picnic so everyone could share?

Greek Zucchini Salad in a Mason Jar | Beachbody

Here’s another really healthy recipe, and I adore lemon vinaigrette. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any salad because it’s so light and doesn’t overpower the flavors.

Layered 7-Bean Salad in a Jar | The View From Great Island

Have you had watermelon in a salad? It pairs deliciously with feta and mint. This is truly one of my favorite summer salads. TIP: It’s said a ripe melon sounds hollow and is more yellow than white.

Arugula and Watermelon Salad in a Jar | Sweet Peas and Saffron

Superfood salads are the perfect lunch. Getting your daily dose of healthy nutrients in a salad that is so flavorful is a win!

Superfood Detox Mason Jar Salad | Fit Living Eats

Another spicy recipe for those of you who love it hot like I do! The sweetness of the pineapple tempers the spice.

Tropical Sriracha Chicken Salad | The Healthy Maven

Here’s another with lemon vinaigrette. It was inspired by a visit to a restaurant in Manhatten and really sounds fantastic.

Protein Egg and Quinoa Salad | Skinnytaste

Chicken, apples, and pecans? You just can’t go wrong with that combination!

Chicken, Apple and Pecan Salad in a Jar | Damn Delicious

We love edamame around here, and always have a bag in the freezer for an easy snack. It pairs well with shrimp, too, so this is sure to be a favorite with my family.

Shrimp and Edamame Power Salad | Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Have you checked out The Daily Meal? You’ll find a lot of great recipes there, too. Pasta Salad is always a win with my daughters.

Pasta Salad in a Jar | The Daily Meal

This next one combines fruit and feta again, but it’s really different than the first one. There are so many wonderful combinations for fruit and lettuce or spinach.

Fruit and Feta Mason Jar Salad | The Cookie Rookie

Any Thai food fans out there? (Raising my hand high!) I could eat Thai food every day, especially if it was always this healthy.

Thai Chopped Chicken Salad | Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

When I ask my kids what they want for dinner, 75% of the time it’s tacos. I love them, too, but mine is usually a taco salad. With lots of hot salsa! 

Chicken Taco Mason Jar | The Seasoned Mom

More Southwestern goodness! This one has jicama which gives a salad great crunch. YUM!

Southwestern Chopped Salad in a Mason Jar | Rachel Cooks

Chickpeas are so good for you, containing folate, vitamin K, manganese, iron, B6 and more. Have you ever roasted them? I’m thinking that would be good in the jar, too. 

Chickpea Salad in a Jar | Eatwell 101

Finally, a traditional chef salad in a jar. I’m loving the recipe for the homemade dressing.

Chef Salad in a Jar | Comfortably Domestic

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!