6 Steps to the Perfect Mason Jar Salad

photo courtesy of My Fitness Pal blog

Are you a jar junkie? Mason jars have become the Tupperware of the 21st century. The same jars that our grandmothers used for canning, pickling and storing freshly grown foods in the pantry, today have become all the rage in meal prep. We're talking about mason jar salads. In just a few minutes you can pack a few salads that will serve as lunch for the whole week. They are quick and easy to assemble, convenient to grab-and-go for lunch, they don't leak and they look as good as they taste. The secret to success with mason jar salads is in the layering. Pack your salad in the wrong order and you can end up with a soggy, mushy mess. Here are some tips to packing a mason jar salad that will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge: 

photo courtesy of thetwobiteclub.com

1. Add the dressing first. Sounds backwards, I know, but keeping the wet ingredients at the bottom of the jar will keep the fresh ingredients from getting soggy and mushy.
2. Next, place ingredients that will be enhanced by the flavor of the dressing. Think of the dressing as a marinade. I like to place things like onions, chick peas, beans, and artichokes next because they will soak up the flavor of the dressing without losing their texture. An added plus, the dressing will help to dilute the strong taste of onions. 
3. Next add a base layer that won’t soak up the dressing. Try vegetables like carrots, cherry tomatoes, red and green peppers, celery and sugar snap peas; or some protein like chicken, turkey, cubed deli meats or cooked shrimp.
4. Keep layering with ingredients that you enjoy. There are no wrong combinations! Pack the ingredients as tightly as possible. The less air that’s between your layers, the longer the salad will stay fresh.
5. Use your salad greens as the final layer. If you like to add cheese or nuts, then sprinkle those on top of the greens.
6. Twist on the tops, place in the fridge and you’re all set. When you’re ready to enjoy your Mason jar salad, just pour it out into a bowl and toss.

Want to learn more about meal prep and planning? Wondering how to fight disease with food and fitness? Why not join an online fitness and nutrition accountability group. Find out how some simple lifestyle changes can help you look and feel better at any age. It's fun and easy to join. Simply answer a few questions below and I will get back to you within 24 hours.

There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

Brenda