10 Mason Jar Salads That Will Make Your Co-Workers Jealous
Want a surefire way to save your salad from lunchtime sogginess? Get yourself some Mason jars. But before you start tossing salad ingredients in, you'll want to ensure that your dressing doesn't wilt your greens. First, pour your dressing into the jar, and then layer “hard” foods like raw veggies.
Overview
Want a surefire way to save your salad from lunchtime sogginess? Get yourself some Mason jars. But before you start tossing salad ingredients in, you'll want to ensure that your dressing doesn't wilt your greens. First, pour your dressing into the jar, and then layer "hard" foods like raw veggies. Follow with grains, then protein and then greens. Finally, sprinkle toppings such as seeds and nuts at the very top. When you're ready to eat, shake the jar to mix the ingredients then pour the contents onto a plate. And an added bonus? These Mason jar salads look as pretty as they are delicious to eat!
1. Lemongrass Beets and Feta Salad
Steaming beets with a stalk of lemongrass creates big flavor with only minimal effort. Lemongrass has assorted B vitamins and is antimicrobial. Sheep's milk cheeses tend to be tangy, and the subtle citrus of lemongrass brightens the cheese and brings out its sharpness. The sweet beets balance out arugula's peppery flavor. Beets contain manganese and folate and are colored by betalains, which are powerful phytonutrients that give this beautiful root veggie its color. A quick drizzle of olive oil and vinegar is all this salad needs.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Lemongrass Beet and Feta Mason Jar Salad
2. Zucchini and Roasted Corn Salad
For this Mason jar salad, you don't even need a spiralizer to shred the zucchini -- a mandolin or grater will do the trick. By salting the zucchini and letting it drain, you remove any bitterness and enable it to keep in the fridge for days without oozing water. Cherry tomatoes, roasted corn and fresh mint add a vibrant splash of color to this refreshing salad.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Zucchini and Roasted Corn Mason Jar Salad
3. Caprese Salad
This simple but delicious Italian salad makes for a low-carb, high-protein lunch. If tomatoes are in season, Caprese salads are the perfect way to take advantage of them. Fresh mozzarella is high in protein and contains nutrients like niacin and biotin. Basil is anti-inflammatory, while tomatoes offer beta-carotene and folate. If available, choose heirloom tomatoes for a variety of phytonutrients and colors. Traditionally, Caprese salad has no vinegar, but many people prefer it with the tart addition of balsamic or red-wine vinegar.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Caprese Mason Jar Salad
4. Cantaloupe and Blackberry Salad
This refreshing cantaloupe and blackberry fruit salad is perfect for a hot day. Cantaloupes offer high water content to ward off dehydration and can help decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Antioxidant-rich blackberries help enhance memory, heart health and immunity. Toss in creamy feta and peppery arugula for an irresistible salad that's both sweet and savory.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Cantaloupe and Blackberry Mason Jar Salad
5. Riced Cauliflower Salad
"Riced" cauliflower is cauliflower that's been chopped up until it looks like grains of rice. You can use a food processor or you can buy "pre-riced" cauliflower from most grocery stores. Here, it's cooked with fresh turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory root that also provides a beautiful yellow color. Chopped bell pepper and fennel add crunch and vitamins; hemp seeds provide omegas, fiber and protein; and fresh dill provides a hint of sweetness.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Riced Cauliflower Mason Jar Salad
6. Chicken, Kale and Beet Salad
This healthful salad packs protein, vitamins and other nutrients into one jar. Beets help with digestion, skin care and blood circulation, while kale brims with iron, vitamin K and antioxidants. Add Gorgonzola for salty, crumbly goodness, along with pomegranate seeds and roasted walnuts for crunch.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Chicken, Kale and Beet Mason Jar Salad
7. Pear and Cranberry Salad
There's something comfortingly festive about pairing pears with cranberries and pecans. Pears boast fiber, vitamins and phytonutrients, while cranberries can offer protection from cavities, urinary tract infections and inflammatory diseases. Add spinach for even more vitamins and feta cheese for a delectably creamy topping. You can mix green pears with red ones to add even more color to this salad.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Pear and Cranberry Mason Jar Salad
8. Citrus Mint-Glazed Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is sweet and refreshing, especially when topped with a citrus glaze. While this recipe includes strawberries, peaches, blueberries and grapes, you can swap in any of your favorite fruits. You can use lemon or lime juice: Both will serve the same purpose of providing tartness along with vitamin C. Fresh mint is more flavorful than dried, so it's worth buying a small bunch.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Citrus Mint-Glazed Fruit Mason Jar Salad
9. Modern Nicoise Salad
A salade nicoise is a classic composed salad, which means each part is dressed individually and not tossed together. It usually contains tuna fish and anchovies, but this modern take uses chicken instead. The dressing is a simplified version of a nicoise dressing and contains the standard raw garlic, which is an excellent antibacterial and antioxidant. The end result is a modern version of a classic that's quicker and healthier than the original. Add sliced almonds for crunch, protein and fiber.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Modern Nicoise Mason Jar Salad
10. Strawberry, Cucumber and Chicken Salad
Adding fruit to salad can turn an ordinary bowl (or jar!) of vegetables into a sweet treat. Here we mix sliced strawberries with cucumbers for a salad that's both sweet and refreshing. Chia seeds contribute omegas, while microgreens offer a high dose of vitamins. Top off the salad with grilled chicken breast for a protein boost.
Related: For the Full Recipe -- Strawberry, Cucumber and Chicken Mason Jar Salad
What Do YOU Think?
Have you ever tried making a Mason jar salad? If you have, what's your go-to recipe? What are the best ingredients to use? If you try a recipe from this slideshow, leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out!
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