A salad is a tasty and healthy option for lunch, but prepping it in advance can be difficult, particularly as you need a separate container for the dressing to prevent other ingredients getting soggy. However, one way you can avoid this is to prep your salad in a Mason jar.
Why have a Mason jar salad?
Mason jar salads are tasty and there are endless varieties to prevent you eating the same meal every day. They can be prepped in advance, saving you time in the mornings. Another option for those short of time is to use office lunch catering, with a company such as https://www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery/ delivering tasty and healthy meals.
Layer ingredients
The key to a Mason jar salad is to layer the ingredients correctly so that key components do not get soggy. Your first layer is the dressing. Add two tablespoons of your favourite salad dressing to the bottom of the jar. Next add ingredients that will improve by being marinated in the dressing such as cucumbers, carrots, onion, or celery.
The next layer is the protein. Options can include chicken, tuna, and shrimp. There are also lots of vegetarian proteins for salads. These can include egg, chickpeas, black beans, tofu, and tempeh.
Add any further vegetables you want such as tomatoes, pepper, and broccoli, then add grains. These might be quinoa, rice, farro, or pasta. Follow this with other ingredients you fancy like nuts, cheese, or fruit. Greens like lettuce, kale, or spinach are the final step at the top of the jar.
Tips for easy preparation
Use wide-mouthed jars to make it easy to add and take out ingredients. Mason jars come in a variety of sizes, so use one to suit your appetite. Store the jar upright in the fridge.
Do not fill the jar to the brim. Having a gap at the top will allow you to shake your salad so the ingredients and dressing mix, ready for eating.
Experiment with ingredients. There are endless possibilities, so have fun trying out different combinations.
