How to Make a Salad in a Jar: Five Recipes

Besides the fact that a salad in a jar looks awfully pretty, these are great to take on a picnic, to take to work—to take anywhere! Recently, I made these to take over to my sister’s house.

*Scroll down to use print recipe feature and add to your Recipe Box.

 We are trying to get away from plastics so I love that I’m using Mason jars: salad containers that wash easily and are completely reuseable. Making a salad in a jar is fun and easy. I make these according to whatever I have on hand. I like to do different themes and flavors, using different combinations like Italian, Greek, Cobb, or Mexican. There are so many different options.

There is a preferred method of stacking your salad in a jar. Here is the order of ingredients in a Salad in a Jar:

• Dressings – must be on the bottom
• 1st layer: Meat, beans, nuts, and your heavier protein items go on the bottom. (Use about ¼ cup.)
• 2nd layer: Veggies or fresh fruit
• 3rd layer: Cheese
• 4th layer: Greens

How long will salad in a jar’s keep? As long as your greens and ingredients are fresh and dry, they should be good for about 4 days. It really depends on the ingredients. For instance, avocados will not be good unpeeled after that long, I would use those the first day.

Below are Salad in a Jar recipe combinations that are some of my favorites

Greek Salad in a Jar

A Greek Salad in a Jar features the wonderful Greek flavors that I love. Layer in this order, beginning with the dressing.

• Dressing: Greek Vinaigrette
• Chicken (diced or shredded) ¼ cup, garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• Kalamata olives
• Pepperoncinis
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Romaine lettuce

Cobb Salad in a Jar

A fresh Cobb Salad in a Jar is probably one of my absolute favorites, especially when you can fill it with summer vegetables. Layer in this order, beginning with the dressing.

• Dressing: Homemade Ranch Buttermilk Dressing
• Bacon
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Diced hard boiled eggs
• Cheddar cheese
• Iceberg or romaine lettuce

Mexican Salad in a Jar

This Mexican Salad in a Jar features some of my favorite spicy flavors. Layer in this order, beginning with the dressing.

• Dressing: Taco Salad Dressing
• Taco Meat or shredded chicken
• Salsa
• Spicy black beans
• Corn
• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Iceberg or romaine lettuce

Grilled Chicken Salad in a Jar

Grilled Chicken Salad in a jar goes great with some fresh berries, using spinach and feta or goat cheese. Layer in this order, beginning with the dressing.

• Dressing: Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Grilled chicken, sliced
• Strawberries and/or blueberries
• Nuts, sliced (choose almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• Feta or goat cheese
• Spinach

Grilled Veggie Salad in a Jar

This Grilled Veggie Salad in a Jar is perfect to make with leftover veggies from the grill. The grilled flavor is wonderful!

Dressing: Red Wine Vinaigrette

• Grilled peppers
• Grilled green onions
• Grilled zucchini
• Quinoa or rice
• Goat cheese
• Spinach

How to Make a Salad in a Jar

 

Print

Ingredients

• Mason jar
• Your favorite salad dressing
• Meat and/or beans and/or nuts
• Vegetables and/or fruit
• Cheese
• Greens

Instructions

1. Layer the ingredients in the order listed above.
2. Be sure to put your salad dressing as the very first layer--this keeps your salad from becoming soggy.
3. Screw the lid on tightly and store in the refrigerator.
4. When you're ready to eat, empty contents into a plate or bowl.
5. Enjoy!

3.4.3174

Recipe developed by Kelly Hancock ©2013 Faithful Provisions. For personal use only. May not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed for capital gain without prior permission from Kelly Hancock.