Guide To Jar Salads

Shake up the ordinary bed of greens with the latest trend in make-ahead meals — jar salads! Eating a salad a day is an effortless way to knock out several veggie servings all in one meal. Follow these tips to build a jar salad from the bottom up that will remain fresh and delicious for up to four days.

How to Build a Jar Salad

START with a layer of your favorite salad dressing. Choose an oil- and vinegar-based dressing or make your own vinaigrette using the ratio of three parts oil to 1 part vinegar, along with fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, shallots and salt-free seasonings.

ADD hearty-textured vegetables like kale, celery, carrots, bell peppers, whole tomatoes, broccoli, edamame and cauliflower that will stay crisp when marinating in the dressing.

LAYER in the beans, cooked whole-grains like pasta, rice, quinoa, farro or wheat berries or nuts and seeds. All add texture, fiber and a boost of vitamins and minerals to the finished salad.

FOLLOW with soft vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms or fruits like berries and melon, cheese, roasted chicken and deli turkey or ham.

FINISH it off with tender mixed greens, baby arugula, red or green romaine or baby spinach, seal with a lid and refrigerate.

Shake It Up!
When ready to eat, just shake it up to disperse the dressing, grab a fork and dig in!

Tips & Tricks
When using delicate or aromatic ingredients like avocados, hard-boiled eggs or tuna, add them the day that you plan to eat the salad.

Make this delicious Balsamic Rotini Salad In A Jar to get started. Happy salad-making!