Are you tired of boring, soggy lunch options that leave you unsatisfied and hungry? Get ready to transform your midday meal with the ultimate meal prep solution that's not just a salad, but a culinary work of art! These mason jar salads are about to become your new obsession - they're Instagram-worthy, incredibly nutritious, and so easy to prepare that even the most kitchen-challenged person can master them in just 30 minutes. Say goodbye to sad desk lunches and hello to a vibrant, fresh, and perfectly layered meal that stays crisp and delicious until the moment you're ready to dig in!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 mason jars
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup salad dressing
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You will need 4 mason jars, a cutting board, a knife, and measuring cups.
- Rinse the mixed greens under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Cut each tomato in half and set them aside in a bowl.
- Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds if you prefer a less watery salad. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Open the can of chickpeas, drain them in a colander, and rinse them under cold water to reduce sodium content. Allow them to drain completely.
- If using feta cheese, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside in a bowl.
- Now, it’s time to layer your mason jars. Start by adding 1/2 cup of mixed greens to the bottom of each jar. This will help keep the greens fresh and prevent them from getting soggy.
- Next, add 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes on top of the greens in each jar.
- Follow with 1/4 cup of diced cucumber, ensuring an even distribution among the jars.
- Add 1/4 cup of drained chickpeas to each jar, layering them on top of the cucumber.
- If you are using feta cheese, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta on top of the chickpeas in each jar.
- Finally, pour 1 tablespoon of your chosen salad dressing into each mason jar. This will keep the dressing separate from the other ingredients until you're ready to eat.
- Seal each mason jar tightly with its lid. Store the jars in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy your salads.
- When you are ready to eat, simply shake the jar to mix the ingredients and dressing together, or pour the contents into a bowl for a more traditional salad experience.
Tips
- Layer Order Matters: Always start with dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty ingredients that won't get soggy, and finish with delicate greens on top to keep everything fresh.
- Use Wide-Mouth Mason Jars: They make it easier to pack and pour out your salad without struggling.
- Meal Prep Magic: These salads can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making your weekly lunch planning a breeze.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what's in your fridge. Experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and dressings.
- Keep Dressing Separate: By keeping the dressing at the bottom, your greens stay crisp and fresh until you're ready to eat.
- Shake and Serve: When it's time to eat, simply shake the jar vigorously to distribute the dressing, or pour into a bowl for a traditional salad experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
