Is it strange to say I have zero skills in creating delicious salads?? So far, everything I’ve learned has been from Buzzfeed Tasty. Not exaggerating even a little bit. So when one of my favorite Dallas food bloggers, Dixya from Food Pleasure & Health had the opportunity to host a DIY Salad Jar workshop, I was so excited. I had to go! She’s also a registered dietician so I knew I could ask all the questions and get solid info.
It was hosted at the Alexan West Dallas in their gorgeous kitchen space and she shared tips on building a better salad and how to make a salad in a jar.
Apparently there is a right and wrong way of doing it. Here’s how we built our salad jars:
Step 1: Make your vinaigrette
Using basic ingredients in your home, it’s actually quite easy and much healthier. We made a basic vinaigrette with:
- 3 TB Olive Oil
- 1 TB Vinegar (apple cider, red wine, or white)
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or anything favorite seasonings
- Add all ingredients and whisk well. And voila! If it’s too tangy, you can also add a little honey.
- Pro tip: Add 3 TB of plain yogurt to this and whisk if you want a creamier dressing.
Step 2: Grab your mason jar
With your mason jar (we used a 16 oz jar and you can purchase these in a 12 pack from most grocery stores), add 2-3 TB first. This will be the base.
Step 3: It’s veggie time
Add all your chopped hard veggies. So think cucumbers, bell peppers, grape tomatoes. Followed by soft veggies: chopped tomatoes, muchrooms, onions, cabbage.You don’t need a ton, since the jar will fill up quickly. I added 1-2 spoonfuls or scoops of desired chopped veggies. This time we used bell peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots.
Step 4: Protein
Add your protein. This can be diced chicken breast, tuna, or chick peas (for a vegetarian option). I did both. I only needed a small handful of the protein. I did get a little over zealous though. My eyes are bigger than my stomach.
Step 5: Garnishes
Add smaller toppings like cheese or nuts. Remember, mo’ cheese means mo’ calories.
Step 6: More greens!
Lastly, add the greens and as much as you can fit in that jar. These will always go at the very top of any mason jar salad so they don’t get soggy.
Step 7: Put away till later
Refrigerate till it’s time to eat. When you’re ready, dump it on a plate! You’ll be surprised by how much food you can actually fit into one jar.
Totally fell in love with the idea of prepping all my salads in a jar. It’s something you see and hear about often or you may see it on Pinterest, but to actually do it. It’s a no brainer and a method that works.
Also, my friend shared how she is able to make different meals with the same simplicity of jar salads. Think stir frys, omelettes, and more. Check out my friend Ginger’s post here.
Comments
I love making salads at work, but I need to start layering in mason jars to meal prep and keep fresh!
i am so happy that i got to do this 🙂 sharing with the world!
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Mason jars are my go-to when making salads. And I LOVE adding all the different veggies and toppings. YUM. (I also have to give that vinaigrette a try- looks delish)
Thank you for sharing this! I’m a nurse and it’s very hard to keep food fresh and ready to go for the days that I work. I think this is such a great idea and I’m excited to share it with my fiancé!
Im so glad you enjoyed it! Yes it’s definitely super easy and I’m so glad I buckled down and just learned how to prep my meals. Beats Tupperware too
I think mason jar anything is so cute and creative! Great way to pack your food and conserve space in your fridge!
I seriously need to start doing this!! I know it would make life so much easier! It’s always fun to add fruit sometimes, like apples or grapes and those pair well will walnuts or pecans 🙂