5 healthy mason jar salads

So, routine rules and the beginning of February rings tunes of back to school, work and all the other activities we fit into our days.

Instead of going back to the same old same old, why not trick things up and try one of these cool mason jar salads to make the return to work just that little bit more exciting.

Perfect for making the night before, this style of eating saves you money, time and leaves nothing to the imagination of what’s in it, because you’ve lovingly packed it up yourself – you clever thing!

The reason for having a salad in a mason jar and not just a container is all in the placement. Generally speaking, there is a formula in the science of mason jar salads and this is how it’s done…

How to design a mason jar salad

Fill the bottom of the jar with your dressing (place it in the top with some parchment paper like this version). This is so important and makes sure that your greens don’t go soggy.
Next in line is the chunky bits – proteins or grains. Basically the more permeable the food the lower it sits in the jar. It also acts as a barrier to any dressing leaks.
Then it’s the smaller items – nuts, cheese, small bit of fruit, grated carrots, corn, you get the idea
Finally it’s the greens which take up about 1/2 the jar. These are furthest away from the dressing so it is more than likely to stay dry.
Store with the lid tightly sealed for up to 2 days in the fridge.
You can tip it all onto a plate or bowl or simply tip within the jar to spread the dressing and eat straight from the jar for a portable yet healthy lunch.

5 HEALTHY MASON JAR SALADS

1. Roasted sweet potato and quinoa mason jar salad – Popsugar

2. Lunchtime layered taco salad – Petit Elefant