The Conversation
Get a load of these layers. Nope, we’re not talking about cakes, but rather something a little less, shall we say… sinful. Right now, we’re all about salads in a jar. Carefully layered in Mason jars, each of these 20 make-ahead creations will still be fresh and crisp as can be come lunchtime. Just shake it off up and dig in!
1. Chickpea, Farro and Greens Salad: There is no shortage of flavor going on in this salad. With red onion and celery mingling with chickpeas at the bottom, followed by garlicky farro and homemade Greek dressing, every bite is outstanding. (via Cookie and Kate)
2. The Moin Moin Salad: Cubes of moin moin — a savory bean pudding — are a unique, soy-free alternative to tofu in this tasty salad. (via Dooney’s Kitchen)
3. Seven-Layer Avocado Salad: Fans of the ever-popular seven-layer dip will definitely enjoy digging into this equally striated salad. (via California Avocado Commission)
4. Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad With Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing: Featuring a well-balanced selection of carbs, protein and veggies, this salad will hit the spot during lunch hour. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
5. Pomegranate and Pear Salad: Studded with chopped pecans and sprinkled with blue cheese, this pomegranate, pear and spinach salad is a terrific selection for winter months. (via Fake Food Free)
6. Barley, Feta and Asparagus Salad: Between the briny olives and feta, a mere drizzle of olive oil is all it takes to make this barley-based beaut come together. (via SheKnows)
7. White Bean, Fennel and Chorizo Salad: Peppery arugula complements the flavors of chorizo, fennel and red onion perfectly, while creamy white beans provide some serious staying power. (via Kitchen Konfidence)
8. Burrito Bowl Salad: Think of all the time (and money) you’ll save if you pack this zesty jar in your lunchbox instead of waiting in line to order one from the local burrito chain. (via Strictly Delicious)
9. Asian Zoodle Salad: Sweet, sour and a touch spicy, this zucchini noodle salad will give your taste buds a welcome afternoon wakeup. If you’re craving carbs, though, go ahead and try this double noodle version on for size. (via Foxes Love Lemons)
10. Layered Seven Bean Salad: You’ll love this modern Mason jar makeover of the classic seven bean salad. (via The View from Great Island)
11. Rainbow Salad With Avocado Hummus: The only downside to this colorful salad is that it’s almost too pretty to eat. A nice bonus: If you have any avocado hummus left over, it’s just as delicious scooped up with chips or crudities. (via Oh My Veggies)
12. Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad: This delicate spinach and strawberry salad can be made ahead of time just as well as its grain- and legume-based counterparts due to one ingenious trick: a parchment paper “bowl” on top. It keeps the dressing separate until you’re ready to dig in, so you won’t have to endure eating a limp, wilted blend. (via Food and Other Stuff)
13. Cucumber Noodle Salad: We’re no strangers to adding cucumbers to our salads, but cutting them into noodles is a fun change of pace. But it’s the creamy sweet and sour poppyseed dressing that will keep you wanting more. (via Nosh and Nourish)
14. Marinated White Bean Salad: The longer this salad sits, allowing the beans to soak up a flavorful marinade, the better it gets. (via Foxes Love Lemons)
15. Carrot Noodle Salad With Sweet Chili Vinaigrette: This bright selection of veggies is positively chock-full of seeds — both hemp and sesame — and nuts to keep you satisfied. (via Nosh and Nourish)
16. Brown-Butter-Roasted Peanut and Asian Pear Salad: You may want to make a double batch of the brown-butter-roasted peanuts; they’re just as delicious as a snack to munch on solo. (via Cook the Story)
17. Watermelon and Feta Salad: We’re definitely bookmarking this refreshing watermelon, feta and mint salad for summer picnics. (via The Wife of a Dairyman)
18. Mango Avocado Black Bean Salad: Mangos and avocados team up to provide a lovely tropical twist to this savory bean and quinoa blend. Click on over for this plus four other great combos. (via A Beautiful Mess)
19. Caprese Salad: You only need five ingredients (and equally little time) to throw together this tomato, basil and mozzarella classic. (via Skinny Ms.)
20. Zucchini Noodle Salad: This gorgeous salad is green in a big way, even down to the coconut-avocado dressing. The mix of zucchini, peas and asparagus practically screams spring. (via Inspiralized)
Have you ever tried making a Mason jar salad? Share your tips, tricks and favorite flavor combos below!
Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.