How to Make a Salad in a Jar + 21 Stunning Recipes
Probably the greatest lunch since sliced bread. Foolproof, leakproof and absolutely delicious.
Since we started making salads in jars all those years ago, we’ve learned a thing or two.
How to pack them so they don’t leak, the best flavor combos, and of course the best and healthiest mix of ingredients. We’ll even show you how to make them high-protein.
Table of Contents
How to make the very best salad in a mason jar
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make salads in a jar, the right way to layer the ingredients, and provide a list of the best dressings (which absolutely make or break a recipe!).
Of course, bringing your own lunch to work is not the newest idea in the world, but this way of doing it is healthy, time saving, money saving and really tasty.
In theory you could prepare lunch for the whole work week in about 45 minutes on a Sunday. The only thing you need are 5 mason jars (or lunchboxes) and enough space in the refrigerator.
The idea is pretty simple: start with filling a dressing into a jar and then layer various ingredients like greens, veggies, rice and cheese on top.
The Upside Down
Keep those jars in the fridge until you need them. Grab a bowl and empty the jar into it. The dressing will then come out last and cover the whole salad. Done.
Sounds easy? Well, it is! To get you a little inspired I’ve put together a step-by-step tutorial plus 21 awesome recipes to try out! Alright then, let’s start!
What is a mason jar?
A mason jar is a glass jar with a screw-on metal lid. They were historically used for canning / preserving food such as jams and pickled vegetables.
However, they have recently been given a new lease of life as a lunch box / drinking vessel. You can also get more ‘stylish’ ones with a clip down lid and rubber seal 🦭.
They are often proposed as an eco-friendly alternative to tupperware. Another, even thriftier and eco friendly option would be to reuse old jam jars like I do for Kat’s overnight oats!
By the way, if Vegetarian Health and Longevity is a goal of yours, make sure you check out our new veggie podcast about it!
How to layer mason jar salads
There is absolutely a great trick to this. You need to make sure the sensitive items don’t get soggy and droopy, whereas the more resilient items can be marinaded. Read on below!
Salad in a jar: the ultimate guide!
Total Time:30 minutes
Layer 1:
Important! First add the dressing into the jar. You can take any type of dressing. If you add the dressing later, ingredients that you’d much rather stay dry might get soggy.
We don’t want that. This is particularly important when you prepare glasses for several days. Alternatively you can keep the ingredients for a quick dressing at work and just prepare right before you eat.
Here are my favourite three dressings to get you started:
Refreshing sweet and sour dressing (enough for 2 jars):
½ lemon 1 tbsp honey 5 tbsps olive oil Pinch of cumin Pinch of salt Couple of chili flakes (or dried cayenne pepper will do the trick nicely)
Honey Mustard Dressing (enough for 2 jars):
4 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp vinegar 2 tbsp mustard 2 tsp maple syrup (or honey for non-vegans) Salt and pepper to taste
Asian Style Peanut Butter Dressing (enough for 2 jars):
1 tbsp peanut butter 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup to make it vegan 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon 2-3 tbsp water A pinch or two of chopped or grated ginger (dried is fine)
Layer 2:
Now enter crisp ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, asparagus, celery, peppers, carrots into the jar.
This level is important to “protect” the other ingredients from getting soggy. Best are vegetables that you can imagine pickled in vinegar.
Layer 3:
This level is for ingredients that should not necessarily swim in dressing, but it’s also not a drama if they do get wet.
Some ideas would be mushrooms, zucchini, beans, lentils, peas, corn, broccoli and so on.
Layer 4:
More delicate ingredients such as hard boiled eggs and cheese (feta, gouda, cheddar etc.) can be added now.
Layer 5:
Now it’s time to add something more substantial! From rice over pasta to more exotic ingredients like quinoa or couscous, use anything you like to “seal” the jar.
Layer 6:
Finally we’ve arrived at the last level with ingredients that are less palatable when wet (cool word, eh?). These include nuts and greens such as lettuce, spinach or arugula.
Store:
Now just close the jar or the lunch box and place it in the refrigerator. Each morning, pick one and off you go to work.
The variations for salads in a jar are as endless as the universe. Also, heretics are welcome: no need to follow these 6 levels religiously! Think of it rather as an entry-level guide.
This is the Definitive Guide to Salads in a Jar! Awesome dressings, info on shelf life of produce and everything else you need to know to get it just right.
Layer 4: boiled eggs and cheese(feta, gouda, cheddar etc.)
Layer 5: rice, pasta, quinoa or couscous
Layer 6: nuts and greens as lettuce, spinach or arugula.
Instructions
Get all the ingredients ready, meaning cut, peel, wash the veggies/fruits. Boil the pasta, quinoa or rice.
Prepare the dressing(s).
Once everything is laid out chuck all the ingredients according to the layers into the jars. Then lid on top and off they go into the fridge. As easy as that.
You’ll be a meal prepping master in no time! 🙂
Notes
If you liked this ‘how to’ guide and love oats, then you’ve got check out our ‘how to make overnight oats in jar guide’. Some of the flavour combos are just incredible!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
How to Pack a Salad in a Jar
Serving Size
350 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
450
% Daily Value*
Fat
17
g
26
%
Carbohydrates
55
g
18
%
Protein
17
g
34
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Salad in a Jar FAQs
How do you keep a salad fresh in a jar?
Make sure the jar is fully sealed, store it in the refrigerator and eat it within 4-5 days! Layer your ingredients wisely: anything that isn’t nice when soggy (ie. leafy greens, nuts) should go at the very top of the jar, far away from the dressing.
How long does a salad stay fresh in a mason jar?
4 – 5 days. Of course, this depends on the ingredients you use – some last longer than others. Personally, I prepare three jars to last me till Wednesday and then I make another two for the Thursday and Friday or switch to an entirely different lunch.
Why do people put salads in Mason jars?
To easily store and transport their lunch! You can store a salad in a mason jar for up to 5 days in the fridge, so, with a bit of meal prep, you can have lunch ready in no time.
There is also an environmental reason behind mason jars: if you already have them in the house, they are a more sustainable food container than a new plastic tupperware!
How do you pack a salad?
First, mix the dressing in the bottom of the jar. The rest of the layers must be organised according to what can handle getting wet and what would go soggy. So start with crisp chopped veggies such as tomatoes, carrots and cucumber.
Then add any cooked vegetables or legumes that you might want to use. After this, layer cheese or egg, if you are using them. Then layer any grains you might want such as cooked rice, quinoa or bulgar wheat.
Finally, pack in some leafy greens and/or a sprinkling of nuts and seeds (these are the ingredients that really can’t get soggy!)
How long do certain ingredients stay fresh in the fridge?
Here’s a list of the most common ingredients for a salad in a jar. If you have more ingredients you’re not sure about, I recommend having a look at Eat by Date, a very helpful website on shelf life.
Asparagus (fresh or cooked) – lasts for 4 days Avocado – this is a tricky fruit. One option is to not add it to the salad when serving. If you add avocado into the jar make sure to coat it with lime beforehand. Then it lasts for 2 days. Beans (cooked) – last for 4 days Bean sprouts – last for 2 days Feta cheese – last for 5 days Hard boiled eggs – You can add them to the salad right away. Peeled hard boiled eggs last for 2 days. A better idea is to add one to the salad just before serving. Hard boiled eggs with peel last for 1 week in the fridge. Lettuce (chopped) – lasts for 3 days Mozzarella cheese – last for 5 days Mushrooms (fresh, sliced) – last for 3 days Pasta (cooked) – lasts for 3 days Peas (cooked) – last for 3 days Rice (cooked) – lasts for 3 days Onion (chopped) – lasts for 5 days Scallions (chopped) – lasts for 5 days Spinach (fresh)- lasts for 3 days NOTE: Of course check always for yourself if the foods are still good. Do the sniff test and all that. These are just ballpark numbers. Cheerio!
How long do certain dressings stay fresh in the fridge?
Yogurt dressings last for 7 days. Vinegar and oil based dressings last for 5 days. Hummus lasts for 7 days.
What’s the best jar size and where can I buy them?
I recommend getting 700ml jars (ca. 24oz/1.5 pint) to make sure you’ll have a satisfying lunch. Most popular and certainly well suited for Salads in a Jar are classic “Mason Jars”. You can buy them here on Amazon and in well-stocked home improvement stores. Personally I use empty pickles jars. Those a big and “for free”. It meant I had to eat many pickles though, haha. And of course I get minus points in the category of “style”.
Got any questionsabout salads in a jar that I haven’t covered yet? Just let me know in the comments and I’ll try to answer them.
Alright, now you know pretty much everything about salads in a jar. It’s time for some recipe inspiration, isn’t it? Here are 21 awesome salads in a jar for you to try out!
This Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad is light, refreshing, and super versatile! Enjoy it as a veggie side dish, or use it as a topping for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. This healthy salad comes together quickly and requires just a few ingredients. It’s great for hot summer picnics and cold winter afternoons.
I know coleslaw is typically a dish served in the summertime, but cabbage and limes are in season this month! I’m calling this recipe a Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad, although it’s similar to a slaw. This zesty winter salad will brighten up any meal you add it to. It’s great by itself as a snack or side dish and can also be enjoyed as a topping for all your Mexican-inspired meals.
Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cabbage Salad Recipe
It’s easy to make – The dressing comes together quickly in the blender, and if you have a food processor or mandolin, the cabbage can also be shredded quickly. I like to let my salad sit for a bit in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop, but you can also enjoy it right away.
It’s flavorful and refreshing – Cabbage is already cool and refreshing, but adding the cilantro and lime flavors takes it to the next level. I enjoy this salad anytime, but it’s especially great for a summer BBQ.
It’s versatile – This cabbage salad is similar to a slaw and can be used similarly. I enjoy this salad as a side dish, but I also like to eat it on tacos or with beans and rice. It adds a cool and refreshing bite to everything you add it to.
Why Your Body Will Love This Recipe
Reduced Inflammation – Cabbage is high in antioxidants, which are substances that can help delay or prevent cell damage. Antioxidants are important because they help reduce inflammation inside the body and improve the immune system. Excess inflammation in the body can be responsible for all kinds of sicknesses, including cancer and heart disease.
Digestive Health – Cabbage is in the Crusifers family, along with broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Some people are extra sensitive to these veggies and develop gas and bloating after eating them. However, they’re full of fiber, which really helps digestion run smoothly. Cabbage is also a low-calorie food, but a little goes a long way toward helping our bodies feel full for longer.
Diabetes Management – Please check with your doctor before adding cilantro to your diet if you have diabetes or low blood sugar levels. Cilantro, or coriander, can help reduce blood sugar by stimulating an enzyme that removes sugar from the blood.
Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad Recipe Ingredients
Cabbage – I used one medium-sized head of green cabbage for this recipe. I love cabbage because it’s crunchy and refreshing. You could also use purple or napa cabbage. Of course, if you go the purple route, it will change the look of this salad.
Cilantro Lime Dressing – This homemade dressing is packed full of flavor and takes no time to whip together. It uses cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, dijon mustard, maple syrup, cumin and salt. If you don’t like cilantro, I suggest using parsley in its place.
How To Make This Crunchy Cabbage Salad
Cut the stalk of the cabbage off and peel off a few of the outer layers. Thinly shred the entire head of cabbage and add it to a large bowl. You can shred your cabbage using a sharp knife, mandolin, or food processor.
Add all of the dressing ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy and completely combined, 30 seconds – 1 minute. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mix together well until the cabbage is completely coated with the dressing.
Add in about 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and mix well. You can enjoy salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to develop. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Enjoy as a side salad, as a topping for tacos, or with tortilla chips.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is already vegan and gluten-free.
Can I use a substitute in place of cilantro? Yes, if you don’t like cilantro, you can use parsley instead.
What is the best type of cabbage for this recipe? I used green cabbage, which worked great, but you can also use napa or purple cabbage if you like.
How long do leftovers last? If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days.
How should this recipe be enjoyed? I like to eat this cabbage salad as a side dish or afternoon snack. You can also use it like you would any kind of slaw (tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more).
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will reply ASAP!
This Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad is light, refreshing and super versatile! Enjoy as a veggie side dish, or use it as a topping for tacos, salads, sandwiches and more. This healthy salad comes together quickly and only requires a few ingredients. It’s great for hot summer picnics, as well as cold winter afternoons.
Ingredients
1 medium sized head green cabbage, about 6–8 cups once shredded
Cilantro Lime Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 cup packed cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste (I used about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cut the stalk of the cabbage off and then peel a few of the outer layers off. Thinly shred the entire head of cabbage and then add to a large bowl. You can shred your cabbage using a sharp knife, mandolin or food processor.
Add all of the dressing ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy and completely combined, 30 seconds – 1 minute. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mix together well, until cabbage is completely coated with dressing.
Add in about 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and mix well. You can enjoy salad immediately, or store in the refrigerator for a couple hours to allow the flavors to develop. Store in an air-tight container, in the refrigerator, for 4-5 days. Enjoy as a side salad, as a topping for tacos or enjoy with tortilla chips.
Prep Time: 20 mins
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