Salad in a Jar: Weekday Lunch Ideas | Hellobee

I was scanning the archives for meal ideas when I stumbled upon these mason jar salads and knew they were just what I needed. I know this isn’t a brand new idea, but it works just as well more than two years later and is worth revisiting. I haven’t been eating as many vegetables as I’d like, and I’m feeling so spent I just grab whatever is front-and-center in the fridge. When I made these veggie- and protein-filled jars, I went from, “Well, I guess I’ll just eat this leftover mac n cheese” to “Well, I guess I’ll just eat this salad.” Much better.

Salad in a Jar: Weekday Lunch Ideas | Hellobee

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I followed all the tips in the original post, including using quart-size jars and keeping heartier add-ins toward the bottom of the jar and greens on top. Like Mrs. Deer, I skip packing the dressing because I’m eating from home and making the dressing a la minute. However, I did experiment with adding the dressing on the bottom just to check the method, and I can assure you it works beautifully, making these perfect for on-the-go or desk lunches.

I’ve included three salad combination ideas I’ve been loving, but take this more as a starting point and customize based on the ingredients and proportions that work for you. The ones I’ve been making most include my classic salad with citrus, red onion, and avocado, an edamame and peanut salad, and a spinach salad with chicken and vegetables. I link to a suggested dressing pairing too  – I tend to use the same ingredients but usually eyeball the amounts.

What are you eating for lunch these days? I always appreciate new ideas and links!

Salad in a Jar: Weekday Lunch Ideas | Hellobee

My Classic Salad

Add to the jar in this order:

  • 1/2 cup cleaned chopped button mushrooms
  • 1/2 avocado, chopped
  • 1 tangerine, peeled and segmented
  • handful thinly sliced red onion
  • handful toasted almonds
  • top off with mixed lettuce

Pair with hemp seed dressing for extra protein.

Edamame Salad

Add to the jar in this order:

  • 1/2 cup frozen and thawed edamame
  • 1/2 cup sliced raw carrots
  • handful peanuts
  • top off with butterhead lettuce

Pair with peanut sauce thinned with a little water to reach dressing consistency.

Chicken and Veggie Salad

Add to the jar in this order:

  • 1 layer cheddar cheese cubes
  • 1/2 – 1 cup mixed bell pepper slices
  • 1/2 cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 – 1 poached chicken breast (depending on how big), cooled and chopped
  • top off with baby spinach

Pair with a classic vinaigrette, adding 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning if you’d like.