The ultimate on the go lunch! Mason jar salads last for days in the fridge, so you can make a weeks worth of lunches ahead of time. The order in which you layer your ingredients is key, here are some tips and suggestions on how to make the perfect mason jar salad.

1. Pick the right size jar

Pint (2 cups) – Perfect for a side salad or a snack.
Quart (4 cups)- Lunch or dinner salad
Wide-mouth mason jars work best, easy to fill up and dump out.

2. Layering is key

Always add the dressing first (at the bottom) and dry greens last ( at the top). This will keep everything from getting soggy. If you don’t plan on eating your salad within 2 or 3 days I would suggest leaving out the salad dressing and adding it when your ready to eat it.
Layer your fruit and vegetables from heaviest, least absorbent to lightest, more absorbent. The trick here again is to keep things from getting soggy. Heavy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, peppers, red onions and celery will still have some crunch after sitting in the dressing for a few days. While soft fruits and vegetables like avocados,tomatoes, and blueberries will start to break down and become mushy if left at the bottom of your jar.

3. Pack in the ingredients

Don’t forget the Protein! This is a meal and still should follow the whole30 meal template. 1-2 palm size servings of protein, fill the rest of the jar with vegetables, and don’t forget to add in some fat ( avocados, nuts, olives, shredded coconut, etc.).

4. Eat them as you please

Simply shake to incorporate the dressing and eat right out of the jar or dump your jar into a salad bowl and ENJOY!

Need some mason Jar salad inspiration?

Give these a try .

Grilled Chicken Berry

* Layer in the following order

1. Balsamic dressing
2. Carrots
3. Celery
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Grilled Chicken
7. Pistachio’s
8. Spinach

Egg Salad With Bacon

*Layer in the following order

1. Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing
2. Green onion
3. Celery
4. Apple
5. Guacamole
6. Hard boiled eggs
7. Bacon
8. Romain lettuce

Strawberry Spinach Cobb