The Appeal of Mason Jar Salads
Mason jar salads have become wildly popular in recent years. The concept is simple – build a salad in layers inside a mason jar, seal it up, and take it to work or school for a quick, healthy lunch.
Proponents of mason jar salads love them for many reasons:
- They’re portable and easy to transport.
- All the ingredients stay separated until you’re ready to eat, so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.
- They’re customizable and you can pack whatever ingredients you want.
- It’s easy to make several jars at once for meal prep.
- They cut down on waste from disposable plastic containers or bags.
- The jars keep everything nicely contained.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder mason jar salads have taken over Pinterest and become a staple meal prep strategy for health-conscious eaters. The photos of layered jars brimming with colorful fruits, veggies, cheese, nuts and dressing are undeniably tempting. However, there’s a debate around whether you’re actually supposed to eat the salad directly from the jar.
Do You Have to Eat Mason Jar Salads from the Jar?
While the photos make it look appealing, eating the salad with a fork straight from the jar is not required – or even necessarily the best way. Here are some things to consider:
Lettuce Compression
Mason jars have straight sides and a narrow opening. Once you put the lid on and everything settles, the lettuce at the bottom gets compressed. This can result in soggy or bruised lettuce that doesn’t have the fresh, crispy texture you want in a salad.
Ingredient Separation
A key advantage of mason jar salads is keeping the wet and dry ingredients separated. However, once you shake up the jar and mix everything together, you lose that benefit. The salad can turn into a soggy mess, with all the dressing at the bottom.
Small Openings
Trying to stab leaves and ingredients with a fork through a narrow jar opening is awkward and difficult. You’ll likely end up with a huge mess splattering all over as you try scooping things out.
Not Seeing All Ingredients
When you eat directly from the jar, it’s hard to see and access all the ingredients. The fixings on the bottom may get left behind, resulting in an inconsistent salad experience with each bite.
Dressing Distribution
The salad dressing will pool at the bottom of the jar below the lettuce. Every bite won’t be evenly coated in dressing, making some leaves taste overly dry.
Proper Mixing
It’s hard to properly mix and coat the salad when you’re trying to toss it inside a jar. The ingredients tend to stay layered instead of getting uniformly distributed.
Better Ways to Eat Mason Jar Salads
Eating from the jar may look cute in photos, but it comes with some practical downsides. Here are better ways to enjoy your mason jar salad:
Invert onto a Plate or Bowl
Turn the jar over onto a plate or bowl. The salad will fall out in the layered order you packed it, leaving you with a nicely composed arrangement. Gently mix the ingredients together before eating so the dressing coats everything evenly.
Use a Jar with a Wide Mouth
Some mason jars come with wider 3 inch openings, which gives you more room to scoop out ingredients with a fork or spoon without making a mess. Look for wide mouth quart jars – just be careful not to pack the salad in too tightly or it may not come out neatly.
Transfer to a Reusable Container
When you’re ready to eat, scoop the salad into a reusable container like a lunch box or divided dish. This allows you to properly mix it while also ditching the disposable plastic bags and boxes.
Add Dressing on the Side
Rather than packing dressing in the jar, keep it in a separate small container. That way your salad ingredients stay crispy and fresh until lunchtime. Pour the dressing over top just before eating and toss to coat.
Use Clear Jars
See-through glass jars let you view all the colorful ingredients and get excited about your salad. But you still don’t have to limit yourself to spearing it fork-first through the opening.
Make a Salad Bowl
An oversized mason jar can double as a salad bowl! Build your salad in a wide mouth half gallon or gallon jar. Toss the ingredients right in the jar and eat it like a regular salad.
Get Creative with Layers
Pack dry items like nuts, seeds and croutons on the bottom. Next add chunky ingredients or proteins, then cheese or beans if using. Top with dressing, leafy greens last. This order makes a beautiful layered effect while preventing sogginess.
Tips for Assembling Mason Jar Salads
Follow these handy tips for building salads in jars that are flavorful, nutritious and will last all week:
Pick the Right Greens
Tender lettuces like spinach wilt quickly, while sturdy greens like kale and cabbage will stay crisp longer. Romaine and green/red leaf lettuces are good all-purpose options. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before packing them to prevent moisture buildup.
Load Up on Vegetables
In addition to lettuce, include plenty of other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. The more the better for nutrition! Thinly slice larger produce to save space.
Add Lean Protein
Protein makes your salad more filling and satisfying. Try diced chicken, turkey, ham, hard boiled eggs, tuna, beans, lentils, nuts or seeds. Place these ingredients in the middle layers between the dressing and greens.
Don’t Forget Healthy Fats
Adding some healthy fats makes your salad extra nutritious. Avocado, cheese, olives, nuts, seeds and olive oil-based dressing all supply beneficial fats.
Use Mason Jar Dividers
Silicone dividers designed for mason jars help separate ingredients and prevent sogginess. Different types have compartments, slits or discs to keep things in place.
Pack Dressing Below Greens
Always put the salad dressing below the leafy greens to keep them crisp. Measure 2-3 tablespoons of dressing depending on jar size. Opt for versatile vinaigrettes that go with many ingredients.
Top It Off
The lettuce will act as a cushion to keep ingredients from getting crushed. Pack it tightly on top. Once the jar is inverted at lunchtime, the lettuce ends up artfully displayed.
Seal and Store
Screw lids on tightly and store the jars upright in the fridge. Mason jar salads will last 3-5 days if assembled with fresh produce. Let the jar sit out for 10-15 minutes before eating so it’s not fridge cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do mason jar salads last?
Mason jar salads can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days depending on the ingredients used. Greens, cut fruit and crisp vegetables will start to break down after that. Make sure you use fresh (not pre-washed) produce and pack jars tightly to minimize air exposure.
Should you put dressing on mason jar salads?
Yes, dressing is recommended for flavor and moisture. Always layer the dressing beneath the greens to prevent wilting. About 2-3 tablespoons of vinaigrette works well for a pint sized jar. Store the dressing in a separate small container if you prefer to add it fresh at lunch time.
What size mason jar is best for salads?
Wide mouth pint (16 oz) jars are the most popular size for individual salads. Wide mouth quart (32 oz) jars allow you to add more ingredients or share with someone else. For a salad bowl effect, use a half gallon or gallon jar.
How do you pack a mason jar salad?
Pack dry ingredients like nuts or croutons on the bottom. Add proteins or chunky vegetables next, followed by cheese or beans if desired. Pour dressing over top of that layer, then tightly pack greens last. Always layer greens on top to avoid a soggy salad.
What can I use instead of a mason jar for salads?
Other containers like reusable plastic tubs, bento boxes, insulated lunch bags, or wide mouth thermoses work too. The benefit of mason jars is their glass see-through design letting you view layered ingredients. But any leak-proof container will transport a premade salad.
Creative Mason Jar Salad Combinations
One of the fun parts about mason jar salads is choosing delicious ingredient combinations. Get inspired by these flavorful mixes and create your own:
Greek Salad
- Romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Chickpeas
- Greek dressing
Southwestern Salad
- Mixed greens
- Black beans
- Corn
- Bell peppers
- Avocado
- Tortilla strips
- Cilantro lime dressing
Italian Salad
- Romaine
- Salami
- Mozzarella
- Cherry tomatoes
- Chickpeas
- Parmesan
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Asian Salad
- Napa cabbage
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Edamame
- Peanuts
- Soba noodles
- Ginger dressing
Taco Salad
- Romaine
- Tomatoes
- Black beans
- Corn
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Salsa dressing
Nutrition Facts
The nutrients in a mason jar salad will vary considerably based on the specific ingredients used. In general, a balanced mason jar salad containing greens, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and whole grains or beans makes an excellent well-rounded meal.
Here is the nutrition information for a sample mason jar salad with chicken, using a vinaigrette dressing:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 482 |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 296 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 33 g |
As you can see, this salad delivers a variety of vitamins, minerals and important nutrients like fiber, healthy fats and lean protein to keep you energized all afternoon.
The ingredients can be modified to suit your taste and dietary preferences – go heavy on the vegetables and greens, use plant-based protein, include whole grains like quinoa, load up on nuts and seeds, etc. Aim for a balance of carbs, fat and protein. Use light dressing and minimal added sugars or sodium.
Benefits of Mason Jar Salads
Prepping salad ingredients in advance and storing them in mason jars provides many benefits:
Convenience
Having the salad ready to grab and go makes it much easier to eat healthy when your schedule gets busy. No more skipping lunch because you don’t have time to prepare it!
Portability
The compact jar design with a screw-top lid allows you to transport the salads anywhere without worrying about leaks or spills in your bag.
Customization
You can customize each jar with your favorite ingredients so you don’t get bored eating the same thing every day. Change up greens, proteins, veggies, toppings and dressings.
Time Savings
Assembly is fast and easy, so you can make multiple salads at once on meal prep day. Your future self will thank you!
Waste Reduction
Mason jars are reusable and ditch the need for disposable plastic containers or bags. This cuts down on waste.
Portion Control
The jar contains an automatic single serving, so you don’t need to worry about overeating. But you still feel satisfied from the generous ingredients.
Grab-and-Go
Just grab one from the fridge on your way out the door. No need to pack all the ingredients separately or prep at work.
Visual Appeal
The clear glass and colorful layered ingredients make mason jar salads aesthetically pleasing as well as nutritious.
Cost Savings
Preparing your own mason jar salads is cheaper than buying premade takeout salads every day. You control the quality of ingredients.
Potential Drawbacks
While very convenient and effective for many people, mason jar salads may not work perfectly in all situations:
- Can be time consuming to assemble multiple jars at once
- Ingredients layered in advance may lose some freshness and crispness
- Jars take up substantial fridge space for storing and transport
- Eating straight from the jar can be messy or awkward
- You sacrifice some freedom and flexibility with mix-ins
- Need to remember to wash reusable jars
- May require creativity to adapt to dietary needs or preferences
- Dressing separation and soggy greens are possible if not packed well
With a little practice and experimentation though, most people can find a mason jar salad routine that works sustainably for them. Focus on your favorite fresh produce and whole food ingredients to build nutritious, delicious lunches.
Conclusion
While you can technically eat a mason jar salad straight from the jar, turning it upside down onto a plate or transferring to another container is recommended. This allows you to properly mix ingredients, coat everything in dressing, and access all the fixings on the bottom. The key is packing jars thoughtfully in the right order while keeping greens separated from moisture. With some trial and error, mason jar salads can become an easy, healthy lunch staple full of fresh produce, lean protein and whole grains. Just be sure to enjoy them the right way!