Mason Jar Salads

When I first started seeing mason jar salads all over pinterest, I have to admit, I wasn't interested.  I'm not sure if it was the professional chef in me or what saying: "you're too busy to make a fresh salad??? *eye roll* Smh!" When I became a new mommy, the answer to that question quickly became: "YES! I'm way too busy to do anything, let alone make a salad!"...and now I'm a believer :) Mason jar salads are literally the best thing since sliced bread. It's so practical, time saving, completely customizable, unbelievably fresh and really delicious. The key to success is the order in which you fill your mason jar. I like to use the wide mouth 24 ounce jars. It makes a big salad but the containers are wider and that helps you build a better salad--but any size jar will work. So let's get stacking!

Dressing: Put your dressing in first. I suggest about 2 tablespoons, but it's totally up to you. You want enough to enjoy your salad but not too much to drown it.

Veggies: Next, you'll add your veggies or even fruit. Keep the produce chunky and not too small so that it will be able to handle being in the dressing. Also, you want to put heartier veggies in first like tomatoes or cumbers--they will help create a nice barrier between the dressing and the rest of the ingredients. If you decide to use any apples or avocado, just make sure you rub them with lemon juice before they go into the jar.

Grains and Protein: Depending on what type of salad you are making, this is the perfect spot for some amazing grains. Its a great way to bulk up your salad and add that extra boost of protein and fiber. Quinoa, barley, farro, and millet are great grain options. Next you'll add your protein: grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp are great and beans are a nice addition too.

Fixings: This layer is where you'll put all those yummy extras: dried fruit, nuts, and cheeses--the sky is the limit! My favorites are dried cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese :)

Leafy Greens: The final layer consists of your leafy greens. You want to keep these at the absolute top of the jar as the last item. This will insure your salad stays crisp and fresh. Again, this salad is totally customizable--whether its romaine, arugula, spring mix, or spinach anything will work.

Top it off with the lid and if you stack it right, your mason jar salad should last about 5 days in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, just dump it out into a bowl or plate and voilà! A delicious and healthy salad made just for you, by you!

My Meal Prep Monday

Depending on your schedule your meal prep day might be on a Sunday or even a Thursday. Mine happens to be on a Monday. I prefer to go grocery shopping on a Monday because I feel like the stores aren't as crowed, I can take my time, and most things are usually restocked from the weekend shopping rush. Also, especially during football season, Sunday is really the end of our week and I am usually preparing all of my game-day favorites and don't have time to even think about shopping or preparing anything for the week ahead. So, here are a few tips to help you and your family become more successful at staying organized, eating clean, and preparing most of your meals at home instead of dining out.

Clean out and Take Inventory
Always clean out the refrigerator and take stock of what is in there before making your list and heading to the store. This way you will only buy what you need and you have a real handle on what is going on in your refrigerator. Also, this really helps to keep you organized and prevents you from finding that long lost cucumber that got pushed to the back and has turned to mush...eww!

Prep as you put away
Once the groceries make it inside, start prepping things right away before putting them away. Wash and cut any fruit or veggies--that will make it easier to reach for a healthy snack during the week because it's all set and ready to go. I hard boil a few eggs and grill off some chicken breast for the week.

Create your own convenience food
Now that everything has been prepped and put in it's place you can start making meals for the week in a breeze. I love mason jar salads--they are life savers! It feels so good to just grab a salad that's already prepared, all you need is a fork! Also, at this time you can make homemade dips, or hummus, pasta or chicken salad, or any baked goods, trail mix, or granola that you plan to eat through out the week.

Storage
-I like to use glass containers with air tight lids.

-Make sure you keep hard boiled eggs in their shell, they stay fresher longer and can last about 5 days. 

-Most mason jar salads can stay nice and fresh for about 5 days as well. 

-Make sure you keep any raw meat away and towards the bottom of your fridge and fresh ready to eat food and produce towards the top.