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    Home » Recipe

    Salad in a jar

    Jan 10, 2012 · by Katie Koteen · Modified: Aug 18, 2022

    salad in a jar


    Over the years we have experimented with countless ways to bring a salad to work without it getting soggy or tiny little containers of dressing popping open and destroying lunch bags — that’s the worst. My husband came across this idea over here and it actually works! Apparently, if stacked correctly, these little salads can last up to 4 days. So here’s the magical stacking order from bottom up:

    1. dressing
    2. hearty items: tomatoes, beans, onions, carrots
    3. then lighter bits: quinoa, sunflower seeds, mushrooms
    4. lettuce or spinach

    Just don’t get crazy on the way into work and forget you have a GLASS jar in your bag - i.e. no breakdancing or skateboarding. When you’re ready to eat, just shake and enjoy! And here's an easy dressing recipe to get you started.

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    This is enough dressing for about 4 cups of greens. I often quadruple the recipe and keep the extra in a jar in the refrigerator.
    From Cook's Illustrated

    Ingredients

    • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
    • ½ tsp. minced shallot
    • ½ tsp. Dijon mustard (optional)
    • ¼ tsp. table salt
    • Pinch ground black pepper
    • 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

    Instructions

    1. Combine vinegar, shallot, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper in bowl with fork. Add oil, then whisk or mix with fork until smooth, about 30 seconds. The dressing will separate after 5 to 10 minutes, so use immediately or mix again before tossing with greens.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Jill

      February 25, 2014 at 12:42 am

      Looks like a great idea, but I dont see much shaking going on in there with all that stuff in it...... I like my salads cut up nicely so maybe bringing a plate or big bowl along and dumping it out so it can be mixed better would work too.

      Reply
    2. Well Vegan

      September 01, 2012 at 9:11 pm

      We use the 16 oz. size, but any size would work.

      Reply
    3. Sara

      August 31, 2012 at 12:55 am

      What size jar are you using?

      Reply
    4. Vanessa

      July 11, 2012 at 12:34 am

      Are you vacuum sealing it? Or just screwing on the lid and putting it in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Well Vegan

        July 11, 2012 at 6:01 am

        Just screwing on the lid! But I have heard of people vacuum sealing and they last FOREVER.

        Reply
    5. Jeanne

      July 01, 2012 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks! I'll keep trying it then! This last week was amazing to have salad waiting for me.

      Reply
    6. Jeanne

      June 29, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      Do the tomatoes last 4 days? Is there ever anything that won't last that long in the fridge? We've just started doing this, but I'm worried that on the fourth day we'll find something nasty in the jar.

      (But so far it's the greatest idea in the history of the world!)

      Reply
      • Well Vegan

        June 30, 2012 at 5:18 pm

        So far we've had great results! My husband let one go 7 days and it was still good 🙂

        Reply
    7. Jean Neubeck

      March 19, 2012 at 5:13 pm

      Love this idea!!!!

      Reply
    8. Nannig

      February 17, 2012 at 8:50 am

      So basically it took you years to reinvent the McDonald's salad shaker?

      Reply

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