If you’ve ever opened your lunchbox at work only to be met with a sad, soggy sandwich or yesterday’s pasta that’s mysteriously gone beige, it might be time to shake things up – literally.
Enter the mason jar salad. It’s colourful. It’s crisp. It makes your colleagues say, “Ooh, what’s that?” And honestly, it’s way easier than it looks.
What’s the Deal with the Jar?
Aside from making you look like you’ve got your life together, mason jars are genius for salads. Why? Because they keep everything layered and lovely until you’re ready to eat. Dressing goes at the bottom, crunchy stuff at the top, and leafy bits safely away from the dreaded sog-zone. When it’s lunchtime, just give the jar a good shake or tip it into a bowl like you’re starring in your own cooking show.
The best part is how many combos you can come up with. Fancy a Mediterranean vibe? Chuck in some couscous, roasted veg, olives, and feta. Want something hearty? Try layers of quinoa, black beans, chicken, and avocado. Need something light and bright? Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and citrus dressing to the rescue. Whatever your vibe, there’s a jar for that.
Why You’ll Actually Stick with It
Some meal-prep ideas last about as long as your willpower on a Friday afternoon. But mason jar salads? They’re pretty easy to prep ahead, they look good enough to eat – literally – and they stop your lettuce from morphing into slime by Wednesday. It’s basically an organisation without the stress.
If you’re working somewhere that offers office lunch catering like that from https://www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery, you might already be spoiled for choice. But for those days when you want something a bit more personal, and maybe a little smugly healthy, mason jars have your back.
Bonus Tip: Make It a Family Affair
Getting the kids involved in layering their own jars can be surprisingly fun, and slightly chaotic. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies and avoid lunchbox boredom.
So next time you’re planning your lunch, grab a jar and get layering.