Mason (jam) jar salad

I've recently discovered mason jar salads, which are essentially any salad combination you enjoy, packed in a jam jar. They're ideal for taking on the go, whether you're heading to work, the gym, enjoying a picnic, or just out and about. I adore salads, but sometimes making them feels like a chore, even though it's quite simple when all the ingredients are at hand. However, my enthusiasm for salads was reignited when I learned about this method. I've experimented with various combinations and will share my favorite classic Greek salad recipe.

Ingredients:

1 mason jar (any jar really)

few cherry tomatoes

half bell pepper

handful green leaves

few olives

few bite size pieces of feta cheese

few gherkins

few slices of cucumber

 dressing: 1,5 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Method:

1.Ensure you have a clean jar. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Cut the remaining ingredients into bite-sized pieces.

3. Creating a superb jar salad requires careful attention to the layering order. Start by pouring the dressing at the bottom to prevent sogginess. Next, add the chunkier items such as bell peppers and cucumbers, or any grainy elements or proteins like chicken. These create a barrier that keeps the remaining ingredients dry.

4. Finally, add cheeses, nuts, or any other toppings of your choice. In this instance, I've included tomatoes, cheese, olives, and finally the green leaves. This arrangement ensures that when you invert the jar, the greens form a bed, and the dressing evenly coats your salad.

 

5. Secure the lid and you're all set. This method will keep it fresh and crisp for up to five days, allowing you to prepare everything in one go and store it in the fridge. Then, you can easily grab one for your lunch when you're too lazy or don't have time to make something different.

Enjoy!