GOTR: Mason Jar Salads

Whats on the menu for lunch today? I'm in love with these mason jars - I use them for everything from my breakfast oatmeal, to smoothies, to perfectly portioned salads. They're adorable, durable, and best of all reusable.

I don't work in an office anymore so there isn't much need to pack my lunch these days, but I am on-the-go more often than not so these perfect salads in a jar work well with my schedule. And aren't they cute? There are also so many options when it comes to salad that this makes the ideal lunch for moms and school age kids alike. A mason jar, unlike Tupperware, will seal in all of your ingredients with a spill proof affect that will keep your food in place until ready to eat.

I feel its so important to introduce salads to your children when they're young so they're more likely to eat them as they get older. The best part is - a salad can be any combination of vegetables & dressing to your liking! The options are endless and once you find your family's style and taste preferences you'll be packing them weekly. Salads are such a wonderful, and healthier, alternative to a sandwich.

Think about packing one for after school when your child is hungry before or after a sports program. Here are some of my favorite Mason Jar Salads I have found on Pinterest. They're nutritious and delicious - I encourage you and your GOTR girl to try one today! Let me know what you think!

I personally would omit the meat and always use vinaigrette dressings..just as an FYI :)

Photo courtesy of All Parenting

Cobb Mason Jar Salad by Rachel Voorhees (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons red wine vinaigrette, Ranch or French dressing
• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 4 hard boiled eggs, sliced into circles
• 2 cups crumbled bacon
• 2 cups chopped avocado (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning) 
• 4 tablespoons green scallions, finely chopped
• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 4 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

Directions:

• All ingredients are listed in layering order.
• Divide all of the ingredients evenly among four Mason jars.
• Shake to coat salad items with dressing and enjoy!

Photo Courtesy of The Daily Muse

Greek Chickpea Mason Jar Salad by Kate from Cookie + Kate (Serves 1)

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Squeeze of lemon juice (the juice of 1/4 of a small lemon)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
• Small handful cherry tomatoes, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 8 kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1/2 roasted red pepper, chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Crumbled feta (optional)

Directions:

• All ingredients are listed in layering order.
• Divide all of the ingredients evenly among four Mason jars.
• Shake to coat salad items with dressing and enjoy!

Girls on the Run Newsletter Week 9: http://www.girlsontherun.org/

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