Mason Jar Salads
By Kate Safin

Mason Jar salads are an easy make ahead meal that are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can prepare several salads at once and store them in the fridge in a tightly sealed mason jar for 5-7 days! The key to keeping salads fresh and not soggy is layering ingredients in the proper order.

First add 1-2 tablespoons of dressing to a clean, dry Mason Jar (pint or quart size both work). Next, add vegetables like carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery, and onion. These veggies will absorb some of the dressing and create a barrier, keeping everything crisp and tasty! Cooked beans, pasta, quinoa, or grains such as barley create the third layer, followed by protein and cheese. Finally, fill your jar to the top with your favorite chopped greens. Ta-da! You've got a delicious, totally customized salad all prepped! When you're ready to eat your salad, simply empty it from the Mason Jar into a bowl.

Here are a few inspirations to get you started:

• Taco Salad: Lime Vinaigrette + tomatoes, avocado, red onion, olives + cooked black beans + ground turkey or tofu + cheddar cheese + chopped lettuce
• Cobb Salad: Blue Cheese Dressing + tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, chopped hard-boiled egg, avocado + bacon, turkey, ham + chopped romaine
• Greek Zucchini Pasta Salad: Greek Dressing + cherry tomatoes, onion, olives + feta cheese + chopped grilled chicken breast + spiralized zucchini noodles
• Thai Salad: Peanut Dressing + shredded carrots, yellow and red bell peppers, green onions, bean sprouts + chicken or tofu + shredded green and purple cabbage + sesame sticks

There are endless options when it comes to Mason Jar salads. Experiment with adapting your own favorite salads and enjoy a fresh, healthy meal on-the-go!

Submitted by Kate Safin, Marketing & Member Services Manager, at East End Food Co-op. East End Food Co-op is the last natural foods co-op left in Pittsburgh from those original, back-to- nature stores. The Co-op offers all of the products of a full-service grocery store, but with a natural and local touch. For more information, visit www.eastendfood.coop

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