How to Build a Salad in a Jar (Without It Turning into a Soggy Mess!)

Taste of Home

When it comes to simple, economical desk lunches, nothing beats a salad. (Especially if it’s one of these top-rated salad recipes from our readers!) Building a salad in a jar the best way to ensure that your leafy greens, zesty homemade dressing and crunchy croutons reach your office fridge safe and sound. However there’s a trick for how to avoid a forkful of soggy greens by 1PM. The answer is layering. Layer your ingredients the right way and those veggies and greens will stay crisp all day long.

How to Build a Salad in a Jar

Step 1: Choose the Right Jar

Taste of Home

Rummage around the kitchen for a clean jar with a wide-mouth opening for easy filling. While working on this recipe for overnight oatmeal, we fell in love with a set of wide-mouth jars from Weck. (Purchase them here!) But really, any jar will work. Having tested a number of them, we discovered the 1-quart jar is ideal for a nice-sized lunch.

Step 2: Know the Right Order

We know it’s a little geeky, but we’ve found the perfect hierarchy of salad ingredients for when they’re being crammed into a jar. Here’s an idea of how to separate your goodies, starting from bottom to top.

The Dressing

Taste of Home

It’s important to add the dressing to the bottom of the jar. This helps keep it in place so it doesn’t come in contact with delicate vegetables and fruits before its time. Your favorite bottled dressing is a good place to start, but why not switch things up a bit and try a homemade dressing or vinaigrette.

The Crunch

Taste of Home

Now is the time to add crisp, crunchy veggies, like carrots, beets and radishes since they hold up well to an acidic dressing. You can also add firm beans, like chickpeas or kidney beans. If you like onions, place them in first, directly on top of the dressing. This helps reduce the robust onion flavor and helps stop nasty onion breath. Your coworkers will thank you for it.

Psst! These are the best salad toppers for your diet.

The Protein

Taste of Home

What goes next really depends on when you’re plan to eat your delicious creation. If you’re making it ahead for a day or two, go ahead and add any meat you may want. If you’re meal prepping for the entire week ahead, it’s best to wait and add these items the day you’re going to enjoy them. I really like tender, juicy chicken breast (learn how to make it!) but cooked, cubed ham is right up there, too. Fancy some cheese? Go ahead and add a little of that in this layer.

The Delicates

Taste of Home

Now it’s time for the softer veggies and fruits. It’s important to have a few layers to separate these ingredients from the dressing, or else you risk them getting soggy. Halved cherry tomatoes, corn and blanched asparagus are great options. Don’t forget those seasonal fruits. Strawberries are always great but apples, pears and apricots are all delicious. I haven’t found many fruits that don’t taste amazing in salads.

Love a good fruit-forward salad? Check out this sweet berry-beet salad that’s fit to feed a crowd.

The Greens

Taste of Home

Lettuce is the last fresh ingredient you want to add. By saving it until the end, it stays the farthest away from the dressing. Think of those middle layers as insurance for it to remain nice and crisp. Pack the rest of the jar with any kind of greens; Boston (bibb) lettuce is one of my favorites. I’ve even thrown in some shredded Brussels sprouts.

Any Extras

Taste of Home

It’s always nice to leave a little room at the top for those crunchy things, like toasted nuts or croutons. I like to wrap them up in a little piece of plastic wrap and tuck them on top of the greens before I seal the jar.

Step 3: Enjoy!

Taste of Home

Now many folks will tell you to eat it right out of the jar but I’ve found it rather challenging to get it all mixed up nicely. Instead, when you’re ready to eat, give then salad a shake to distribute the dressing. Then, pour the salad into a bowl or large plate to more thoroughly combine.

Experiment with all those great seasonal fruits and veggies to create your own unique jarred salads. Or, try any of our leafy green salads, hearty main course salads or any of our Cobb salads, layering in the correct order, of course.

Get started with these super-satisfying salads.

1 / 44

Asian Slaw with Steak 34 grams of protein per serving High-protein salads are so perfect for summer, especially this one with its Asian-inspired dressing—my favorite's favorite flavor. The colorful slaw and juicy steak combo is super quick and wonderful for breezy weeknight dinners. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California. Get to know what a pro football player eats in a day. Get Recipe

Lemony Chicken Salad24 grams of protein per serving Every busy cook will appreciate the convenience of being able to prepare this refreshing, high-protein salad ahead of time. And your family will enjoy a marvelous meal. Looking for more? Here are a few high-protein lunch ideas that will leave you feeling satisfied until dinner time.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Salmon & Quinoa Wilted Spinach Salad32 grams of protein per serving My friend mentioned a Turkish salmon and couscous dish that sounded fantastic, so I started experimenting. I prefer this high-protein salad warm, but it's also tasty served cold. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia. Next, check out our favorite recipes for high-protein meals.

Go to Recipe

Tasty Taco Chopped Salad24 grams of protein per serving My friends and I love Mexican food, but we try to eat healthy. My mom taught me how to make this tasty high-protein salad for my friends. —Matthew Smith, Knippa, Texas

Go to Recipe

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken37 grams of protein per serving This high-protein salad is hard to beat when it comes to color, flavor and nutrition! It makes for a wonderful side on a summer day. Diane Sahley — Lakewood, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Nicoise Salad26 grams of protein per serving This garden-fresh salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Add some crusty bread and you have a mouthwatering meal. Follow this 7-Day high-protein meal plan to lose weight and build muscles.

Go to Recipe

Zesty Steak Salad26 grams of protein per serving Stir-fried steak and veggies give this high-protein salad a cozy kick. Add any of your favorite salad ingredients like shredded cheese, croutons, mushrooms or cucumber. —Leah Carrell, Quitman, Texas

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad35 grams of protein per serving My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

Go to Recipe

Herbed Tuna Salad25 grams of protein per serving Cooking for two is a challenge for us, since my husband and I do not care for leftovers. This high-protein salad with distinctive dill flavor is my favorite lunch recipe. —Rebecca Schweizer, Chesapeake, Virginia

Go to Recipe

Copycat Southwest Chicken Salad45 grams of protein per serving My husband and I ordered and devoured this high-protein salad from Applebee's three separate times before we finally asked the waitress for the dressing ingredients. She kindly shared the recipe with us, and now I whip up this hearty main-dish salad with its tangy sauce often. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Go to Recipe

Feta Salmon Salad38 grams of protein per serving My son David always ordered the satisfying salmon sandwich at a local pub. In trying to replicate it, he came up with this salmon salad recipe. It's the only recipe he's ever made, and our entire family thinks it's wonderful. —Susan Griffiths, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad28 grams of protein per serving My husband and sons love Buffalo chicken with blue cheese, so I created this high-protein salad. You can even make the chicken the day before and reheat when ready to serve. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Go to Recipe

TMB Studio

Grilled Salmon Salad29 grams of protein per serving For a cool summer supper, try this fresh-tasting grilled salmon salad. Lightly dressed with tangy raspberry vinegar, it gets a little crunch from onion and celery. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Grilled Chicken Salad38 grams of protein per serving A few years back, I was looking for a simple yet delicious high-protein salad for a picnic for my boyfriend and myself. Now that guy is my husband, and we still enjoy going on picnics and dining on this grilled chicken salad. It's perfect as a meal or side. —Juli Stewart, Coppell, Texas

Go to Recipe

Shrimp Cobb Salad36 grams of protein per serving This shrimp cobb salad is quite healthy. I often use a grill pan, but you can simply saute, too. Feel free to use any greens you like. — Nicholas Monfre, Hudson, Florida

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Mushroom Steak Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette31 grams of protein per serving When I want to serve a romantic dinner for my husband and me, I fix this elegant yet easy high-protein salad. I just add crusty French bread and a glass of wine. —Candace McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina

Go to Recipe

Pomegranate, Chicken and Farro Salad23 grams of protein per serving This chicken and pomegranate salad is special—simple, yet sophisticated—and never fails to win raves. I use quick-cooking farro, which takes only 10 minutes on the stovetop. Many stores now carry packaged pomegranate seeds in the refrigerated produce section year-round. —David Dahlman, Chatsworth, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Spicy Pork Tenderloin Salad24 grams of protein per serving A friend served this curry-flavored, high-protein salad at a luncheon, and I tweaked it to fit our tastes. Since it's a meal in one, it's perfect for weeknights, and the presentation makes it ideal for entertaining. —Pat Sellon of Monticello, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Taco Pasta Salad33 grams of protein per serving My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. —Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, WI

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Grilled Steak Bruschetta Salad for 228 grams of protein per serving Fire up the grill for this high-protein salad. The meat will be done in a snap, leaving you more time to enjoy the summer evening. —Devon Delaney, Princeton, New Jersey

Go to Recipe

Berry Chicken Salad28 grams of protein per serving Bright berries and creamy goat cheese make this one a winner! —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Cheeseburger Bowl29 grams of protein per serving This recipe is a unique and lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can also make the dressing with ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut

Go to Recipe

Turkey and Apple Arugula Salad30 grams of protein per serving This high-protein salad proves that turkey can be enjoyed outside of the holidays. Peppery salad greens, sweet grapes and rich walnuts combine to create a flavor sensation. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Grilled Asian Chicken Pasta Salad32 grams of protein per serving This cool noodle salad makes a great casual one-bowl dinner or a perfect dish for a potluck or buffet. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida

Go to Recipe

Raspberry-Walnut Pork Salad34 grams of protein per serving Raspberry, rosemary, Gorgonzola and walnuts combine to make a pork dish that's bursting with flavor. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida

Go to Recipe

Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad23 grams of protein per serving I revamped an Asian-style chicken salad recipe to create this gingery, high-protein salad. Now it’s a huge success when I serve it at ladies luncheons. —Shelly Gramer, Long Beach, California

Go to Recipe

Quick Nicoise Salad21 grams of protein per serving Like the classic French salad Nicoise, I pack my salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps build it fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri

Go to Recipe

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad25 grams of protein per serving The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful high-protein salad are perfect for summer—or any time of year that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Almond Chicken Salad25 grams of protein per serving My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Go to Recipe

Raspberry Pecan Chicken Salad29 grams of protein per serving I gave this sweet-savory chicken salad a little zip with Chinese five-spice powder, which tastes a bit like pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle some on roasted carrots for an awesome meal. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Blackened Pork Caesar Salad36 grams of protein per serving When I cook, the goal is to have enough leftovers for lunch the next day. This Caesar with pork has fantastic flavor even when the meat is chilled. —Penny Hedges, Dewdney, British Columbia

Go to Recipe

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette24 grams of protein per serving We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. It goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine

Go to Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad25 grams of protein per serving Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Swiss Cobb Salad28 grams of protein per serving Topped with ham, roast beef, bacon and other fixings, this high-protein salad has an excellent blend of flavors. A from-scratch vinaigrette adds the refreshing final touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Turkey Ramen Noodle Salad21 grams of protein per serving My husband and I make this high-protein salad together—he does the chopping. When we bring it to potlucks, we pack the ramen and almonds separately and toss them in right before it's time to dish up. They stay nice and crunchy that way. —Kristen Pallant, Big Arm, Montana

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Cool & Crunchy Chicken Salad22 grams of protein per serving When the weather sizzles, get your chill on with a cool chicken salad. Mine uses grapes, pecans and celery for that signature crunch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine

Go to Recipe

Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad30 grams of protein per serving Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee

Go to Recipe

Curried Chicken & Peach Salad24 grams of protein per serving This is a very healthy and high-protein salad to make; even my non-cooking husband can whip it together in minutes. We’ve served this to friends over the years, and they always ask for the recipe. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Steak & New Potato Toss31 grams of protein per serving I usually use leftover barbecued steak to make this fabulous high-protein salad. It's pretty, too, with the red pepper, green broccoli and white potatoes. —Deyanne Davies, Rossland, British Columbia

Go to Recipe

Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad25 grams of protein per serving I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia. If you enjoyed this recipe, then you must try Chinese chicken salad.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Turkey Almond Salad25 grams of protein per serving Our congregation was holding a luncheon at which I was helping, and we were supposed to use turkey left over from the church's Thanksgiving supper. Everyone liked this so much that—at another church luncheon—we cooked a turkey for the specific purpose of making my high-protein salad. —Donna Rear, Olds, Alberta

Go to Recipe

Grilled Pork Noodle Salad27 grams of protein per serving The only complex thing about this high-protein salad is the flavor! With smoky barbecued pork and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, this is a comforting and tasty home-cooked meal. —Rosalyn Nguyen, Astoria, New York

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Orange Chicken Spinach Salad34 grams of protein per serving For a high-protein salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Salmon & Spinach Salad with Avocado23 grams of protein per serving We eat a high-protein salad packed with salmon and spinach at least once a week. It’s a cinch to make, even after a hard day’s work. —Jenny Dawson, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Taste of Home editors, who aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Contact us, here.