Apple, Cranberry, Almond Mason Jar Salads

Recently I stumbled upon the hashtag #SadDeskLunch on social media and, while I don’t technically eat lunch at a desk these days, I can totally ? (<< relate!)

When I got my first real desk job out of college I had one of three things for lunch every day for what felt like forever: 1.) Pizza Luce’s Baked Potato Pizza (I worked above the restaurant and can still smell the torturous scent that wafted upstairs at 10am,) plus a double pack of Grandma’s Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies from the vending machine. Pizza and cookies – good call, K! SAD. 2.) Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili. I’d make a giant batch every Sunday then eat a tupperware full of chili every. single. day. Day after day after day. Totally sad. 3.) Lean Cuisine Frozen Macaroni and Cheese. I can’t eve- SAAAAAAD. ?

It wasn’t even the poor/monotonous food choices that made my lunches so sad – no matter what I ate, I always ate it at my desk. SAD, SAD, SAD! That’s why today I’m sharing a fresh and delicious lunch idea that’s not only make-ahead, so it’s easy to grab and go vs heading out to a restaurant, but it’s portable which means you can take it with you on a walk or to the cafeteria to get away from your desk at noon. Apple, Cranberry, Almond Mason Jar Salads with Greek Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing are saving lunch one jar at a time!

Seriously, I know frozen meals and heading to a nearby restaurant might seem easier/more exciting than bringing your own boring lunch from home, but I’m telling you, not only are these mason jar salads incredibly economical (I didn’t have to buy a thing to make them,) but they’re fun, fresh, and nutritious. Plus it takes less than 20 minutes to assemble four of these babies, which you can split with someone in your house or keep all for yourself. And if you’re worried about monotony, mix it up! I’ll show you the secret for making sure these salads stay nice and crisp for days in the fridge no matter what toppings you use.

Even if you don’t go with my savory, sweet, crunchy, and chewy combination of fresh celery, apples, sauteed chicken, sliced almonds, green onions, dried cranberries and fresh lettuce, the secret to success is in the layer order:

1. Dressing. First spoon 2-3 Tablespoons dressing in the bottom of a 32oz mason jar.
2. Crunchy vegetables. In this case it’s celery, but the rule also applies to radishes, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, etc.
3. Fruits and berries. Toss fruit like chopped apples, pears, and berries in next.
4. Protein. Chopped chicken, steak, beans, and shrimp are to be placed on top so they don’t get soggy from moisture-rich fruits and vegetables.
5. Toppings. Add goodies like dried fruit, fresh herbs, nuts and seeds next.
6. Greens. Place delicate, leafy greens on top then screw on the lid.

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When it’s time to eat, grab the mason jar from the fridge then give it a big shake and voila! A fresh, nutritious, vibrant and HAPPY lunch that you can eat anywhere but your desk. Just not your car. I think the only thing sadder than a desk lunch is a car lunch. #speakingfromexperience

Although my “desk” is technically the kitchen counter, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate having these mason jar salads ready and waiting in the refrigerator. By the time I get Lincoln settled into his chair and decide what to fix him for lunch, the last thing I want to do is turn around and try and figure out what I’m going to eat. I’d rather be sitting next to him chatting, and these Apple, Cranberry, Almond Mason Jar Salads remove the guesswork so I can do just that!

Start by making the Greek Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing, which is a cinch to stir together. Combine a 5oz container plain Greek (not regular) yogurt (I used Chobani,) with 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 Tablespoon honey, 1 Tablespoon minced shallot, 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds, and lots of salt and pepper in a bowl then stir until smooth.

Scoop 2-3 Tablespoons dressing into the bottom of 4, 32oz mason jars with lids then top with chopped celery and apples. You can find mason jars everywhere from the grocery store to the hardware store, or you can order them online.

Next layer in chopped chicken that’s been seasoned with garlic salt and pepper then sauteed and cooled completely (or use leftover chicken to make these jars even easier!) followed by sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped green onions. I love this combination of sweet, savory, crunchy, and chewy – keeps things interesting, you know?

Last step is to fill the mason jars to the top with your greens of choice. I used a mixture of chopped romaine and baby spinach, but you can use whatever you like/have on hand.

Last step is to screw on the lids then stash in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, just shake, unscrew, and eat!

I really wanted to share the method for making mason jar salads – start with the dressing followed by crisp vegetables, fruit, protein, toppings, and lettuce – so that said, feel free to jazz up your mason jar salads to your liking. Get creative, and enjoy your EXCITING and healthy desk lunch!

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Are you guilty of eating lunch at your desk, or do you try and get out and about?