Ingredients

The very first thing is mason jars or similar containers. I prefer the 32 ounce mason jars for my salad in a jar as I like alot of salad and this gives me a full plate full of delicious lunch salad. Here's a few nice jars on Amazon.com. Note: You'll probably want to buy at least 4 32-oz jars at a time so you can make multiple salads in a jar. The full case of 32 ounce jars would be perfect though if you're preparing salads in a jar for a 4th of July picnic.

Instructions

Since the whole idea of packing a salad in a jar is to keep it fresh, you don't want the dressing in the bottom to corrupt the softer ingredients, such as the lettuce, spinach, or mushrooms. So, here's a few ideas to get you going about what to pack in the bottom of this portable lunch salad.
1.Cherry or grape tomatoes. Since cherry and grape tomatoes have a fairly sturdy skin on them, these make the best bottom of the salad in a jar. They certainly won't soak up any dressing and will remain fresh for days. Sun dried tomatoes are delicious and would do well here also. Just a few sun dried tomatoes pack a satisfying punch to any lunch salad.
2.Cucumbers. Although cucumbers are a bit more porous, they still will hold up fine as the bottom layer in the salad ala glass. Cut them in round slices so they fit well and there's no wasted space.
3.Radishes. I'm a fan of radishes and the hotter, the better. Try the white Japanese radishes, Daikon for the bottom of the salad in a jar.
4.Green, red, or yellow onions. Onions only get better when seeped in a dressing for a few days so they make a logical choice for the bottom layer of your salad.
5.Slices of orange or mandarin orange sepments. Citrus will do well as it won't soak up much dressing and will even flavor the dressing you've added into the mason jar salad.
6.Red, yellow, or green peppers. Peppers are another non-porous item that would work beautifully in a salad in a jar. Instead of cutting them in the customary strips though, try to cut them in rings, crosswise so that they fit into the jar. They'll make your lunch salad look particularly appetizing too!
7.Cheese. I really like protein and cheese gives me a whole bunch of protein with a lot of flavor. I prefer small 1/2" cubes packed into the middle of the jar but you can shred your favorite cheddar, pepper jack, or whatever it is you prefer. You might consider layering in a bit of bleu cheese or feta cheese for a special punch to your salad in a jar.

Now, for the middle layer of the salad in a jar

The middle layer of your beautiful salad can be almost anything you choose. It can be items that might soak up dressing or items that you prefer to keep dry until you spill your salad in a jar out onto a pretty plate for your mid-day meal.
1.Pasta. Try some seasoned rigatoni or macaroni as the middle layer. Add about 1/2 cup of noodles, sprinkle in a bit of salt, pepper, or lemon pepper for a real zest.
2.Quinoa. A lot of people have never heard of quinoa (pronounced keen-wa - go figure....) but it's a hearty grain that is relatively low in carbohydrates compared to pasta. If you're following an Adkins or Weight Watchers diet plan, this is the grain for you. It's got a bit of a crunchy texture so will do well in the salad in a jar.
3.Any type of fruit. I love a few raisins sprinkled around my salad for a sweet little surprise.
4.Sliced hard boiled eggs. Protein is always good as the middle layer of the salad in a jar. Chopped eggs work too although I prefer round slices, thank you very much.
5.Any kind of beef, pork, turkey, chicken, etc. Cubed meats will fit into the salad in a jar perfectly and will give you the added protein lift after your snack on your lunch salad.
6.Zucchini or yellow squash. Cut rounds of zucchini and yellow squash add flavor and color to your Mason jar salads.

Top layer for salad in a jar

The top layer of the salad in a jar is the layer that you do not want to touch the dressing as it will wilt. So, make sure to keep your lunch salad in an upright position!
1.Romaine lettuce. I love crunch romaine lettuce in salads. It just seems to add a certain juiciness to the mix. I cut romaine crosswise and even eat the rib but, if you like a less crunchy texture, strip the leaves off the center rip and tear those into pieces.
2.Arugula. Bar none, arugula is my favorite salad green as I love the spiciness it imparts to the whole salad mix. It's very easy to grow and will always be available if you plant a small patch. Arugula is also known as "Rocket" as it grows so quickly. For the most tender arugula, pick the small, fresh leaves. I like it very peppery though so I prefer the older shoots.
3.Iceberg. Good old iceberg lettuce would make a delicious topping to salad in a jar. And, iceberg has the nice quality of lasting longer too.
4.Field greens. Field greens are a mix of most of the above with some spinach and other greens thrown in. Field greens tend to bruise easily so be careful when you layer them into the top of the salad jar.
5.Spinach. Spinach is one of the most hardy salad greens and will stay for up to 4 days in a salad in a jar. This should be your "go to" salad green for the top layer.

MY NOTES

SALADS