Mason Jar Lunches
Basic Mason Jar Lunch Tips
Wide mouth mason jars work better
Whether you're eating right out of the jar or pouring its contents in to a bowl, a wide mouth mason will make your lunch more accessible.
Start with your wet contents
You don't want your greens to wilt before lunchtime, especially when you're having a salad. Keep your greens on top to enjoy a crisper lunch.
Get creative
The possibilities are endless. Visit our Mason Jar Lunch Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.
Barbecue Picnic in a Jar
Do you have leftovers from a weekend barbecue? This mason jar lunch is a convenient way to use up your leftovers in an innovative and tasty way.
Start by filling your mason jar about one third full with of baked beans.
Next, add mashed potatoes. If you don't have mashed potatoes made, make a quick mashed potato by boiling a few baby reds and mashing them with butter, herbs, salt and pepper (or blue cheese!). The potatoes will serve as a layer between your beans and your meats.
Top your jar off with barbecued pork or barbecued shredded carrots.
When it's lunch time, heat it up and dive right in. No need to dirty another dish.
Thai Peanut Soup Jar
This soup jar idea is a simple way to have a fresh, satisfying soup in minutes.
Start with your seasonings. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter, a tablespoon of coconut milk, a squeeze of lime, a teaspoon of soy sauce, one clove of mashed garlic and grated ginger to the bottom of your jar. You can add Sriacha for extra heat.
Next add dry rice noodles. Do not cook your noodles before adding them to the jar.
Throw in your favorite soup vegetables. mushrooms, carrots, greens or onion.
Toss in some tofu for extra protein.
When it's lunch time, pour boiling water over your jar. Let it sit for 3 minutes as your rice noodles cook.
Enjoy!
Salad in a Jar
Local produce season is the perfect time make delicious salads. Almost any combination of fruits and vegetables makes for a tasty lunch.
When you're building a salad in a jar, start with your wet ingredients. This is your salad dressing, tomatoes, fruit, or cucumbers.
Then add your denser vegetables. These would be your carrots, radishes, jimica, cauliflower or brocolli.
Next add your protein. Experiment with different kinds! Try baked tofu, beans, leftover meats from last night's dinner, quinoa, nuts or seeds.
Top your jar off with greens! Try spring mix, kale, arugula, spinach or a combination of all of them.
I find it's easiest to empty to contents in to the jar on to a plate or jar to ensure a well dressed salad. But, if you're on the go, it's just as easy to shake the jar and eat it with a fork!