dried cranberries

Mason Jar Spinach Salad

In honor of back to school, I decided to share a lunch recipe. Gasp, I know. I never share lunch recipes. I'm not exactly sure why, but lunch is not very inspiring to me. I am all about breakfast- it's all about starting the day out strong. You are fueling your body to tackle the day. Or spending a cozy mornings at home with some yummy pancakes. Dinner, you can have a nice long drawn out dinner with loved ones. Your food can set the tone for your evening. But lunch? I struggle to find inspiration here. It's probably just the Americanness in me, but I feel like most people are hard pressed for time and any excuse to be out of the office is a good one. I used to be so annoyed when I brought my lunch to work because it meant I had no reason to go outside for a walk. But that was the wrong attitude- bringing your lunch to work means you can eat and then enjoy the rest of your lunch hour to do what you please. Not to mention, finding #shedapproved lunch options are not always easy to find on your lunch break. 

Whether you are in school or just taking your lunch to work- this salad doesn't disappoint. Just throw the lid on your salad and it's ready to travel with you! No sogginess. And then when it's lunch time, you shake it up, and boom your lunch is ready to go! You can also make these in bulk on a Sunday to be prepared for the whole week- they keep really well because the dressing lives at the bottom! Enjoy! - AHS


mason jar spinach salad shed for the wed recipes shedding for the wedding

Mason Jar Spinach Salad 

Ingredients

  • 1⁄2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 oz cooked chicken breast (or tender) or 1-2 hard-boiled eggs

  • 1⁄2 cup cherry tomatoes, whole

  • 1⁄4 cup cucumber, halved and sliced

  • Salt and pepper

  • Optional: sprinkle unsweetened dried cranberries (treat yo’ self—month 1 only)

  • Optional: sprinkle goat cheese (treat yo’ self—month 1 only)

  • 2 cups spinach

Instructions

Layer ingredients in 32 oz. Mason jar. Start with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Then layer ingredients as listed. Shake jar before eating.

Note: If you don’t have a Mason jar, never fear! Any Tupperware will do—just separate the dressing in a side container.