Friday, February 3, 2012

Mason Jar Salads!

SO....this is the beginning of week 3 on Weight Watchers and I am enjoying big success!  6lbs gone so far and I can already feel a big difference.  Here's something that has saved me AND encouraged my husband (Mr. Honey Bun and Mountain Dew), and my kids (no tag names needed), to eat healthier without even realizing.

So, here is our take on Mason Jar Meals, specifically Mason Jar Salads

Our first step:  Hunting and Gathering.  We have a lovely farm market here in Lansing, however, Lansing happens to be in MICHIGAN, therefore, fresh, locally produced foods are scarce, so please sub your own local, preferably organic produce if possible.


Our next step:  cleaning, cutting, chopping.  (and sampling)  We also boiled up some quinoa and some whole wheat rotini pasta.

Then, assembly.


Here are a few tips:

1. Dressing on the bottom, lettuce on the top.  If the two are touching the lettuce will turn to slime.
2. So, dressing goes in first.  On top of your dressing, use a rather "hearty" vegetable, such as shredded cabbage, pea pods, or julienne carrot matchsticks.  They can withstand the acidity of the dressing, and actually get better!
3. Pack it in.  Use a nice variety of colorful vegetables!  Make it fun and involve the kids.

Here are some of our recipes:

Poppyseed: Layer, in this order:

-poppyseed dressing
-carrot shreds
-green peas
-pineapple
-blueberries
-raspberries
-lettuce

Asian:
-light asian ginger dressing
-peapods
-carrot shreds
-cabbage shreds
-water chestnuts
-green peas
-bean sprouts
-quinoa
-toasted sesame seeds
-lettuce

Seafood

(I make a light dressing with light mayo, skim milk, s and p, and parmesan
-dressing
-cabbage shreds
-cherry tomatoes (halved)
-black olives
-celery
-drained canned crab / drained canned salad shrimp
-lettuce

Caesar:

-light Caesar dressing
-carrot shreds
-diced grilled chicken
-celery
-cukes
-lettuce
-parmesan
(add croutons later) ...they get mooshy in the jar.

Here's what you will have when you're done.  Aren't they gorgeous?  



...and here's a closeup:


We also made rainbow fruit salads....layered in this order:

-blueberries
-honeydew
-cantaloupe
-pineapple
-strawberries
-raspberries
(we HAD kiwi, but forgot to add!)


Now, don't forget to label the lids!  We use a Sharpie.  The Sharpie ink can be removed easily with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for your next use.

Annnnnnnd....I could never finish this post without a photo of my lovely assistant and head kid in charge of nom nom nom noms.........she eats these every day!





172 comments:

  1. How far out in advance do you make these? Just wondering how long they can hold up before eating? I love the idea!

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  2. We make these each week on Sundays. Usually they are GONE within only a few days, but they will last 6-7 days! :)

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  3. What pretty salads! Great idea, thanks for sharing!

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  4. I did this for the first time last night and LOVED it! Not only am I all packed up for the week but I don't have a million pieces of tupperware to clean! Thanks!

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  5. Replies
    1. I would like to know this too...

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    2. no, you don't have to vacuum seal them...thank goodness :)

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    3. The mason jars sort of vacuum seem themselves b/c of how the lid is made. When I make mine I fibd it hard to get the lid off.

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  6. Do you have a picture of the fruit salad? Thanks! Brilliant idea

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  7. These look awesome! Healthier eating here I come!

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  8. do you just put a lid on them??

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  9. How do you eat them? Do you pour the ingredients into a bowl, or just try to shake it up?

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    Replies
    1. I would like to know this answer too!

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    2. Yes I was wondering if one wouldn't have trouble getting all the dressing out?

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    3. you just shake it, like a mcd's salad when they came in the cup

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    4. It is pretty packed in there, so I'm thinking that if you 'fork' the greens out of the jar, leave the rest in and shake it to mix the dressing (now you have room to). It will coat the smaller pieces and 'toss' them, then pour over the lettuce/spinach/greens. Can't wait to try these!

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    5. That is what is so great about these...even when they are packed with yumminess ALL you have to do is shake and voila they are ready to eat.

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    6. You just get a plate or bowl and pour it out. Then the lettuce is on the bottom and the good stuff on the top. The dressing mixes in as you pour.
      You can't really shake it in the jar if you pack it correctly. It is important to only put the lettuce on top otherwise it gets slimy.

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  10. Replies
    1. I would guess they used quart jars judging from the pictures above

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  11. Great idea! I just started WW and I"m down about 5 lbs after my first two weeks. I'm going to have to look into doing this.

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  12. I found you through pinterest and I'm so in love with these. Very southern (I'm from Louisiana!) Can you tell me more about quinoa?

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    1. Thought I'd send you a quick response... Quinoa is a grain, kind of like rice.. but healthier! I use it in place of rice all the time. And I cook it in my rice cooker. Some people like it wet/sticky and some like it a little more dry. It is pronounced kee-no-ah (not quinn-oh-uh, like I thought it was for the longest time). You can buy it at health food stores, but it is much cheaper at Costco - at least they have it at mine! I buy a big bag there, it is the same brand as some health food stores carry. It's a bright green & dark blue bag. You can read more info on quinoa here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa

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    2. Here in Florida, we call Quinoa 'Keen-waah'. It is the perfect food, low carb, high protein, gluten free. I get mine from Publix. They sell yummy spaghetti noodles (with corn), flour, flakes and of course the whole seed. The seeds look like sesame seeds but they plump up like cous cous when cooked. You can make a batch a few days ahead and refrigerate it. Add cream and cinnamon sugar and you have a sort of oatmeal, add things you'd add to cous cous and you have a side dish. Toss cold into a salad and you have a magnificent crisp crunch. The list goes on. I'm not so fond of Costco's...it tastes sort of green to me. Maybe it was just me. I love the darker seeds, black and red...they're richer and nutty. http://martysmeals.blogspot.com/search/label/quinoa%20veggie%20salad

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    3. Important to rinse the quinoa very very well in cold, running water before cooking! That will help get rid of the 'green' taste. Use a fine sieve, with very small holes, or you'll lose half the grains! Some brands have more saponin that others. I like Costco's, but I do have to rinse it more than other brans I've purchased.

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    4. Quinoa is actually a grass and we are eating the seeds. It is pronounced Keen-wah. Kaniwa is very similar but not the same thing as Quinoa.

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    5. Quinoa is a complete protein on it's own (meaning, it carries all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to be truly healthy) which makes it especially helpful for vegetarians and those that don't eat their meats and vegetables in proper proportion (i.e. most of us!) It's technically a 'pseudocereal' as it doesn't come from the same family as grasses like wheat, oats, etc- it's more in the family of spinach and beets (good news for people that have allergies to the cereal grains!!!)

      It has a high fat content, but it's the monounsaturated or 'good fat' (heart-healthy fat). AND, because of the configuration of it's fat, it doesn't lose it's nutritional value when you boil, simmer, etc as is the case for most fruits and vegetables.

      It has a very high calcium content (yay!), good source of fiber and other minerals. Some research suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, type2 diabetes, cholesterol, colon cancer, etc etc.

      The taste and texture is kind of like a cross between oatmeal and brown rice. You can use it in soups, breakfast porridges, salads. There is quinoa 'flour' and pasta. Many different things you can do with it. A great substitute for flour, pasta, beans, grains, etc. I say give it a try! :)

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    6. mmmm I love quinoa! We mix with roasted squash in a tortilla or with eggs, onions and sausage in a super protein breakfast skillet. I live in Missouri and our walmart carries it. I've never heard of rinsing it. We just cook and eat it and it's wonderful!

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  13. I live in Lansing as well and was wondering what farmer's markets you go to or suggest? Thanks so much! Hope you've been able to enjoy this fantastic weather.

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  14. You are a genius! And your assistant is pretty awesome too.

    I came across your pic on Pinterest and followed it here. I've since shared it, pinned it, copy/pasted it on all my social media sites because it's the coolest idea I've come across in a long while.

    Thanks,
    Sandra
    www.sjclarke.com

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  15. What am amazing idea! I love salads - always mean to eat more of them - but I get lazy about making them! Making a week's worth at a time is an awesome idea.

    But I'd also like to know - what size jars do you use? My salads can get pretty big with lots & lots of lettuce! lol

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  16. Do you pour them in to a bowl or just shake them up?

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  17. This is seriously the best post I have ever seen for make ahead salad. I can hardly wait to go to the grocery store to get all my stuff tomorrow.

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  18. What a fantastic post. Thank you for the great ideas!

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  19. You said that you are doing weight watchers; do you have the points for these already calculated?

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  20. Delicious idea. I was about to get ready for the week and this is just what I was looking for, a way to make salads for the week! Thank you! PS: Found you on Pinterest!

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  21. Just found this and I know what I will be doing tomorrow night. LOVE this idea!!!

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  22. Also found you on Pinterest. I am a Team Beachbody Coach and would love to share this idea. Do you have problems with the lettuce wilting before the week is up or the fruit getting soggy?I have lost 16 pounds since January and feeling great. I Love salads

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  23. Any tips on how much dressing to use for the amount of contents in the jar?

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    1. I actually put very little lettuce on the top because I like having so many veggies in the jar. I use Ball wide mouth jars. Not sure of the size, but they are 6 1/2 inches tall. Love making salads for the week! So far I've just made 5 jars at a time but next week I'm going for 7. I only put two TB of a Italian style dressing in the bottom and then after I tip the jar over into a salad bowl, I add more dressing - usually ranch.

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  24. I agree with the others, this is a fantastic idea. Reposted on fb on MonthWithoutMonsanto to our 3,700+ followers. Also discovered you on Pinterest. Watch out, soon to be viral idea!

    Cassie G

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  25. On the close up photo, you can see a "16" on the jar about halfway up, so these must be wide mouth quart jars. Hope vac-sealing works as well on fruits/veg as it reportedly does on plain lettuce!
    Gail

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  26. I find the lettuce just in regular mason jars will last up to 10 days... I haven't gone so far as adding ingredients.. yours look good... I will try that next, but I have to say having these on hand (even just tor lettuce) is nice.

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  27. Hi. This is a GREAT idea!! Thanks for the post.

    Do you just close the mason jars and put them in the fridge? Or do you seal them with a vacuum pressure?

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    1. Just make sureg that the jars are always standing up straight in the fridge so that the dressing remains on the bottom.

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  28. I also found you on Pinterest and I was also wondering does the lettuce get soggy? do you have to just put the lid on it or does it need to seal? Do you have to put it in the fridge? Thanks for sharing this I can't wait to make mine!!!!!!

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  29. LOVE this idea! Could you add grilled chicken? What size mason jars do you use?

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  30. yes, definitely need to know how to store these. Refrigerator?

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    1. You should store them in the fridge. Since the ingredients have not been properly canned (involving high heat and sterilization of jars, etc.), they will spoil if left out (even if they are vacuum-sealed).

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  31. Also got here from Pinterest :] Wonderful idea! This might be just what I need to stop eating out so much.

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  32. Here from Pinterest, and I love this idea. If for no other reason than the mason jars. :-p

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  33. Replies
    1. It looks as though there's a reflection on the jar, making it look as though the 6 is a "16" ... but I think that's just a 6 we're seeing ... HTH!

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    2. If those are only 6oz jars, then I'd definitely have to get larger ones if they were going to be for lunch/dinner.

      I usually eat a HUGE bowl of salad every night before dinner, so I'd probably have to get the quart sized jars. :p

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    3. The jars are quart size with the wide mouth.

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  34. Coming from a canning family, I would bet that those are wide mouth quart jars. I'm sure wide mouth would be easiest for these salads!

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  35. Great idea! Do you know the point value to these recipes? Do you make your dressings from scratch or bottle from the store?

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  36. Also interested in whether you vacuum sealed these..

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  37. Excellent ideas and variety. Thanks!

    Donna

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  38. I don't think these jars need to be vacuum sealed, but they would need to be refrigerated (vacuum sealed or not). I'm thinking that you eat them out of the jar, but if the jar is really packed with the lettuce & other ingredients, I wonder how well you can mix up the salad dressing with everything. All of the salads really look good! Thanks for the idea!

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  39. These look yummy. I wish I had one now!

    I'm guessing you use frozen peas, but do you cook them first?

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    1. I'm sure you would want to cook the peas first, but then eat them chilled.

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    2. Most peas I've seen in salads are just frozen fresh peas and I don't know if they par-boil or blanche them but don't cook them normally.

      I would think it would need to be vaccuum packed to keep for 7 days if you made one per day. If you make 7 and they are eatin in 3 days, that is no biggie but I would be concerned when it went out very far in the future. Great idea though.

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    3. I just thaw the frozen peas under warm running water, no need to cook. I haven't made these jar salads (YET!!!) but I have frozen peas on salads all the time.

      Regarding the jar salad though - seeing as how they will go in the fridge I wonder if you'd even need to thaw them - they will just thaw as they sit in the fridge.

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  40. I am in heaven seeing this. Great idea!!

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  41. Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  42. I am thinking you could turn the jar upside down about 15 minutes before eating it and then dump it into a bowl or onto a plate. Yum. Such a great idea!

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  43. I am so excited to try this, great idea. I love it when awesome people do awesome things and then share them so that we can maybe be as awesome as they are.

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  44. This is a great idea. I am attempting to put more veggies and fruit into my diet. I have lost 20lbs so far but my hardest part is lunch. I never pack one. I think that if I did this I could take them all to work on Monday and have them the whole week, no forgetting a lunch. I can't wait to try this.... Thanks for sharing. I am a new follower I can't wait to read what else you have up your sleeve. :-)

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  45. Love the idea of the jars! I have 2 Autistic sons and one daughter who is all grown up and moved out with the love of her life. My question is, does your son like these? My son's both teens hardly eat anything!

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  46. fabulous idea- I could use these to hopefully get my hubby to take a salad for lunch. Going to the store tonight! I found you from pinterest as well.

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  47. Supercalafragalistic! Thanks!

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  48. Thanks for sharing!!! We are starting a 24 day challenge after Easter and these will be fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  49. I've been doing this same thing for years and it so wonderful to just grab and go. The one thing I do different is I have the very very small Tupperware like containers and I put my dressing in that and then add salad and fixings and add the dressing packet at the top. I do this as I just don't want my salad sitting in dressing for days.

    I use the quart size mason jars and if you have one vacuum seal them using the jar attachment. By vacuum sealing I've had mine last up to 10 days with no issues.

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  50. Can u do it in Tupperware?? I dying to try it but don't have any mason jars ;(

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  51. This is the greatest idea yet. I made 6 jars to last all week. My jar salad included (from top to bottom) spinach, chicken, cheese, hard-boiled egg, strawberries, pineapple, cauliflower, cauliflower, shredded cabbage and carrots, jicama, Asian dressing or Caesar dressing. WW points = 7. With adding pineapple and strawberries, the juice from them added great flavor to the salad and made the dressing go further. I never imagined 2 TBS of salad dressing would satisfy me. Boy I was wrong. Thanks for posting this Karen

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  52. Do you eat out of the jar, shake them up, or pour them out? How much dressing do you add to the bottom of the jars? Thanks for the information :)

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  53. How many points are your recipes? Sorry if this has already been asked!

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  54. I do not know much about canning nor the terminology, but how do you vacuum seal these??. Im going to do this, fantastic idea.Thanks for sharing this..

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    1. The one that posted this neat idea posted above that you do not need to seal the jars just keep in fridge. She also said she takes the lettuce out when she gets ready to eat and puts the lid back on and then shakes the remaining ingredients and then pours it over the lettuce she removed. I think this is such a neat idea and to be on the safe side I would put any meat, chicken or tuna in another container and then add after you shake and pour the rest over the lettuce. That way it won't spoil and ruin your salad. I like my chicken or what ever I use to be cooked just a day or so ahead of time otherwise I think they get that leftover taste, this is just my opinion though. I no longer work but I want to try this too! Thanks for the great idea.

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  55. Stopping by via Yahoo. This is such a great idea! The jars look enticing! I will have to try quinoa in my salads. That is a new grain I have been experimenting with and love its versatility. Your Etsy shop items are wonderful, by the way. I love the dandelion necklaces!

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  56. Super idea! I'm really looking forward to trying these next week! Found you via Pinterest, thank goodness... Wishing you and your family the very best in healthy eating! :)

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  57. I'm wondering if you have two blogs because this exact post is showing up here http://www.neatpins.com/2012/03/mason-jar-salads.html

    I hate when people steal other peoples content and obviously yours was posted first. Just thought you should know!!

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    1. Oooh that really bugs me!! I hope that the originator of the idea gets the credit for this! I see in the comments on that other "neatpins" blog that there are people contacting the blogger for guest blogging spots and stuff. Lame-o if karenknichols is the actual blogger who the pictures and writing originated from! (Which I'd guess just based on when this blog entry was posted versus that other one.)

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    2. You should totally do something about this! That is so not cool. She has tons of comments and is totally making it look like it was her idea and her original post. and the fact that a picture of YOUR kid is on there...

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    3. I commented on the neatpins post questioning the integrity of the post. The problem is, the comment has to be "approved" before it will show up on the site. My guess is it will never see the light of day.

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    4. I saw this too and it really bugs me! I commented as well but doubt anything will be done with it.

      Karen, you can report this blog to Blogger for copyright violation. At the top of the Neat Pins blog is a link to report it... just fill in the details and Google will investigate.

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  58. I also found you through Pinterest. What a great idea!! I am definitely going to trry this. also I like your salad recipes and will try them for larger "company" salads.
    Thanks!!

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  59. These look great! I'm going to try this out. What size jars did you use?

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  60. These are GREAT! Love the recipe lists.

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  61. For all that are asking, I believe she uses a vacuum sealer machine.

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    Replies
    1. No actually she said they last 6-7 days and no need for vacuum packing. So psyched to try it!

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  62. What a phenom idea!! Can't wait to make these! Thanks for the idea! :)

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  63. so glad i found your blog! i am your newest follower!

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  64. OMG this is BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you FB friend S&J Botanicals for posting this! WOW!!!
    Ihave lost nearly 75# on WW over the last few years. The new plan just does NOT do it for me, i gained 20# in a few WEEKS! So I am trying to find my Momentum materials and just try to redo that plan at home. I get so nasty muchy hungry after working outside or taking care of the horses .. I love cupcakes.. so I can't keep milk in the house LOL! THIS would be just as good and NO WASTE! I toss out somuch food it's sinful. Thank You Thank YOU!!!! You newest fan!

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  65. I would be helpful if you had the weight watcher points with each recipe like the old points and points plus. Thanks. Love the idea

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  66. I pinned this a few months ago, and it took me a while to get the jars and finally get around to trying it out. I must say... it has changed my life! Seriously, I was having abdominal pain, bloating, etc and after testing was told it was a "fatty liver, just lose weight". I thought salads at work for lunch instead of fast food would be a good place to start. After 2 weeks of doing "salad in a jar", I noticed I was feeling better. So I kept going, but then one Sunday, I didn't get around to shopping and making my salads. Guess what... I was so miserable that my husband noticed. He went to the store midweek and helped me with salad prep! I don't think I've lost any weight (haven't weighed) but i feel better and that's what matters in the end. Thank you for sharing this! My salads in a jar are so pretty in the fridge at work that I have started making extras for the co-workers who comment. :) who knows, it just may spread!!! Thanks Again!

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  67. These look great! Perfect for college kids who don't have anyplace to cook things!

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  68. Because I respect the work that bloggers do I wanted to bring to your attention that this exact post is on another website with no credit for you, your recipe, nor your images. They even put their own Amazon affiliate link on the bottom to cash in on your idea. It was clearly posted in March (based on URL and comments) but they backdated it to February 1 to make it look like it was "theirs" first. I hope you can regain credit for your idea and images.

    The site I found it on is http://www.neatpins.com/2012/03/mason-jar-salads.html

    I tried to find a way to e-mail you but couldn't figure out how to contact you in private. I hope this reply finds you well.

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    1. I noticed the amazon affiliate link too. What a snotty thing to do! It appears now that there is a link back to here (though the plagiarizing blogger doesn't SAY "this is from karenknichols...")

      The plagiarizing blogger did take down the photo of the child.

      The plagiarizing blogger---really about the dates? I hadn't known that. What a sneaky butt.

      Oh and the one plagiarizing...didn't post ANY of the comments where people called her out.

      I sure hope she isn't making money off her blog, stealing everyone else's stuff.

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  69. I have lids and seals but no way to seal these up or is it ok to just put the seal on then the band and call it good? THanks,

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    Replies
    1. Yes she said you do not need to seal these, just keep them in the fridge.

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  70. Thank you for sharing! I just bought my jars today at Big Lots. I am also thinking about adding mini pepperoni, hard boiled eggs and black beans. I would also like to add some cheese. It looks like there is some in the picture, but I'm not sure where to put it so it doesn't get mushy. Any ideas? Thanks! :)

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    Replies
    1. I was wondering the same thing, have you tried it yet?

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  71. Yep, I pretty much just decided that I'm in love with you, your blog, your art... etc. SO glad that Pinterest brought us together! Can't wait to make these salads.

    BLESSSSSSS YOU! ;o)

    Sarah

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  72. A friend sent me the link for this page, just in time as I am packing my cooler for a week at a music festival. GREAT STUFF! THANKS!

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  73. Hi, just like @Beth, I found your same post (minus the picture of your daughter) up at http://www.neatpins.com/2012/03/mason-jar-salads.html

    I would certainly pursue having her remove the post.

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  74. Hey what are the points on these salads?

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  75. I think I need to run out and get some mason jars!

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  76. I live in Lansing too! I go to MSU and I get most of my organic food from the MSU organic farm. They sell their goods every week. You should check it out.

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  77. Are these air tight like the lettuce in a jar? Or just in the mason jar for convenience?

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  78. This looks just awesome! I love great salads, I just to make to make them everyday. I'm seriously going to pack up some salads for the week. lol Personal Chef

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  79. I think I want to try this. Hum...

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  80. These are such a great idea that i have just made some! I think il be making them for many years to come!
    http://aqeelas-house.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/good-natured-salads.html
    Aqeela xx

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  81. What a great idea . . . I love taking salads to work but it just seems like so much work in the morning . . . this is great!!!

    Also thinking a TACO salad, CHEF salad, STEAK salad . . . look what you've started!

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  82. You could layer the stuff in there so that there is different parts of each in like to spots so that you don't just have all the lettuce on top if you are worried about not getting all the stuff wet with the dressing and not having it all mixed up. I can't wait to try this idea. Doing it tonight for my four day busy work week!!!

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  83. Such an awesome idea! I can't wait to try it out! P.S. Like so many other commenters above, I found you from Pinterest!

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  84. A brilliant idea!!! I will share on FB and also have to try! Congratulations on the weight loss.

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  85. great ideas for healthier eating looks yummy .

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  86. How exactly do you mix the dressing with the salad in such a small jar?

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  87. Great idea! I just started WW and am looking for quick and easy lunches. What are the point values for each salad?

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  88. Hope you don't mind, I've linked this great idea to my running group on FB.

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  89. I am curious, we only eat salads with fat free raspberry dressings and lots of fruit and chicken. Do you think this idea would work with our ingredients or would it ruin the flavor of the individual fruits?
    Thanks!

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  90. How long do they last in the fridge? If you put the salad dressing on the bottom, doesn't that make it hard to get to it before finishing the whole jar? :-) I thought about doing this but would hate for it to go bad quickly.

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  91. Salad in a jar...what an awesome idea. Tried it and loved it! This works great with the protein shakes I am doing. Have lost 37 lbs in less than 3 months doing 2 shakes a day and having a great salad to top things off with a sensible meal at lunch time. Follow me on facebook. http://facebook.com/joycejacobsen

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  92. This is a great idea, especially for when I am stuck working the late shift. How do you make the jars with Quinoa?

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  93. Love this idea. People, people, people. Read everything before you ask questions. You do NOT have to seal them. WW points depend on your dressing, cheese etc. Everyone will have different points. You don't eat out of the jar. So don't worry about not having dressing on top lettuce.

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    1. Actually you do eat out of the jar. She said she takes the lettuce out and recovers then shakes and readds the lettuce. Its fabulous!

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  94. hey! I stumbled on this through Pinterest. Funny to me that your from lansing, we've probably brushed shoulders at the farmers market : ) Thanks for the post - I'm definitely doing this!

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  95. I chop a week's worth of lettuce at a time and keep it rather hard-packed in a pint jar, and I do vacuum seal it. No brown edges on the lettuce using a metal knife, either. I keep the other chopped veggies separately, but when it is warm again, I will pack some mixed for a lunch to go to the beach with, and for Hubs to take on the road with him. I love salads and have one for lunch every day. I will try your Caesar - it sounds yummy! I am just using quinoa for the first time; no particular opinion as yet, and I will try, try again! I rinsed it very thoroughly after cooking and found it very bland, so am looking for ways to spice it up.



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  96. I love this! Such a great way to get ahead in my menu planning. I would even take these jars on a picnic!

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  97. Does it have to be a glass jar or can you use Tupperware?

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  98. Found you on Pinterest. Made 8 jars tonight. My 5 & 2 yr old daughters even loved helping. I'll be traveling this weekend and this will be great to not have to stop and buy fast food. I also passed onto a family member that needs to eat gluten free and brings a lot of her food with her.

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  99. Super and creative idea - posted on our farmers market site. Thank you.

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  100. Instead of writing on the lids with a sharpie, use a dry erase marker. I do this ALL the time on my jars/lids. I just wipe it off, voila! No scrubbing required. You have to be careful not to accidentally wipe it off though. Oh! I also write the date on mine :)

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    Replies
    1. we tried that first, but found that a Sharpie works better, and the writing can be removed easily w/ a magic eraser.

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  101. What a wonderful idea! I absolutely love this because the thought of prepping a salad when I am hungry is usually out of the question. This will keep me on track!

    Thanks so much!

    Lisa

    Found you on Pinterest. Do you mind if I follow?
    BLOG: http://wholesouljewelry.blogspot.com/
    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/WholeSoulJewelry
    WEBSITE: http://www.wholesouljewelry.com/

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  102. Can you put this in plastic containers as well?

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    1. I would not try plastic, the acidity in the dressing will break down the plastic and your salads won't last. :) Hope that helps!

      :)

      Karen

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  103. Hey! We are in Lansing too! My husband and I heard of these a few weeks ago and we are going to start doing it- do you get your produce at Horrocks or do you just do meijer?

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  104. I'm from the UK - Just ordered some mason jars to do this after finding your blog on pinterest! Can't wait to try it out and eat healthy all week with no excuses!!!

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  105. Broke Ass Home,

    We moved to Grand Haven last spring! :)

    Come visit! haha!

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  106. Cassi:

    I wouldn't do plastic....the acidity from the dressing will break down the plastic and give off a funky flavor.

    I think the glass helps to preserve these.

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  107. I am seeing TONS of questions about vacuum sealing these jar salads.,..and the answer is NO....you don't have to do anything but just use the top and the ring that comes with the jars, these will seal on their own as they cool in your fridge.

    When you open your salad to eat it, you will notice right away that it has self-sealed. :)

    Hope that helps,

    Karen

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  108. Hi, I love your salads and recalled reading about them on your site a while ago... which is why a post on facebook caught my attention. Someone is trying to pass it off as their photo and idea. I've reported it to her and to facebook, but I thought you should also be aware of it. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=295640387234496&set=a.207781229353746.52940.100003656107350&type=1&theater

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  109. Awesome idea! I should eat salad way more, but I'm way too lazy to cut everything up everyday and If I put them in a plastic container, they get bad very fast. Very useful article!

    Personal Chef Miami

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  110. I have to ask does the fruit salad one last 6-7 days as well?

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  111. Um....I had to laugh a little at the whole, 'because it's in MICHIGAN, and we have no fresh fruit....' or whatever. Michigan is one of the top fruit producing states in the country. Michigan blueberries? Michigan Peaches? Cherries? You can't throw a stone two feet without either- a) hitting a roadside stand of people selling local goods, either from their backyard or just plain local. or b-) a legit fruit market.

    Please, if you're in MICHIGAN, buy the GOODS. SUPPORT THEM. :)

    Sincerely,
    Someone else from Michigan who knows good local produce is NOT scarce.

    http://www.bigpictureagriculture.com/2011/05/map-of-largest-fruit-producing-states.html

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  112. Someone asked me this question over the weekend and I must have really raised an eyebrow or something, because the person went on to

    Buy Pure 100% Yacon Syrup UK say she really just wanted to have the BEST wedding possible and how do you go about getting it?Someone asked me this question over the weekend and I must have really raised an eyebrow or something,because the person went on to say she really just wanted to have the BEST wedding possible and how do you go about getting it?

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  113. Sounds great! The possibilities are endless.

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  114. How long does the fruit mason jar Salad last?

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  115. thanks.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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  116. I am a very plain Eater. I was think of doing this with dressing tomatoes, cucumbers grilled chicken and red leaf lettuce. If I grill the chicken on Sunday will the chicken be okay in the jar if I do t open it until Friday??

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  117. This is awesome! I am sooo going to have to try it! Thanks for sharing it here!

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  118. Wow! I love salad and I will prepare it for my family as soon as possible!

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  119. Those mason jar salads look so yummy! I'm excited to try them! (And thanks for the tips--I'm sure those will come in handy too!) I use my vacuum sealer to seal jars, it works great. You can click here to read more information about vacuum sealer incase you want to buy one.

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