Apple Cranberry Almond Mason Jar Salads

 Apple Cranberry Almond Mason Jar Salads are a great make-ahead meal prep option. They combine crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds, with a sweet and tangy dressing. These salads are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and the mason jar format keeps everything fresh until you're ready to eat.

Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients (for 4 mason jar salads):

For the Salad:

2 medium apples, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra crunch)

4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or baby kale)

1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mason Jars:

Start by layering the ingredients in each mason jar. It's important to layer in this order to keep the ingredients fresh:

1. Dressing: Pour the dressing into the bottom of each jar (about 1-2 tbsp).

2. Hard ingredients: Add the sliced apples and cranberries next. These won’t absorb the dressing, so they’ll stay fresh.

3. Cheese and nuts: Add the sliced almonds and crumbled feta or goat cheese.

4. Greens: Finally, top with mixed greens or spinach. This keeps them away from the dressing, preventing wilting.

5. If desired, add thinly sliced red onion between the apples and greens.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Pour the dressing into the bottom of the mason jar (as noted earlier).

3. Assemble the Salad:

Repeat the process for each mason jar. Ensure the ingredients are packed tightly, but not squished.

4. Storage:

Seal each mason jar tightly with the lid and refrigerate. The salad can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

When you're ready to eat, just shake the jar to mix everything together or pour it into a bowl.

5. Serve:

If you want a little extra flavor, sprinkle the top with extra nuts or seeds before serving.

Tips:

Toast the almonds: Lightly toasting the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes will bring out their flavor and crunch.

Substitute the apples: You can swap the apples for pears or add both for variety.

Add protein: To make it a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas.

These Apple Cranberry Almond Mason Jar Salads are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a nutritious salad on the go, with a great balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors!