Tips For The Best Summertime Salad

Summer is in full swing, and that means spending more time outside and less time in the kitchen! Whether you're on-the-go with your family, bringing lunch to work or looking for a quick bite, salads are always a quick, easy and refreshing option.

Summertime salads are the perfect way to inject some creativity in the kitchen and serve up a healthy, balanced, and most importantly, tasty meal. With a quick trip to the grocery store and a few minutes in the kitchen, you can prepare multiple meals for the week – leaving more time for you to enjoy your summer. FoodSaver can help take the hassle out of preparation and rid you of worrying if your produce will remain fresh.

First, snag a few mason jars! With the FoodSaver® Regular Jar Sealer, you can create delicious salads for the entire week. Now, here's how to perfect your next salad.

First Layer: Salad Dressing
Add a few teaspoons of salad dressing into the bottom of the jar first. The exact amount depends on the size of the salad.

Second Layer: Hard Veggies
Next, toss in vegetables that won't absorb much liquid such as celery, carrots, red onion, beets, peppers, etc.

Third Layer: Pasta, Grains, Beans or Rice
If you're adding any beans, corkscrew pasta, chickpeas, cooked rice or the like, put it in the third layer.

Fourth Layer: Soft veggies and Fruits
Add tomatoes, avocado, chopped strawberries or other soft and absorbent ingredients now that the dressing is separated.

Fifth Layer: Protein
What's a salad without a little chicken, eggs, cheese or nuts? Add those in next.

Try this tomato watermelon feta salad! It's the perfect mixture of bright summer colors and refreshing flavors that will put your layering skills to the test.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of cubed seedless watermelon
  • 4 heirloom tomatoes cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup sliced red onions
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced mint
  • 1 tablespoon minced basil
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced

Preparation

Remember, this recipe is all about the layers! Add olive oil to the bottom of the jars. Next, add in the cucumbers followed by the watermelon. Top with a little mint, basil and feta cheese.

For a little more variety, add the tomato watermelon and feta salad to a plate of arugula tossed with extra oil! Now seal the jar with the FoodSaver® Regular Jar Sealer, store in the fridge and enjoy your delicious salad whenever you're ready.