Meal prep salads are a fantastic way to stay on track with healthy eating while saving time throughout the week. By prepping your salad ingredients in advance and storing them in separate containers, you can have a fresh, nutritious meal ready to go anytime you need it. The key to a great meal prep salad is keeping the ingredients fresh, especially the greens. By layering the salad ingredients properly, you can prevent wilting and sogginess, ensuring a fresh and crisp salad every time. Lina Vexley, a meal prep enthusiast, says, “Meal prep salads are a lifesaver for busy weeks. They keep me on track with my health goals and are super easy to make. Plus, they taste amazing after sitting in the fridge for a while!” Here’s an easy and customizable meal prep salad recipe that you can prepare for the week ahead.
Recipe: Meal Prep Salad
Meal Prep Salad
Equipment
- Mason Jars
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed Greens
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 medium Cucumber sliced
- 1/4 small Red Onion sliced thinly
- 1 cup Chickpeas cooked or canned
- 1 medium Avocado sliced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Honey
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chickpeas.
- Divide the salad into 4 portions and store in separate containers or mason jars.
- Top each portion with sliced avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- When ready to eat, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Meal Prep Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. This will create a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that complements the salad ingredients.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chickpeas. These vegetables and beans provide a good balance of texture, flavor, and protein.
- Portion the Salad: Divide the salad evenly into four containers or mason jars. This ensures you have individual servings ready to grab and go throughout the week.
- Add Fresh Avocado: When you’re ready to eat, slice the avocado and add it on top of each salad portion. This prevents the avocado from browning and ensures it stays fresh.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and enjoy a delicious, nutrient-packed meal!
Conclusion
Meal prep salads are the ultimate solution for a healthy and convenient week of eating. This customizable salad allows you to choose your favorite veggies and protein, while the simple dressing adds the perfect touch of flavor. By prepping these salads ahead of time, you can ensure that you always have a fresh, delicious, and nutritious meal ready to go. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, these salads are the perfect way to keep your meals both healthy and satisfying!