A refreshing and satisfying salad, this Greek Salad in Jars recipe is perfect for those on the go. The combination of fresh veggies, tangy feta, and flavorful dressing makes it a perfect lunch option that's also incredibly easy to prep and store.
Most of the ingredients for the Greek Salad in Jars are commonly found in your home kitchen. However, if you don't usually cook Mediterranean food, you might not have feta cheese or kalamata olives on hand. When heading to the supermarket, make sure to look for these in the cheese and pickled goods sections, respectively.
Ingredients for Greek Salad in Jars
Red wine vinegar: This is used in the salad dressing and gives it a tangy flavor.
Salt: Used to enhance the flavors of the salad.
Black pepper: Adds a little spice to the dressing.
Oregano: A common Greek spice, used in the dressing.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar in the dressing.
Olive oil: The base of the salad dressing.
Red onion: Gives the salad a bite and a lot of flavors.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness and color to the salad.
English cucumber: Provides a fresh, crisp texture.
Bell pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness to the salad.
Black ripe olives: Brings in a classic Mediterranean flavor.
Feta: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor.
Baby spinach: The base of the salad, full of nutrients.
Pita bread: Serve the salad with pita bread for a complete meal.
One reader, Ellery Hargrave says:
This Greek salad in jars recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant, and the convenience of having it ready to go in a jar is a total game-changer. It's a perfect grab-and-go lunch option and the dressing is absolutely delicious. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Greek Salad in Jars
Prepare the salad dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, honey, and olive oil in a small bowl until well combined.
Marinate the onions: Divide the sliced red onions between the jars, allowing them to marinate in the dressing to mellow their flavor.
Layer the salad ingredients: Divide the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, feta, and baby spinach between the jars, layering them on top of the dressing and onions.
Pack the jars: Compress the spinach slightly to pack the remaining space in the jars.
Refrigerate the salads: Secure the lids and refrigerate the jars for up to 2 days, ensuring they are stored upright to keep the dressing at the bottom.
Serve the salads: Empty the salads into bowls, toss with the dressing, and serve with pita bread.
How To Make Greek Salad in Jars
Lunch on the go has never looked this colorful and healthy! This Greek salad with tomato, cucumber, feta, olives, and spinach packs easily in a jar.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Salad Dressing:
- 3tbspred wine vinegar
- ¼tspsalt
- pinchblack pepper
- ¼tsporegano,dried
- 1tsphoney
- 5tbspolive oil
For Salads:
- ¼mediumred onion,thinly sliced
- 1cupcherry tomatoes,halved
- ½largeEnglish cucumber,sliced
- 1bell pepper,(yellow or orange) cut into ½ inch pieces
- ¾cupblack ripe olives
- ½cupfeta,(4 oz), crumbled
- 4smallhandfuls fresh baby spinach,or other dark leafy greens of choice
- 4pita bread rounds,halved, to serve, optional
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano and honey. Gradually whisk in the oil. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if desired.
-
Divide the dressing between 4 pint jars.
-
Divide the onion between the four jars. (The onions will marinate in the dressing as the salads sit, which will keep them from overpowering the salad.)
-
Divide the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives and feta between the jars. Pack the remaining space with spinach, compressing the leaves slightly.
-
Secure the lids and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store and transport the salads upright so the dressing stays on the bottom.
-
Empty the salads into bowls and toss with the dressing. Serve with pita bread.
Nutrition
- Calories: 433.19kcal
- Fat: 25.48g
- Saturated Fat: 5.80g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.41g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.87g
- Carbohydrates: 45.10g
- Fiber: 7.24g
- Sugar: 6.07g
- Protein: 10.27g
- Cholesterol: 16.69mg
- Sodium: 647.94mg
- Calcium: 144.56mg
- Potassium: 375.96mg
- Iron: 3.55mg
- Vitamin A: 100.10µg
- Vitamin C: 46.10mg
Expert Advice for Mastering Greek Salad in Jars
When packing your Greek salad in jars, it's important to layer the ingredients in a specific order to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables. Always start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by hardier vegetables like onions, cucumbers, and bell peppers. These can withstand sitting in the dressing for a longer period without getting soggy. Next, add softer ingredients like tomatoes and olives, and finally, top with feta cheese and spinach. This way, when you're ready to eat, just shake the jar to distribute the dressing, and your salad will be fresh and crisp.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Greek Salad in Jars
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the salad ingredients in advance, so when it's time to assemble, everything is ready to go.
Use pre-crumbled feta: Save time by using pre-crumbled feta cheese instead of having to crumble it yourself.
Multi-task: While the salads are marinating in the jars, use that time to prepare other dishes or get other tasks done in the kitchen.
Invest in a good quality jar: Investing in high-quality, airtight jars will ensure your salads stay fresh longer, allowing you to prepare them in advance.
Organize your workspace: Before you start assembling the salads, make sure your workspace is organized and all ingredients and tools are easily accessible.
Substitute Ingredients For Greek Salad in Jars Recipe
red wine vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and tanginess to red wine vinegar, making it a suitable substitute.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and flavor to cherry tomatoes, making them a suitable substitute.
english cucumber - Substitute with regular cucumber: Regular cucumbers can be used as a substitute for English cucumbers, as they have a similar texture and flavor.
bell pepper - Substitute with roasted red pepper: Roasted red peppers can add a smoky and sweet flavor similar to bell peppers in the salad.
black ripe olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives have a similar briny and rich flavor, making them a suitable substitute for black ripe olives.
feta - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy flavor similar to feta, making it a good substitute in the salad.
baby spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery and slightly bitter flavor, which can add a different dimension to the salad.
pita bread rounds - Substitute with naan bread: Naan bread can be used as a substitute for pita bread, providing a similar texture and versatility for serving.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Greek Salad in Jars
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing dressings or marinades.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Jar: Used for assembling and storing the Greek salad.
Paring knife: Useful for precise cutting and trimming of fruits and vegetables.
Cutting knife: A serrated knife used for cutting through the tough skin of certain fruits and vegetables.
Small bowl: Used for preparing the salad dressing.
Spatula: Helpful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and transferring ingredients.
Pita bread: Used as a side to serve with the Greek salad.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Greek Salad in Jars
- These Greek salad jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making them perfect for meal prepping or grabbing a quick and healthy lunch on the go.
- To ensure the salads stay fresh and crisp, store them upright in the refrigerator so that the dressing remains at the bottom of the jar and doesn't come into contact with the vegetables until you're ready to eat.
- If you want to make the salads last even longer, you can omit the dressing and store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply add the dressing to the jar, shake well, and enjoy.
- Unfortunately, these Greek salad jars are not suitable for freezing due to the high water content of the vegetables and the delicate nature of the feta cheese. Freezing would cause the vegetables to become mushy and the cheese to lose its texture.
- If you have any leftover pita bread, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month. To reheat frozen pita bread, simply wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Interesting Trivia About Greek Salad in Jars
Greek salad is a traditional dish that originated in Greece and is known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients. It is a popular and healthy option that is often enjoyed as a light meal or side dish. The combination of crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and savory olives makes it a delicious and satisfying choice. The use of olive oil in the dressing not only adds a rich flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, such as being high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. This classic salad is a great way to incorporate a variety of nutritious ingredients into your diet while enjoying a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.
Budget-Friendly: Making Greek Salad in Jars at Home
The Greek salad in jars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of fresh and simple ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives keeps the cost low while providing a nutritious and flavorful meal. The versatility of the recipe also allows for easy customization based on seasonal produce or personal preferences. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and health benefits. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Is This Greek Salad Recipe Healthy?
This Greek salad in jars recipe is a healthy and convenient option for a quick lunch or snack. The salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and olives, and protein from feta cheese. The use of spinach instead of traditional lettuce adds an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. The dressing is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and is low in added sugars. Overall, this recipe is a well-balanced and nourishing choice.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the pita bread for whole grain pita or a gluten-free alternative to increase the fiber content
- Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding roasted beets, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor
- Experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano, to provide a range of healthy fats and antioxidants
- Use a light hand when adding the feta cheese to keep the saturated fat content in check, or opt for a reduced-fat variety
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Greek Salad Recipe
This Greek salad in jars recipe is a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Mediterranean dish on the go. The layers of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and savory olives, combined with the homemade dressing, create a delightful and satisfying meal. The use of pint jars allows for easy storage and transportation, making it perfect for picnics, work lunches, or quick and healthy meals at home. The addition of pita bread rounds adds a delightful crunch and completes the meal. Overall, this recipe is a great option for those looking for a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a Greek salad.
Enhance Your Greek Salad in Jars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Greek Salad in Jars
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Greek Salad in Jars
Why trust this Greek Salad in Jars Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a fresh and flavorful Greek salad on the go. The use of red wine vinegar and olive oil in the dressing ensures an authentic and tangy taste, while the combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers provides a colorful and nutritious mix. The inclusion of feta and black olives adds a rich and savory element, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
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