My simple system for turning Salad of the Week bowls into portable lunches for workdays, appointments, and busy afternoons.
Each week I prep ingredients for my Salad of the Week bowls and store them separately in the refrigerator. That means putting together a portable lunch takes just a few minutes.
If you're new to Salad of the Week, you can start here to learn how it works and how the bowls come together each week.
Here's a quick look at the system I use to turn those prep-ahead ingredients into an easy work lunch or take-along meal.
What I Use
Salad container
Pint-sized jar for toppings
Small dressing container
Insulated lunch bag
Ice pack (if needed)
Pack the Toppings
I typically use a pint-sized jar for the toppings and a separate container for the lettuce.
Layering the toppings helps keep everything organized and makes it easy to dump the jar into the salad container when it's time to eat.
Bottom Layer
Start with ingredients that hold up well:
Beans
Bell peppers
Cucumbers
Cabbage
Other sturdy vegetables
Middle Layer
Add ingredients that are a little softer:
Tomatoes
Cooked grains
Roasted vegetables
Top Layer
Finish with delicate toppings:
Fresh herbs
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Other crunchy toppings
Pack the Lettuce
Store the lettuce in a separate container rather than packing it into the topping jar.
Chopping the lettuce ahead of time helps it fit more easily into the container and makes the finished salad easier to eat.
Keep the Dressing Separate
Pack the dressing in a small container and add it just before eating.
I like to tuck the dressing container on top of the lettuce inside the salad container so everything stays together in the lunch bag.
When It's Time to Eat
When you're ready for lunch:
Add the toppings from the jar to the lettuce container.
Pour on the dressing.
Stir everything together with a spoon or fork.
Enjoy.
Optional Add-Ons
To make the meal more substantial, consider adding:
Fresh fruit
Tortilla chips
Bean dip
Whole grain crackers
A small soup thermos
These simple additions can help turn a salad into a more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this system is that the ingredients are already prepped and ready to go. Packing lunch takes just a few minutes.
Whether you're headed to work, running errands, or simply want lunch ready to go, this portable salad system makes it easy to bring your Salad of the Week with you.
Looking for bowl ideas? Browse the latest Salad of the Week posts and choose one to prep this week. 💚