Too Tired To Cook?
Day 2: Mason Jar Rainbow Salad 🌈🥗
Day 2: Mason Jar Rainbow Salad 🌈🥗
A vibrant, prepped-ahead salad packed with colors & nutrients!
Salad Ingredients (per jar):
✅ 1/4 cup chickpeas or black beans
✅ 1/2 cup shredded carrots
✅ 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, orange)
✅ 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
✅ 1/2 cup cauliflower, diced
✅ 1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded (could use a coleslaw/broccoli slaw mix)
✅ 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
✅ 1-2 cups leafy greens (spring mix, spinach, kale, arugula)
Dressing Options
Option #1: Basic Vinaigrette
✅ 3 tbsp flax or extra virgin olive oil
✅ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
✅ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
✅ 1 clove garlic (minced)
✅ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
✅ 1 tsp maple syrup
✅ Salt & pepper to taste
🌀 Shake well before drizzling over salad!
Option #2: Orange-Ginger Dressing (Bright & Refreshing)
✅ 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
✅ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar for a milder taste)
✅ 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
✅ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
✅ 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
✅ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or flaxseed oil
✅ Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
🌀 Shake or whisk until fully combined before using.
Option #3: Grapefruit-Ginger Dressing (Zesty & Immune-Boosting)
✅ 3 tbsp fresh grapefruit juice
✅ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
✅ 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
✅ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
✅ 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, to balance tartness)
✅ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or flaxseed oil
✅ Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
🌀 Shake or whisk until fully combined before using.
Nutrition Commentary for Mason Jar Rainbow Salad 🌈🥗
This colorful, nutrient-dense salad is a powerhouse of energy, fiber, and essential vitamins & minerals, making it perfect for boosting vitality and supporting overall health.
🔋 ENERGY & SATIETY
✅ Balanced Plant-Based Protein
- Chickpeas or black beans provide plant-based protein & fiber, keeping you full longer and preventing energy crashes.
- Sunflower & pumpkin seeds add healthy fats and protein, supporting muscle recovery and sustained energy.
✅ Smart Carbs for Sustained Fuel
- Carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes contain natural sugars and fiber, offering slow-digesting energy without blood sugar spikes.
🛡️ IMMUNE BOOST & DETOX SUPPORT
✅ Rich in Antioxidants
- Bell peppers & red cabbage are loaded with vitamin C, which enhances immunity and promotes collagen production for healthy skin.
- Leafy greens & cauliflower are detoxifying powerhouses, supporting liver function and cellular health.
✅ Gut-Friendly & Anti-Inflammatory
- Raw veggies & fiber-rich ingredients feed good gut bacteria, promoting better digestion and a strong immune system.
- Apple cider vinegar & garlic in the dressings reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and support gut health.
🧠 BRAIN & MOOD SUPPORT
✅ Brain-Boosting Healthy Fats
- Flax or olive oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function, improve mood, and reduce inflammation.
- Seeds & nuts offer magnesium & zinc, essential for stress reduction & mental clarity.
✅ Fights Fatigue & Supports Focus
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula) are rich in iron & folate, which boost oxygen flow to the brain and fight fatigue.
💦 HYDRATION & DIGESTION
✅ High-Water Content Veggies = Hydration Boost
- Cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and leafy greens hydrate the body, keeping cells energized & digestion smooth.
✅ Regulates Digestion & Blood Sugar
- Fiber from veggies & beans helps stabilize blood sugar, prevent cravings, and promote steady energy.
🌟 The Bottom Line
✅ Hydrating, nourishing, and energizing – perfect for an all-day vitality boost!
✅ Loaded with antioxidants & detoxifying nutrients – supports gut health & immune resilience.
✅ Balances blood sugar & keeps cravings in check – ideal for preventing energy dips & fatigue.
✅ Quick, easy, & customizable – Meal prep once & enjoy stress-free meals all week!
