Meal Prep Salad Mix & Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing (Whole30 Keto)
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Meal Prep Salad Mix & Homemade Vinaigrette (Whole30 Keto) – get your greens in and make your own “bagged” salad mix for lunches and adding to meals all week. It’s a money saver and lasts longer than any store-bought salad mix!
Too often I have bought bagged salad mixes from the grocery store because they are a fast and easy alternative, only to be disappointed when they go bad within a day or two. Unless it’s being used asap, those convenient bags of lettuce rarely last long and offer very little for your money. I’ve found it’s more economical and takes only a few minutes each week to prepare my own!
Having this Meal Prep Salad Mix on hand means I have a quick base for a lunch salad and a simple side to add to any meal. When I struggle to get more veggies and fiber in my diet, this is the perfect solution.
Salad Meal Prep
Whether you’re just starting to embrace a clean eating lifestyle or simply want to integrate some healthy habits into your routine, this meal prep salad mix is a great place to start. I love this salad mix because it is so versatile. Make it a meal by adding some protein and additional veggies or add-ins with your favorite clean dressing. Or serve it as an easy side dish with dinner. There are SO many options to use this meal prep salad! See below for some ideas of what to add to your salad mix.
Ingredients
Green lettuce – green leaf, romaine, iceberg, spinach, etc. are all great options.
Radicchio – adds color (rich in anti-oxidants), flavor, and is very high in Vitamin K.
Shredded Carrots – keep it simple and buy the pre-shredded carrots from the store or shred your own.
How to Make Your Own Bagged Salad Mix
- Choose your base ingredient lettuce – I use green leaf lettuce, but romaine, iceberg, or a mix is great too.
- Chop and wash lettuce and radicchio. Use a salad spinner to ensure lettuce is completely dry.
- Combine lettuce, radicchio, and shredded carrots. Toss.
- Store in a large plastic bag with paper towels (sealed without air) or in a large glass container lined with paper towels.
Types of Lettuce for Making Salad Mix
To build your own mixed greens salad mix, feel free to use your favorite, in season lettuce greens. My personal favorites are romaine and green leaf lettuce, but other varieties work well also. Try iceberg lettuce, red leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, mesclun, etc. Follow the method for preparing, washing, and storing your greens for the best results.
How to Keep Salad Mix Fresh
Key to making your greens stay fresh is in the washing, drying, and storing. Begin by using a salad spinner to wash and dry your greens.
Be sure to wash and spin excess water out thoroughly. Once the greens are dry, toss with the shredded carrots and radishes.
Add the mix to a glass container or large plastic bag. Include folded paper towels in your container to absorb any excess moisture. If using a plastic bag, remove ALL excess air by squeezing the bag, then seal.
The plastic bag method is my preferred method because you are able to remove excess air, but a glass container is a great alternative. This salad mix will keep for at least 1 week if these steps are followed!
What to Add to Meal Prep Salad Mix
Build your salads with this “bagged” salad mix as the base, then add all your favorite salad toppings. Here are some of my favorite suggestions for building a tasty and nutritious salad:
- Protein – grilled chicken, hard boiled eggs, blackened shrimp, tuna, crumbled bacon, etc.
- Veggies – bell peppers, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, chopped broccoli or cauliflower, red cabbage, shaved brussels, etc.
- Crunchy toppings – slivered almonds or cashews, sunflower seeds, homemade croutons, sesame seeds, etc.
- Cheese – feta, shredded raw cheddar, fresh parmesan
- Other add-ins: dried cranberries, chives, fresh fruit (strawberries, mandarin oranges, etc.)
Meal Prep Salad Ideas
Detox Chopped Salad with Garlic Lemon Vinaigrette
More Homemade Dressing Recipes
Meal Prep Salad Mix & Homemade Vinaigrette (Whole30 Paleo Keto)
Ingredients
- 2 heads green leaf lettuce, chopped, or romaine
- 1 small head radicchio, sliced thin
- 1 cup shredded carrots, optional
- 1 cup matchstick radishes, optional
Homemade Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chop lettuce and radicchio. Using a salad spinner, rinse and dry completely.
- Add carrots and radishes to the lettuce and radicchio. Toss well.
- Place salad mix in large Ziploc bags or glass container. Add a paper towel to each bag or container for absorbing excess moisture. If using bags, be sure to seal, removing all air.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
Homemade Vinaigrette
- Add all ingredients to a small mason jar. Seal and shake vigorously until combined (or add to a small bowl and whisk until combined.)
- Store in the refrigerator and shake or whisk prior to using.
Nutrition
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Read my full disclosure here
One Comment on “Meal Prep Salad Mix & Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing (Whole30 Keto)”
Yummy! I need to start meal-prepping salads like this! Loving this blog! I’ve saved it in my Recipe Doc!
thank you 🙂