Mason Jar Salad with Runner Beans, Fennel, Tomato and Scallion

The other day, I ran across the hashtag #SadDeskLunch while on Twitter. Although, I don't usually eat lunch at a desk anymore, I could totally relate. I say this, because when I first got out of college... my very first job I was considered nothing more than a paper pusher sitting behind a desk.

I can remember eating one of three things for lunch everyday (seemed like eternity). Day after day after day the same ole things. I know... depressing. It didn't matter what I was having for lunch... I would always eat it at my desk. Depressing, Depressing, Depressing! Which is why today I'm going to share a great lunch idea.

Not only is it one you can make ahead of time. It's so simple you only have to just grab it and go vs. leaving work to drive to a fast food restaurant with its drive thru backed up all the way to the entrance. Since it's as simple as grabbing and going... you can easily pick it up and go outside under a shade tree and read a book while you enjoy lunch.

I am sure you're thinking that eating frozen meals or heading to the nearest fast food joint is probably easier and way more exciting than bringing your boring lunch from home. However, the Mason Jar Salad with Runner Beans, Fennel, Tomato and Scallion is economical, fresh, fun, and totally nutritious.

Not only is it all of the above, minus the beans, it takes under 10 minutes to throw together four of these awesome to goodness babies. Which allows you to split it up with others in your family. However, you can always keep it all for yourself.

These salads stay crisp and fresh for days in the fridge to... no matter what dressings and/or toppings you choose to use. If you don't go with my chewy, crunchy, sweet, and savoury combination of Runner Beans, Fennel, Tomato and Scallion... I'll still tell you that my secret to success is in the layer order:

First Dressing;

Add the crunchy vegetables next;

Then the berries and fruits;

Next add protein;

Then the toppings;

Last, but not least... add the greens;

When you're ready to eat... all you have to do is grab the mason jar from your refrigerator, shake it up to mix and voila! You now have yourself a fresh nutritious, mouth watering lunch. Word of advice... Enjoy it and whatever you do – Eat it anywhere but not at your desk!