Some of the best salads don’t include any firm vegetables, and this can be problematic when it comes to layering your salad dressing at the bottom of the jar. Fruits, for example, will soak up the vinegar in dressing. At least one company sells reusable cups that fit into the tops of mason jars, providing one solution. But for a quick and inexpensive fix, all you need is parchment paper, or even plastic wrap.
- To use the parchment paper fix, layer your salad in the jar as usual but leave out the dressing. Instead of filling the jar all the way up, leave some space for dressing at the top.
- Cut out a square of parchment paper that’s about a couple of inches wider than the jar top on all sides (an 8 x 8-inch square is more than enough). Place it over the jar and push down to form a little cup. The edges of the parchment paper should extend beyond the edge of the jar; bend them down toward the outside of the jar.
- Pour your salad dressing into the parchment paper cup and twist on the lid. The jar will stay sealed, even over the parchment paper. Just make sure the lid is on tight, and nothing should leak. (However, I don’t recommend leaving the salad upside down.)
- When it’s time to eat, just dump the dressing into your bowl, empty the contents of the jar into the bowl, and toss your salad.
Source: Julia Mirabella
