Add the salad dressing to bottom of the mason jar.
Drop in the croutons, then the tomatoes.
Add the rest of the vegetables in no specific order.
Toss in the almonds and cranberries.
Top with the mixed greens.
Shake the jar well before serving so the dressing mixes with all of the other mix-ins.
Empty the contents out onto a plate and enjoy!
Notes
Layer Ingredients Strategically: When assembling a salad in a jar, layer the ingredients strategically to ensure that they stay fresh and crisp until serving. Start by adding the salad dressing to the bottom of the jar to prevent the other ingredients from becoming soggy. Follow with denser and sturdier ingredients like croutons and tomatoes, which can withstand contact with the dressing without becoming too soggy. Then layer the more delicate ingredients, like cucumber, red onion, slivered almonds, cranberries, and boiled peas. Finish with the mixed greens on top to prevent them from wilting prematurely.
Keep Ingredients Dry: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, it's important to keep the ingredients dry when layering them in the jar. Pat dry ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, and boiled peas with a paper towel before adding them to the jar. This helps remove excess moisture and prolongs the freshness of the salad. Additionally, ensure that the jar is completely dry before adding the dressing to prevent any moisture buildup.
Shake Well Before Serving: Before enjoying your loaded salad, give the jar a good shake to distribute the dressing evenly throughout the ingredients. This ensures that every bite is coated with the delicious dressing and enhances the overall flavor of the salad. Once shaken, empty the contents onto a plate or bowl and toss lightly to combine before serving.