Spice up your regular lunch routine with a fancy salad

Bringing your own lunch to work is not the newest idea in the world, but the way you do it can be.

Research suggests taking your lunch own to work can help you make healthy choices, as well as saving time and money.

In theory you could prepare lunch for the whole working week in about 45 minutes on a Sunday.

All you need are five mason jars (or lunchboxes) and enough space in your refrigerator.

Start today

The idea is pretty simple. Start by picking the ingredients you like.

When layering stick to the below:

1. Begin with a dressing, so it sits at the bottom and doesn't mix too early.
2. Leafy greens that won't soak up the dressing.
3. Harder vegetables like chick peas or sweet potato/pumpkin chunks.
4. Softer vegetables that won't weigh everything down.
5. Grated veggies to add some texture.
6. Finish with greens to pack in from the top.

Keep your packed jars in the fridge until you need them.

Once you're at work, grab a bowl and empty the jar so the dressing will then cover the whole salad.

Job done!

Not just for savoury

The great thing about storing, transporting or displaying food in jars is that it works with almost anything.

Try breakfast or dessert in a jar if you are entertaining. Guaranteed your guests will be impressed.

Think chopped fruit, granola, and even fresh yoghurt if you want to push the boat out.