How To Make Salad Kits
First order of business this morning was to hit the treadmill before I talked myself out of it! I only had time for a 30 minute run, so I did a quick 2 miles using 2:1 intervals…
I felt a little stronger on this run. I’m surprised at how my endurance has weakened since my miles have diminished! I think I need to put a race on the calendar to get my groove back!
I had a doctor’s appointment this morning and skipped breakfast in anticipation of possible blood work. Glad I did since I ended up having to get it done! Once I leave the doctor’s office, it’s hard to get me back in there, so I made the right choice! I’m a big chicken when it comes to needles. Remember the flu shot? Yeah, imagine what blood work is like. 
When I finally made it home, it was lunch time and I was STARVING! Luckily, my salad kit was ready and waiting!
Yesterday, I made a few to take me through the week. The salad kit menu (all 8 PP) …
- Taco Salad- 4 oz. lean 96% ground beef (seasoned with cumin, garlic, onion, chili powder, s+p), cheddar cheese, 1/2 oz. crushed Baked Tostitos, lettuce, grape tomatoes, salsa and 1 tbsp. sour cream.
- Southwestern Chicken Salad – 4 oz. grilled Trader Joe’s Pollo Asado chicken, cheddar cheese, red peppers, red onion, toasted corn tortilla strips, lettuce, grape tomatoes, salsa and 1 tbsp. sour cream.
- Chicken BLT Salad – 4 oz. grilled TJ’s Pollo Asado chicken, 2 slices center cut bacon, red onion, lettuce, grape tomatoes, 2 tbsp. croutons and 2 tbsp. Hidden Valley Light Ranch
I chose romaine hearts for the lettuce since it will hold up the best. One package of 3 hearts was enough to make the 3 salads plus a little more. Chop, chop, chop …
Then, wash and take it for a spin…
I decided to use ziploc plastic freezer bags to hold the kits. I know it’s not the most environmentally friendly option, but for now, it’s the easiest way to keep the salad fresh. I’ll experiment with tupperware-type containers next time to see if they’ll work, too.
In goes the washed lettuce…
In smaller sandwich size bags go the fixin’s…
A mini plastic container holds the dressing…
The kits assembled…
And packed…
I was so thrilled to be able to grab a kit, dump in a bowl and chow!
Salsa and sour cream makes a fantastic dressing!
Having the kit already prepped and waiting in the fridge was so convenient! I can’t say that I would have taken the time to put together a salad when I was that hungry! It’s a great way to always have a healthy choice ready for lunch or dinner.
I missed my press in the morning, too. A trip to ‘bucks was a necessity this afternoon – Grande Nonfat Cappuccino for 2 PP…
Afternoon snack was cuties and a baby for 1 PP…
Aaaaw. 
I got more veggies in with dinner. A ham, cheese and veggie quiche with cucumber and tomato salad plus pumpernickel toast with buttah (10 PP)…
The quiche was a mix of veggies from the fridge. I’ll share the recipe tomorrow! …
I still had quite a few POINTsPlus leftover due to missing breakfast. Perfect opportunity for a little treat…
These are only 1 PP per piece…
A yummy end to the night…
My first weigh-in is tomorrow, hopefully! We have another snow storm on the way; not sure if I’ll be able to get there! 
Have a great day, everyone!
What is your favorite salad? Mine is Chicken BLT!
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
45 comments
YEAY! for premade salads! Marisa, i’m a long time reader but i’m just starting to get into the posting. i live in philly too and am also a running…well was, i havn’t exercised in quite a while! you’ve definately inspired me to join weight watchers and actually go to a meeting. the soonest/most convienent one is tomorrow at noon! i’m excited! btw, how much do all the initial materials for the new points system cost? i can’t find that info on the ww web site.
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Hi Heather! Thanks so much for your kind words and for reading my babble for so long! LOL!
Excited for you to join tomorrow! I didn’t buy the Deluxe member kit at the meeting, but I believe it’s around $40. They give you a Getting Started Guide, a pocket guide and some weekly material at your first meeting at no additional charge. You will need to buy a Points Calculator (it was $5.95) separately. I believe it is included in the Deluxe kit though. There are also free Smartphones apps for the calculator if you have one of those. I’m not that technologically advanced! Ha! Please let me know how you like your meeting and how you make out on the program along the way!
OHH! Dark Carmel Wedges, I am mesmerized……YUM! Love the salad kits! Good luck on the weigh in!
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Thanks, Kathleen!
OH! I love this post! What a great idea!
I am doing a post soon about make ahead meals, I will be linking this! 
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Thanks so much, Tonyne! Can’t wait to see your make-ahead meals!
Marisa, I love the salad kit idea!! I am definitely going to have a salad-makin’ session this weekend. Lunches have always been a problem for me, and I can’t wait to try your salad ideas! Thank you! I see a trip to Trader Joe’s in my future for those chocolate caramel wedges. Yum!
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
They are worth the trip, Joanie!
Great ideas, as usual, Marisa. I make a big salad almost every night for dinner. So most times, I save the leftover salad for the next day and then add whatever I’ve got handy. Lately, I’ve been into zucchini sticks, sliced beets, salsa and fat-free sour cream, and thanks to you, I made tortilla strips in the oven and they were a great hit! Thanks for the idea!
Good luck tomorrow. Can’t wait to hear how you did!
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Thanks, Reen! I’ll let you know tomorrow!
Looks so yummy!!!! Guess what im making for lunch!!!!
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Yay!
Salad kits sound like a great idea. There are so many times I want to have a salad only to choose a Lean Cuisine instead because making a whole salad is too much work. I’m so lazy.
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
I feel the same – salad making is a lot of work! It’s easier to do it all at once, then grab and go!
Great idea to make salad kits for a quick lunch cause I too would not make a salad if I was hungry but grab something quick.
I use leftovers and pack for a quick lunch for work, all I do is grab it as it has the meal put together and I know the PP value. Beats eating lean cuisine
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Leftovers are awesome!
Thank you for showing these salad bags!!! I need to get more greens in my food for lunch and this is perfect since I can do this the night before and enjoy a nice lunch @ work!
And those wedges….I MUST try them
I hope WW is working out for you. I am little nervous of doing it (again) with the PP but I hope to re-start again.
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Amy, I am LOVING the PP so far! It’s really easy, especially if you’re choosing whole foods!
I love your salad kits! It is always so much easier to eat healthy when you have it right there for you! I need to make my salads more exciting. I love salad!
Good luck at WW!
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
I love salads, too. Never thought I’d say that! I used to HATE salad growing up!!!
I LOVE the salad kits! That’s too awesome!
That looks fantastic! I should get some together.
Love the salad kits! Awesome idea!!!!
What do you use for dressing the cucumber salad?
Jen
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Jen, I just use olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar! Sometimes, balsamic.
I’ve only done kits a couple of times… I NEED to do them again. Yours look so good!
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I just LOVE that you made salad kits. They’re awesome… such a great idea, especially for times when you’re in a rush… or just super hungry for healthy food!
Love the salad kits! Great, great idea!
My favorite salad is a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, olives, & feta.
Marisa Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Mmm… I love that salad, too!
great idea, love the kit. I love any avocado, sundried tomato, cucumber combo
eeee I love your salad kits! So smart to keep it all separated in packs – especially so it’s less work on the cleaning end (fewer containers!). I’m loving taco salads most right now!
Marissa I love love this salad kit idea. Just a thought on re-using, I read somewhere that someone uses their empty prescription bottles for salad dressing…just thought I’d pass that along as well.
THIS IS SO SO SO SMART!!!!
husband just launched a new weightlossPLAN (dont ask) and these will really help.
[...] glad you guys liked the salad kits! They are really convenient to have and I’m already planning some new combos for next [...]
OMG! The salad kits are BRILLIANT! I am so making some this weekend! I have been at my parents house and they eat stuff I should NOT be having so its time I take control of my meals! So easy and simple! LOVE IT!
[...] out meals and having pre-made meals (like my salad kits) make it so much easier to stay on plan and choose healthy foods. I know this is nothing [...]
OMG I luv it Luv it luv it! Its so easy and an obvious answer to quick meals
I am definitely trying those salad kits next week. And great job on the first week of WW Points Plus. I’m struggling but getting motivated with other blogs talking about the new system.
[...] @Loser_For Life, Post Title: How to Make Salad Kits A MUST read for all my Weight Watchers friends! I can’t wait to put my kits together this [...]
Fave Salad EVER: Nicoise!!!
The combo of Tuna, Green Beans, Hard Boiled Eggs, Butter Lettuce, Olives, Artichoke Hearts & Anchovies – Scrumptious!
[...] Pre-package your lunches. Marisa at Loser for Life, had a great idea for Salad Kits. Take 15-20 minutes on Sunday to pack up these kits and you’ll have a salad every day of the [...]
[...] salad cravings are back, so lunch salad kit #2 this week was Chicken [...]
Love the idea of chopping everything up once instead of every morning. How long will these kits stay fresh in the fridge? Could I make all my lunch salads in advance on Sunday afternoon? For the whole week?
Marisa Reply:
February 3rd, 2011 at 7:45 am
Claudia, I made them up on Sunday and the last one I ate was still fresh by Thursday. Packing them in ziploc freezer bags (sturdier than storage bags) really keeps the air out that would cause the lettuce to wilt. I also use romaine hearts because it holds up better than more delicate lettuces. The kits really are a time saver!
[...] to keep my class under control! It’s these night, I’m thankful for planning ahead with salad kits. Each week I make at least 2 kits to keep in the fridge; this way I can grab them for [...]