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Learn how to pack this lunch salad with deli meat ahead and the tips to keep it fresh in the lunch box for hours!
School Lunch Deli Meat Salad
My daughter's become a pro at no-fuss, healthy lunches now that she's in college. Last weekend, she raided the fridge and put together this epic deli meat salad with fresh veggies, leftover turkey and a drizzle of homemade ranch! Simple and delish!
Washing and chopping veggies ahead of time make it super quick to prep lunches like this Cobb salad, my simple Canned Chicken Salad and even my Chicken Strip Salad the day before. In the morning, she can simply grab one to take to school-perfect for teens like her who love to sleep in!
Ingredients
You'll find the exact amounts for this salad in the recipe card below, but here's a breakdown of the ingredients and possible swaps:
- Mixed greens: This will be the base of your salad. Feel free to swap for spinach, kale, or whatever leafy greens your family enjoys.
- Carrot sticks: My daughter loves the texture of shaved carrots, but you can use pre-cut carrot sticks or even shredded carrots.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy! Don't like tomatoes? Try cucumbers or bell peppers instead.
- Deli turkey or ham: A delicious source of protein! You could also add hard-boiled egg for extra protein – boil some on the weekend and you have them ready to go!
- Ranch dressing: Ranch is amazing with this salad, but you can use your favorite go-to.
How to Pack a Deli Meat Salad for Lunch
Enjoy this salad at home, or follow these packing tips to keep it fresh and fabulous in a lunchbox for later!
- Start with the greens
Make a nice base with your mixed greens at the bottom of the container. - Layer the veggies
Place the shaved carrot and tomatoes on top. This order keeps the greens from getting soggy. - Add the deli meat
Finish by adding your chopped turkey or ham. Toss it all together right before eating for the best result. - Pack it for school
Keep the dressing in a separate leak-proof container and wait to add it until just before eating the salad. Pack any lunch sides separately and put it all in a lunch bag. Refrigerate until ready for school.
Packing Salad Dressing for Lunch
The key to keeping your lunch fresh and your backpack clean is to pack the dressing in a small, leak-proof container and keep it separate from the salad. Add the dressing just before eating to ensure the greens stay crisp and you don’t end up with a soggy lunch!
Tips for Keep a Salad Fresh for School Lunches
Ensure your salad stays fresh all day with these additional tips:
Keep it chilled
Pack this salad inside an insulated lunch bag or add an ice pack to keep the temperature cool inside.
Use the right container
A durable leak-proof container with separate compartments will make sure everything stays fresh and crisp! These lunch containers are THE BEST for packing salads!
Maximize crispness
If prepping this salad ahead, keep the cherry tomatoes whole. Slicing them won't affect the texture of the lettuce leaves much, but keeping them whole will maximize the crispness of the lettuce.
Paper towel trick: Place a folded paper towel on top of your salad before sealing the container. This will absorb any excess moisture, helping to keep your salad fresh.
More Healthy School Lunch Ideas
When my daughter's school schedule gets hectic, and she needs something a bit more handheld and quick to eat, she whips up some killer sandwich wraps, like a zesty hummus and spinach wrap or an egg salad wrap. These are not only quick but also pack a healthy punch that keep her full all day.
Easy Salad with Deli Meat
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ¼ cup carrot sticks, or 1 carrot shaved
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 ounces deli turkey or ham, chopped
- 2 tablespoons salad dressing, your favorite
Instructions
Assemble the salad:
- Make a base for your salad with the mixed greens. Top with the carrots, cherry tomatoes, and chopped deli meat.
- Fill a small lidded container with the salad dressing. Wait to drizzle salad dressing until right before eating.
Pack it for school:
- Pack the salad and the dressing inside a lunch bag, with an ice pack to keep it cool.
Kathy says
This salad was so simple to make, and my middle school aged daughter loved it!