Mason jars are the meaning of life. Really—when's the last time you thanked your Mason jar?

You can take advantage of these classy, glassy wonders for any purpose you set your mind to: storing homemade marmalade, capturing fireflies, creating makeshift "hipster sippy cups"... The possibilities are endless, provided you're creative like the folks at Spoon University.

Spoon U uses Mason jars for pastabilities, as seen in their formula for the world's easiest Italian Pasta Salad. By following the instructions below, you too can have your very own in a matter of minutes. Get shakin'!

Photo by Max Bartick

Italian Pasta Salad in a Mason Jar

Total Cook Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 6

2/3 cup elbow pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup fresh mozzarella, diced

1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

5 leaves basil

1/3 cup cooked ham, sliced

1)   Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook pasta.

2)   Slice cherry tomatoes into halves, and chop up cooked ham, basil, and mozzarella.

3)   Toss all the ingredients into a mason jar with oil and balsamic vinegar; secure jar lid.

4)   Shake up jar and serve.