Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, a time for celebrating with family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a potluck, or simply enjoying a relaxing weekend at home, proper food storage is essential for keeping your meals fresh, organized, and portable. This year, Amazon is offering some incredible deals on food storage containers, making it the perfect time to upgrade your kitchen and prep for a stress-free holiday. Let’s dive into some recipe ideas ideal for Labor Day, along with tips on how to utilize those amazing container deals to keep everything organized and ready to enjoy.
## Labor Day Recipe Roundup: Delicious Dishes Perfect for Food Storage
Here’s a selection of recipes that are not only crowd-pleasers but also hold up well in food storage containers, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time or transporting to your Labor Day gathering:
**1. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders:**
Pulled pork is a Labor Day classic, and sliders make it easy for guests to grab a quick bite. The best part? You can make the pulled pork a day or two in advance and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* **Ingredients:**
* 4-5 lb boneless pork shoulder
* 2 tbsp smoked paprika
* 1 tbsp garlic powder
* 1 tbsp onion powder
* 1 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1 tbsp brown sugar
* 1 tbsp kosher salt
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 1 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
* Slider buns
* Coleslaw (for topping, optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pork:** Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. **Sear the Pork (Optional):** Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. **Slow Cook the Pork:** Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth into the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. You can also use a slow cooker: place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
4. **Shred the Pork:** Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the pork. Discard any large pieces of fat.
5. **Mix with BBQ Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix well to coat.
6. **Assemble the Sliders:** To assemble the sliders, place a spoonful of pulled pork on each slider bun. Top with coleslaw, if desired. You can store the pulled pork in food storage containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. Store the slider buns separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
**Food Storage Tip:** Use a large, airtight container to store the pulled pork. If you’re making a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller containers for easier reheating. Glass containers are ideal as they won’t absorb flavors or stains from the BBQ sauce. For the coleslaw, use a separate container to keep it crisp.
**2. Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado and Lime:**
This vibrant and refreshing salad is a perfect complement to any grilled dish. It’s also incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in food storage containers.
* **Ingredients:**
* 4 ears of corn, husked
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 avocado, diced
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tbsp lime juice
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. **Grill the Corn:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and cooked through. Alternatively, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
2. **Cut the Kernels:** Once the corn is cool enough to handle, use a knife to cut the kernels off the cob.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
4. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. You can store the salad in food storage containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning, but if you’re storing it with the salad, toss it with a little extra lime juice to help preserve its color.
**Food Storage Tip:** Store the salad in an airtight container to keep the corn fresh and prevent the other ingredients from drying out. Glass containers are a great option, or use plastic containers specifically designed for salads that include separate compartments for dressings.
**3. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint:**
This refreshing and light salad is perfect for a hot Labor Day. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint is a delightful palate cleanser. It’s also a simple salad to prepare and store.
* **Ingredients:**
* 4 cups cubed watermelon
* 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently combine the watermelon, feta cheese, and mint leaves.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. You can store the salad in food storage containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The watermelon may release some liquid as it sits, so you might want to drain it before serving.
**Food Storage Tip:** Due to the high water content of watermelon, it’s best to store this salad in a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks. Consider using a container with a built-in strainer to easily drain excess liquid before serving. Stackable containers are also helpful for saving space in your refrigerator.
**4. Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Pesto:**
A hearty and flavorful pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Grilling the vegetables adds a smoky depth, and the pesto ties everything together beautifully. This salad is great for making ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge.
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
* 1 zucchini, sliced
* 1 yellow squash, sliced
* 1 red bell pepper, quartered
* 1/2 red onion, sliced
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. **Grill the Vegetables:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
3. **Chop the Vegetables:** Once the vegetables are cool enough to handle, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled vegetables, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can store the salad in food storage containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
**Food Storage Tip:** Store the pasta salad in a large, airtight container. To prevent the pasta from drying out, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil over the salad before storing it. Segmented containers can also be useful to keep the pasta and vegetables separate until serving, ensuring the vegetables stay crisp.
**5. Seven-Layer Dip:**
No Labor Day gathering is complete without a seven-layer dip! This classic appetizer is easy to assemble and transport, making it a perfect addition to your potluck spread.
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
* 2 cups guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 cup salsa
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup sliced black olives
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* Tortilla chips, for serving
* **Instructions:**
1. **Layer the Ingredients:** In a clear glass dish or a large, shallow container, spread the refried beans in an even layer. Top with the guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheddar cheese, black olives, and green onions, in that order.
2. **Chill:** Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can store the dip in food storage containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
**Food Storage Tip:** Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the dip from drying out. A clear container is ideal for showcasing the layers. If you’re transporting the dip, make sure the container is sturdy and won’t spill. Consider using a container with compartments to keep the different layers separate until serving, preventing them from mixing and becoming soggy.
## Amazon’s Labor Day Food Storage Container Deals: Maximize Your Savings
Now that you have some delicious recipes in mind, let’s talk about how to take advantage of Amazon’s Labor Day food storage container deals. Here are some tips for finding the best bargains:
* **Shop Early:** Don’t wait until the last minute to start shopping. Many deals start early in the week leading up to Labor Day, so keep an eye on Amazon’s website and app for early bird specials.
* **Use Amazon Prime:** Amazon Prime members often get exclusive access to deals and free shipping, so if you’re not already a member, consider signing up for a free trial.
* **Check Lightning Deals:** Amazon’s Lightning Deals are limited-time offers that can save you a significant amount of money. Keep an eye out for these deals on food storage containers, but be quick – they often sell out fast.
* **Browse the Coupons:** Amazon offers digital coupons on many products, including food storage containers. Check the product page to see if there are any coupons available that you can clip.
* **Read Reviews:** Before you buy, be sure to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and durability of the containers. Pay attention to comments about leaks, ease of cleaning, and overall satisfaction.
* **Consider Your Needs:** Think about what types of food storage containers you need most. Do you need large containers for storing leftovers, smaller containers for packing lunches, or specialized containers for specific foods like salads or soups? Having a clear idea of your needs will help you narrow down your options and find the best deals.
## Types of Food Storage Containers to Look For:
Amazon offers a wide variety of food storage containers, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs. Here are some popular types:
* **Glass Containers:** Glass containers are durable, non-reactive, and easy to clean. They’re also microwave and oven-safe, making them ideal for reheating leftovers. Look for glass containers with airtight lids to keep your food fresh.
* **Plastic Containers:** Plastic containers are lightweight, affordable, and often come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Look for BPA-free plastic containers that are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
* **Silicone Containers:** Silicone containers are flexible, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. They’re also great for storing food in the freezer. Look for silicone containers with airtight lids to prevent freezer burn.
* **Stackable Containers:** Stackable containers are a great way to save space in your refrigerator and pantry. Look for containers that nest together when not in use.
* **Airtight Containers:** Airtight containers are essential for keeping food fresh and preventing leaks. Look for containers with silicone seals or locking lids.
* **Compartment Containers:** Compartment containers are ideal for packing lunches or storing snacks. They help to keep different foods separate and prevent them from mixing together.
* **Vacuum-Sealed Containers:** Vacuum-sealed containers remove air from the container, which helps to keep food fresh for longer. These are a great option for storing delicate foods like berries or herbs.
## Organizing Your Kitchen with New Food Storage Containers:
Once you’ve stocked up on new food storage containers, it’s time to organize your kitchen! Here are some tips for creating a more efficient and organized food storage system:
* **Declutter First:** Before you start organizing, take some time to declutter your existing food storage containers. Get rid of any containers that are cracked, broken, or missing lids. Also, toss any containers that you no longer use.
* **Group Similar Items:** Group your food storage containers by type (glass, plastic, silicone) and size. This will make it easier to find the container you need when you need it.
* **Use Clear Containers:** Clear containers allow you to easily see what’s inside, so you don’t have to guess or rummage through your cabinets. This is especially helpful for leftovers and pantry items.
* **Label Everything:** Label your food storage containers with the contents and date. This will help you keep track of what’s inside and prevent food waste.
* **Store Lids Separately:** Store your food storage container lids separately from the containers. This will prevent them from getting lost or misplaced. Consider using a lid organizer to keep them neatly stored.
* **Maximize Vertical Space:** Use shelves or risers to maximize vertical space in your cabinets and pantry. This will allow you to store more containers without taking up more space.
* **Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible:** Store the food storage containers that you use most often in an easily accessible location. This will save you time and effort when you’re cooking or packing lunches.
## Beyond Leftovers: Creative Uses for Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers aren’t just for leftovers! Here are some creative ways to use them:
* **Meal Prep:** Use compartment containers to prepare and store your meals for the week. This is a great way to stay on track with your healthy eating goals.
* **Portion Control:** Use smaller containers to portion out snacks and meals. This can help you control your calorie intake and prevent overeating.
* **Picnics and Outings:** Pack snacks, sandwiches, and salads in food storage containers for picnics, road trips, and other outings. Look for containers with leak-proof lids to prevent spills.
* **Freezing Food:** Use freezer-safe containers to store soups, sauces, and other foods in the freezer. Be sure to label the containers with the contents and date.
* **Organizing Craft Supplies:** Use food storage containers to organize craft supplies like beads, buttons, and yarn.
* **Storing Small Items:** Use small containers to store small items like jewelry, coins, and office supplies.
## Conclusion: Prepare for a Delicious and Organized Labor Day
Labor Day weekend is a time for enjoying good food and good company. By taking advantage of Amazon’s Labor Day food storage container deals, you can prepare delicious meals, keep your food fresh and organized, and make your holiday celebration a success. From prepping pulled pork sliders to packing a refreshing watermelon feta salad, the right containers will make all the difference. So, start shopping now and get ready to enjoy a stress-free and delicious Labor Day weekend!