Maximize Walmart’s Glass Food Storage Sale in January: Delicious Recipes and Storage Tips
January is the perfect time to revamp your kitchen and embrace healthier habits. Walmart’s annual glass food storage container sale offers a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your food storage solutions without breaking the bank. Glass containers are not only eco-friendly and durable but also ideal for meal prepping, storing leftovers, and ensuring your food stays fresh. This article will explore some delicious recipes that are perfect for prepping and storing in your new glass containers, along with tips on making the most of Walmart’s sale.
## Why Glass Food Storage?
Before diving into recipes, let’s quickly recap why glass food storage is a superior choice:
* **Non-toxic:** Glass doesn’t leach chemicals into your food, unlike some plastics.
* **Durable:** High-quality glass containers are built to last, resisting scratches and cracks.
* **Odor and Stain Resistant:** Glass doesn’t absorb odors or stains from food.
* **Easy to Clean:** Most glass containers are dishwasher-safe.
* **Microwave and Oven Safe:** Many glass containers can go directly from the refrigerator to the microwave or oven (always check manufacturer instructions).
* **Environmentally Friendly:** Glass is recyclable, reducing your environmental impact.
## Preparing for Walmart’s January Sale
* **Research:** Before heading to Walmart, browse their website or app to get an idea of the brands and types of glass containers on sale. Popular brands like Pyrex, Anchor Hocking, and Snapware often participate.
* **Plan Your Needs:** Assess your current food storage situation. How many containers do you need for leftovers? Are you planning to meal prep for the week? Consider different sizes and shapes to accommodate various food items.
* **Set a Budget:** Determine how much you’re willing to spend to avoid overspending during the sale.
* **Read Reviews:** Check online reviews to get insights into the quality and durability of different glass container sets.
* **Check for Coupons:** Look for manufacturer coupons or Walmart-specific promotions that can further reduce the price.
## Delicious Recipes Perfect for Glass Container Storage
Here are some versatile and delicious recipes that are perfect for preparing in bulk and storing in your new glass food storage containers:
### 1. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon-Herb Dressing
This vibrant and healthy salad is packed with nutrients and flavors. It’s excellent for lunch, dinner, or a side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
* 2 cups vegetable broth or water
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 red onion, chopped
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 cups broccoli florets
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
**For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:**
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 3 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Quinoa:** In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. **Roast the Vegetables:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
3. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. **Combine:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, parsley, and cilantro. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. **Store:** Divide the quinoa salad into your glass food storage containers. This salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
**Storage Tip:** Store the salad in airtight glass containers to maintain freshness and prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
### 2. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
A classic and customizable stir-fry that’s easy to prepare and store. This recipe allows you to use your favorite vegetables and protein source.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup snap peas
* 1 carrot, sliced
* 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
* Cooked brown rice, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and water or chicken broth.
3. **Stir-Fry the Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Stir-Fry the Vegetables:** Add the bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrot, and mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
5. **Combine and Simmer:** Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. **Serve:** Serve the chicken and vegetable stir-fry over cooked brown rice. Store any leftovers in your glass food storage containers.
**Storage Tip:** Store the stir-fry and rice separately in glass containers to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. Reheat them together when ready to eat.
### 3. Lentil Soup
Hearty, nutritious, and flavorful, lentil soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal that stores exceptionally well.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Lentils and Broth:** Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
3. **Season and Serve:** Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Store any leftovers in your glass food storage containers.
**Storage Tip:** Lentil soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months in glass containers. Be sure to leave some headspace when freezing to allow for expansion.
### 4. Overnight Oats
A simple and customizable breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings. Overnight oats can be prepared in individual glass containers for easy grab-and-go convenience.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
* Toppings of your choice (e.g., berries, nuts, seeds, yogurt, fruit compote)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a glass container (mason jar or other small container), combine rolled oats, milk, chia seeds (if using), and maple syrup (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. **Refrigerate:** Cover the container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.
3. **Add Toppings:** In the morning, add your favorite toppings, such as berries, nuts, seeds, yogurt, or fruit compote.
4. **Enjoy:** Enjoy your overnight oats straight from the container.
**Storage Tip:** Prepare overnight oats in individual glass containers for a quick and easy breakfast throughout the week. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
### 5. Baked Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls
These bowls are perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner and are packed with protein and complex carbohydrates. The sweetness of the sweet potato complements the savory chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 1. 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
* 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/4 cup salsa
* 1/4 avocado, sliced (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. **Roast Sweet Potatoes:** Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. **Bake Chicken:** While sweet potatoes are roasting, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread the chicken in a single layer on a separate baking sheet.
4. **Bake Chicken** Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. **Assemble Bowls:** In glass containers, layer cooked quinoa or brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, baked chicken, black beans, and salsa.
6. **Top and Serve:** Top with sliced avocado, if desired. Store the bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
**Storage Tip:** Store the components of the bowl separately or together, depending on your preference. If storing together, the salsa may make the other ingredients slightly soggy over time.
### 6. Vegetarian Chili
Another excellent option for meal prepping, vegetarian chili is flavorful, filling, and packed with fiber.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 2 cups vegetable broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Toppings of your choice (e.g., shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
3. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. Store any leftovers in your glass food storage containers.
**Storage Tip:** Vegetarian chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months in glass containers. Be sure to leave some headspace when freezing.
### 7. Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad is a fantastic option for lunch, potlucks or picnics. Because it’s served cold, it’s perfect for making in advance and keeping in glass food containers.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
* 1/2 cup Italian dressing
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
* 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
* 1/4 cup red onion, diced
* 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini), halved
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook Pasta:** Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. **Make Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat. Add the cherry tomatoes, black olives, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella cheese balls, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
4. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Store any leftovers in your glass food storage containers.
**Storage Tip:** Store the pasta salad in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may need to add a little extra dressing before serving.
## Tips for Maximizing the Longevity of Your Stored Food
* **Cool Food Completely:** Allow food to cool completely before storing it in glass containers. Warm food can create condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
* **Use Airtight Containers:** Ensure your glass containers have airtight lids to prevent air and moisture from entering, which can cause food to spoil faster.
* **Label and Date:** Label your containers with the date the food was prepared or stored. This will help you keep track of how long the food has been in the refrigerator or freezer.
* **Proper Refrigerator Temperature:** Maintain a refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below to inhibit bacterial growth.
* **Store Properly:** Store food in the appropriate part of the refrigerator. For example, raw meats should be stored on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling your glass containers, especially when freezing. Food expands as it freezes, and overfilling can cause the container to crack or break.
* **Use Freezer-Safe Containers:** If you plan to freeze food, use glass containers specifically designed for freezer use. These containers are made from tempered glass that can withstand extreme temperature changes.
* **Thaw Safely:** Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Do not thaw food at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
## Making the Most of Walmart’s Sale
* **Shop Early:** Popular glass container sets tend to sell out quickly during the January sale. Shop early in the sale to ensure you get the products you want.
* **Compare Prices:** Don’t assume that the first sale price you see is the best deal. Compare prices across different brands and sets to find the best value.
* **Consider Sets vs. Individual Containers:** Decide whether you prefer purchasing pre-packaged sets or buying individual containers to customize your collection.
* **Check Clearance Sections:** Walmart often has clearance sections with even deeper discounts on glass food storage containers. Be sure to check these areas for potential bargains.
* **Use Online Ordering:** If you can’t find what you’re looking for in-store, consider ordering online. Walmart offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
* **Read the Fine Print:** Pay attention to any exclusions or limitations on the sale. Some items may be excluded, or there may be purchase limits.
* **Take Advantage of Price Matching:** Walmart has a price matching policy. If you find a lower price on the same item at another store, Walmart may match the price.
## Conclusion
Walmart’s January glass food storage container sale is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your kitchen with durable, eco-friendly, and versatile storage solutions. By planning ahead, researching products, and taking advantage of sale prices and coupons, you can stock up on the containers you need without breaking the bank. Furthermore, by preparing delicious and healthy recipes like the ones outlined above, you can make the most of your new glass containers and enjoy fresh, convenient meals throughout the week. Happy meal prepping!