Score Big on Amazon Prime Day: Delicious Recipes to Prep with Your New Food Storage Containers (October Deals!)
Amazon Prime Day in October is the perfect time to snag amazing deals on food storage containers. But what good are those sparkling new containers if you don’t have anything to put in them? This article will provide you with delicious, make-ahead recipes perfect for utilizing your Prime Day food storage container scores. We’ll cover everything from breakfast to dinner, snacks to desserts, and provide detailed instructions and storage tips to keep your food fresh and flavorful.
Why Food Storage Containers are a Must-Have
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly recap why investing in good food storage containers is a smart move:
* **Extends Food Lifespan:** Proper storage prevents spoilage and keeps food fresher for longer, saving you money and reducing food waste.
* **Organization:** Containers help organize your fridge and pantry, making it easier to find what you need and prevent forgotten leftovers from languishing in the back.
* **Meal Prep Efficiency:** Batch cooking and storing meals in individual portions simplifies your week, making healthy eating more convenient.
* **Portion Control:** Using appropriately sized containers helps control portion sizes, which can be beneficial for weight management.
* **Safe Storage:** High-quality containers are typically BPA-free and safe for storing various types of food.
* **Space Saving:** Stackable containers maximize storage space in your refrigerator and cabinets.
Prime Day Food Storage Container Considerations
Before clicking ‘add to cart’ on those tempting deals, consider these factors:
* **Material:** Glass, plastic (BPA-free!), and stainless steel are common options. Glass is durable and doesn’t stain easily, but it’s heavier. Plastic is lightweight and affordable, but can stain and absorb odors. Stainless steel is durable and non-reactive but can be more expensive.
* **Size and Shape:** Choose a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different food items. Rectangular and square containers maximize space efficiency.
* **Lid Type:** Look for airtight and leak-proof lids to maintain freshness and prevent spills. Snap-on, screw-top, and hinged lids are popular choices.
* **Stackability:** Stackable containers save space and make storage easier.
* **Microwave and Dishwasher Safe:** Ensure the containers are microwave and dishwasher safe for convenience.
* **Freezer Safe:** If you plan to freeze food, choose containers that are specifically designed for freezer use.
Recipes to Showcase Your New Food Storage Containers
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the recipes! These recipes are designed to be meal-prepped and stored in your new containers, making your life easier and your meals more delicious.
Breakfast: Overnight Oats – 5 Ways!
Overnight oats are a fantastic make-ahead breakfast option. They’re healthy, customizable, and require minimal effort.
**Basic Overnight Oats Recipe (per serving):**
* 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added thickness and nutrition)
* 1 tablespoon sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave, or stevia, to taste)
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a food storage container or jar.
2. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
3. Seal the container tightly and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 2 hours).
4. In the morning, stir and add any desired toppings.
**Overnight Oats Variations:**
* **Peanut Butter Banana:** Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter and 1/2 sliced banana before refrigerating. Top with extra banana slices and a drizzle of peanut butter in the morning.
* **Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:** Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon chocolate chips before refrigerating. Top with extra chocolate chips in the morning.
* **Berry Blast:** Add 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) before refrigerating. Top with extra berries in the morning.
* **Apple Cinnamon:** Add 1/4 cup diced apple, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg before refrigerating. Top with chopped walnuts or pecans in the morning.
* **Pumpkin Spice:** Add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and a drizzle of maple syrup before refrigerating. Top with pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans in the morning.
**Storage Tips:**
* Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* Use airtight containers to prevent the oats from drying out.
* Add toppings right before serving to maintain their texture.
Lunch: Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This vibrant and flavorful quinoa salad is packed with nutrients and perfect for a healthy lunch. It’s easily customizable with your favorite roasted vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package directions
* 2 cups roasted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, etc.)
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill)
* **Dressing:**
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the Vegetables:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
2. **Prepare the Quinoa:** Cook quinoa according to package directions. Let cool slightly.
3. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, feta cheese (if using), and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. **Divide into Containers:** Divide the salad into individual food storage containers.
**Storage Tips:**
* Quinoa salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
* Store the dressing separately if you prefer to keep the salad from becoming soggy. Add the dressing right before serving.
* Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Dinner: Chicken and Vegetable Curry
This flavorful chicken and vegetable curry is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for meal prepping. You can easily customize the vegetables to your liking.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
* 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, spinach, etc.)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooked rice, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
2. **Add Spices:** Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. **Cook Chicken:** Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
4. **Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk:** Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
5. **Add Vegetables:** Add mixed vegetables. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Divide into Containers:** Divide the curry and cooked rice into individual food storage containers.
**Storage Tips:**
* Chicken and vegetable curry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Store the curry and rice separately to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
* Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
* For longer storage, freeze the curry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Snack: Energy Bites
Energy bites are a quick and easy snack that’s perfect for on-the-go. They’re packed with healthy ingredients and provide a boost of energy.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
* 1/4 cup chocolate chips
* 2 tablespoons chia seeds
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
3. **Roll into Bites:** Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. **Store in Containers:** Store the energy bites in a food storage container.
**Storage Tips:**
* Energy bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
* Use airtight containers to prevent them from drying out.
* For longer storage, freeze the energy bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Dessert: Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is a healthy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for meal prepping. It’s rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup chia seeds
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 tablespoon sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave, or stevia, to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Toppings of your choice (fruit, nuts, seeds, shredded coconut)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food storage container or jar, combine chia seeds, milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
2. **Chill:** Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency.
3. **Add Toppings:** Before serving, stir the pudding and add your desired toppings.
**Chia Seed Pudding Variations:**
* **Chocolate:** Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder before refrigerating. Top with chocolate shavings or cacao nibs.
* **Berry:** Add 1/2 cup mixed berries before refrigerating. Top with extra berries.
* **Mango Coconut:** Add 1/4 cup diced mango and 1 tablespoon shredded coconut before refrigerating. Top with extra mango and coconut.
* **Peanut Butter:** Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter powder before refrigerating. Top with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of peanut butter.
**Storage Tips:**
* Chia seed pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* Use airtight containers to prevent it from drying out.
* Add toppings right before serving to maintain their texture.
General Food Storage Tips
* **Cool Food Completely:** Always cool food completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Hot food can raise the temperature of the surrounding food and promote bacterial growth.
* **Use Airtight Containers:** Airtight containers prevent air and moisture from entering, which can cause food to spoil faster.
* **Label and Date Containers:** Labeling and dating containers helps you keep track of how long food has been stored. Use a marker or labels that are easy to write on and remove.
* **Store Food Properly:** Store food in the correct location in your refrigerator. Raw meat and poultry should be stored on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
* **Check for Spoilage:** Before eating leftovers, check for any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, off odors, or mold. If in doubt, throw it out.
* **Don’t Overfill Containers:** Overfilling containers can prevent proper sealing and lead to spoilage. Leave some space at the top of the container.
* **Wash Containers Thoroughly:** Wash food storage containers thoroughly with soap and hot water after each use. You can also sanitize them in the dishwasher.
* **Consider Vacuum Sealing:** For longer-term storage, consider using a vacuum sealer to remove air from the containers. This can significantly extend the shelf life of food.
* **Use the FIFO Method:** First In, First Out. Use older food items before newer ones to prevent waste.
Prime Day Shopping Strategy for Food Storage
To make the most of the Prime Day deals, consider these strategies:
* **Make a List:** Before Prime Day, assess your current food storage situation and make a list of the containers you need. Consider the sizes, shapes, and materials that would best suit your needs.
* **Research Prices:** Research the prices of different brands and types of food storage containers before Prime Day so you can easily identify the best deals.
* **Set a Budget:** Determine how much you’re willing to spend on food storage containers and stick to your budget.
* **Check Lightning Deals:** Keep an eye on Amazon’s lightning deals, which offer limited-time discounts on specific products.
* **Read Reviews:** Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and performance of the containers.
* **Compare Prices:** Compare prices from different sellers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
* **Consider Bundles:** Look for bundle deals that offer multiple containers at a discounted price.
* **Don’t Delay:** Prime Day deals are often limited-time offers, so don’t hesitate to buy if you find a great deal.
Beyond the Recipes: Other Uses for Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers aren’t just for storing food! Here are a few other creative uses:
* **Organizing Craft Supplies:** Use containers to store beads, buttons, yarn, and other craft supplies.
* **Storing Office Supplies:** Keep pens, pencils, paper clips, and other office supplies organized.
* **Organizing Small Toys:** Store LEGOs, action figures, and other small toys.
* **Storing Travel Essentials:** Pack toiletries, medications, and other travel essentials.
* **Organizing Bathroom Items:** Store cotton balls, cotton swabs, and other bathroom items.
* **Seed Starting:** Use small containers as mini-greenhouses for starting seeds.
* **Packing Lunches:** Use containers to pack lunches for work or school.
By taking advantage of the Amazon Prime Day food storage container deals in October and utilizing these delicious make-ahead recipes, you can transform your kitchen organization and streamline your meal prep routine. Happy shopping and happy cooking!