Unlock Culinary Creativity: Delicious Recipes Made Easy with Mainstays Walmart Plastic Food Storage Sets
Are you looking for convenient and affordable ways to store and prepare delicious meals? The Mainstays Walmart plastic food storage set might be your ideal kitchen companion. These versatile containers aren’t just for leftovers; they can be integral to prepping ingredients, marinating meats, and even portioning out meals for the week. In this blog post, we will explore creative and easy recipes that leverage the practicality of your Mainstays food storage set, transforming everyday meals into culinary delights.
## Why Mainstays Plastic Food Storage Sets?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand why these sets are so useful:
* **Affordability:** Mainstays offers a cost-effective solution for food storage without compromising on quality.
* **Variety of Sizes:** The sets usually come with an assortment of sizes, perfect for different meal portions and ingredient storage.
* **Durability:** Designed for everyday use, these containers are made to withstand regular washing and handling.
* **Space-Saving:** Many sets are stackable, optimizing your refrigerator and pantry space.
* **BPA-Free:** This ensures that your food remains safe from harmful chemicals.
## Recipe 1: Quick & Easy Marinated Chicken Skewers
This recipe uses the Mainstays food storage containers to marinate the chicken, ensuring every piece is infused with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
* Optional: Bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes for the skewers
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a Mainstays medium-sized container, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Add the cubed chicken to the container, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the container tightly with its lid.
3. **Refrigerate:** Place the container in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours, for maximum flavor absorption. For best results, marinate overnight. Turn the container occasionally to evenly distribute the marinade.
4. **Prepare the Skewers:** While the chicken is marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling or baking.
5. **Assemble the Skewers:** Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. If you’re adding vegetables, alternate chicken pieces with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious presentation.
6. **Cook the Skewers:**
* **Grilling:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rotate the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
* **Baking:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Turn the skewers halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
7. **Rest and Serve:** Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
8. **Serve:** Serve the marinated chicken skewers hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. They pair well with a variety of side dishes such as rice, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh salad.
**Storage:**
* If you have leftover skewers, store them in a Mainstays food storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Marinade Variations:** Experiment with different marinade ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. Consider adding ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Customize your skewers by adding your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and pineapple are all great options.
* **Sauce Options:** Serve the chicken skewers with a dipping sauce for added flavor. Teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a homemade yogurt-based sauce are all delicious choices.
## Recipe 2: Overnight Oats
Mainstays small containers are ideal for individual servings of overnight oats, making breakfast prep a breeze.
**Ingredients (per serving):**
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
* Optional toppings: fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, granola
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a Mainstays small-sized container, combine the rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
2. **Seal and Refrigerate:** Secure the lid on the container tightly. Place the container in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This allows the oats to soften and absorb the liquid, creating a creamy and delicious breakfast.
3. **Check Consistency:** In the morning, check the consistency of the overnight oats. If they appear too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.
4. **Add Toppings:** Before serving, add your favorite toppings to the overnight oats. Fresh fruits like berries, sliced bananas, or peaches add sweetness and nutrients. Nuts and seeds provide a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Granola adds texture and flavor.
5. **Enjoy:** Enjoy your overnight oats straight from the container or transfer them to a bowl. They’re a convenient and nutritious breakfast option that you can grab and go on busy mornings.
**Storage:**
* Overnight oats can be stored in a Mainstays food storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make a batch on Sunday night, and you’ll have breakfast ready for the entire work week!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Flavor Combinations:** Experiment with different flavor combinations to keep your overnight oats interesting. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat, cinnamon and diced apples for an apple pie-inspired breakfast, or peanut butter and banana for a classic flavor pairing.
* **Sweetener Options:** Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your taste preferences. You can also use other sweeteners like agave nectar, stevia, or brown sugar.
* **Milk Alternatives:** Use your favorite milk alternative, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
## Recipe 3: Lunch Prep Chicken Salad
Prepare a large batch of chicken salad and portion it out into individual Mainstays containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional additions: grapes, cranberries, almonds, walnuts
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cook the chicken using your preferred method, such as boiling, baking, grilling, or poaching. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then shred it into small pieces. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a Mainstays medium-sized container, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. **Mix Well:** Stir all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the mayonnaise dressing.
4. **Add Optional Ingredients:** If desired, add optional ingredients such as grapes, cranberries, almonds, or walnuts to the chicken salad for added flavor and texture. Stir gently to incorporate them evenly.
5. **Chill:** Cover the container tightly with its lid. Place the container in the refrigerator and let the chicken salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also helps to improve the texture and prevent spoilage.
6. **Portion into Containers:** Divide the chicken salad into individual servings using Mainstays small-sized containers. This makes it easy to grab a container for lunch or a quick snack on the go.
7. **Serve:** Serve the chicken salad on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it straight from the container. It’s a versatile and satisfying meal option that you can customize to your liking.
**Storage:**
* Chicken salad can be stored in Mainstays food storage containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain its freshness and prevent contamination. Consume within the recommended time frame for the best quality and safety.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Mayonnaise Substitutes:** If you’re looking for a lighter version of chicken salad, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado. These alternatives add creaminess while reducing the fat content.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs to add unique flavors to your chicken salad. Dill, tarragon, or chives can be used in place of or in addition to parsley.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your chicken salad for a spicy kick. This will add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
## Recipe 4: Pasta Salad Perfection
Make a large batch of pasta salad in a Mainstays large container, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a week’s worth of lunches.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
* 1 cup Italian dressing
* 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
* 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
* 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional additions: salami, pepperoni, mozzarella balls
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Slice the black olives.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a Mainstays large-sized container, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Add any optional additions such as salami, pepperoni, or mozzarella balls.
4. **Add Dressing:** Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Mix Well:** Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the pasta to break apart.
6. **Chill:** Cover the container tightly with its lid. Place the container in the refrigerator and let the pasta salad chill for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also helps to improve the texture and prevent spoilage.
7. **Serve:** Serve the pasta salad cold, garnished with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or a quick and easy lunch.
**Storage:**
* Pasta salad can be stored in a Mainstays food storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain its freshness and prevent contamination. Consume within the recommended time frame for the best quality and safety.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Dressing Variations:** Experiment with different dressings to create unique flavor profiles for your pasta salad. Try using a vinaigrette, creamy Italian dressing, or a pesto dressing.
* **Protein Additions:** Add protein to your pasta salad by including grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans. This will make it a more filling and satisfying meal.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Customize your pasta salad by adding your favorite vegetables. Roasted vegetables, grilled vegetables, or marinated vegetables are all great options.
## Recipe 5: Freezer-Friendly Smoothie Packs
Use Mainstays snack-sized containers to create individual smoothie packs that you can easily blend for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack.
**Ingredients (per pack):**
* 1/2 cup frozen fruit (berries, bananas, mangoes, etc.)
* 1/4 cup spinach or kale
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
* 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Assemble the Packs:** In a Mainstays snack-sized container, combine the frozen fruit, spinach or kale, chia seeds or flax seeds, and protein powder (if using). Layer the ingredients to prevent them from clumping together during freezing.
2. **Seal and Freeze:** Secure the lid on the container tightly. Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until the ingredients are solid. Frozen smoothie packs can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
3. **Blend:** When you’re ready to make a smoothie, remove a smoothie pack from the freezer. Pour the contents of the container into a blender. Add liquid such as water, milk (dairy or non-dairy), yogurt, or juice to the blender.
4. **Blend Until Smooth:** Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more frozen fruit or ice.
5. **Enjoy:** Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. You can add toppings such as granola, nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.
**Storage:**
* Frozen smoothie packs can be stored in Mainstays food storage containers in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Fruit Combinations:** Experiment with different fruit combinations to create unique and delicious smoothie flavors. Try mixing berries with bananas, mangoes with pineapples, or peaches with spinach.
* **Superfood Boosters:** Add superfood boosters to your smoothie packs for added nutrients and health benefits. Spirulina, maca powder, or acai powder are all great options.
* **Sweetener Options:** If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, you can add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or stevia to the blender.
## Recipe 6: Batch Cooking and Freezing Soups
Mainstays larger containers are perfect for storing batches of soup in the freezer for easy weeknight meals.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
* 1 cup diced carrots
* 1 cup diced celery
* 1 cup diced onion
* 1 cup cooked chicken or beans
* 1 cup diced tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced carrots, celery, and onion until they are tender. This will help to release their flavors and create a delicious base for the soup.
2. **Add Broth and Seasonings:** Pour the chicken broth or vegetable broth into the pot. Add the cooked chicken or beans, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. **Simmer:** Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Simmering the soup for longer will result in a richer and more flavorful soup.
4. **Cool:** Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool completely before transferring it to Mainstays food storage containers. Cooling the soup before freezing will prevent it from forming large ice crystals and help to maintain its texture.
5. **Portion into Containers:** Divide the cooled soup into individual servings using Mainstays large-sized containers. Leave some headspace at the top of the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
6. **Freeze:** Secure the lids on the containers tightly. Place the containers in the freezer and let the soup freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until it is solid. Frozen soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
7. **Reheat:** When you’re ready to eat the soup, remove a container from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the soup in the microwave using the defrost function.
8. **Heat and Serve:** Pour the thawed soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat until it is warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream.
**Storage:**
* Frozen soup can be stored in Mainstays food storage containers in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Vegetable Variations:** Customize your soup by adding your favorite vegetables. Potatoes, corn, green beans, or zucchini are all great additions.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your soup for a spicy kick. This will add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
* **Creamy Soup:** For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before freezing. This will create a smoother texture and richer flavor.
## Maximizing Your Mainstays Food Storage Sets
Beyond these specific recipes, here are some additional tips for using your Mainstays plastic food storage sets:
* **Proper Cleaning:** Always wash your containers thoroughly with soap and water, or place them in the dishwasher. Ensure they are completely dry before storing food to prevent bacterial growth.
* **Labeling:** Use a permanent marker or labels to mark the contents and date of storage on each container. This helps you keep track of what’s inside and when it was prepared.
* **Prevent Stains:** For tomato-based sauces or other staining foods, consider lining the container with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent discoloration.
* **Microwave Use:** If your containers are microwave-safe, ensure the lid is vented to allow steam to escape. This prevents pressure buildup and potential explosions.
* **Freezer Storage:** When freezing liquids, leave some space at the top of the container as liquids expand when frozen. This prevents the container from cracking.
## Conclusion
The Mainstays Walmart plastic food storage set is more than just a container; it’s a versatile kitchen tool that can simplify meal prep, streamline leftovers, and enhance your culinary creativity. With these recipes and tips, you can maximize the utility of your food storage sets and enjoy delicious, homemade meals every day. Whether you’re marinating chicken, prepping overnight oats, or freezing batches of soup, these containers offer a convenient and affordable solution for all your food storage needs. So, unlock your culinary potential and start creating delicious meals with your Mainstays food storage set today!