Storing sauces and dressings properly is crucial for meal prep success. Not only does it help maintain flavor and texture, but it also saves time during busy weekdays. Here are three effective examples of how to store sauces and dressings for meal prep, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for your meals.
Mason jars are a fantastic way to store sauces and dressings due to their airtight seal and visibility. When you prepare a batch of vinaigrette or sauce, pour it into a clean, dry mason jar. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion if you plan to freeze it.
For example, if you make a zesty lemon vinaigrette, simply combine olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and honey in a bowl, whisk until blended, and then transfer it to the mason jar. Label the jar with the date and type of dressing using a piece of masking tape and a permanent marker. The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, and when you’re ready to use it, just shake the jar to recombine the ingredients. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it: just ensure the lid is not too tight to allow for expansion.
Notes: Mason jars are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. You can also use smaller jars for individual servings or to store different dressings, making it easy to grab and go.
Using an ice cube tray to store sauces and dressings is a clever way to portion out servings for future meals. This method is especially useful for thicker sauces like pesto or tomato sauce, which can be difficult to pour out in exact amounts.
To use this method, spoon your prepared sauce into the compartments of an ice cube tray. For instance, if you have leftover homemade marinara sauce, ladle it into the tray and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Once frozen solid, pop the sauce cubes out and transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the name of the sauce and the date.
When you’re ready to use a portion, simply take out a cube or two and thaw them in the fridge overnight or warm them gently on the stove. This way, you always have ready-to-use sauce on hand!
Variations: You can also add herbs or spices to each cube for added flavor. Consider creating a garlic-infused olive oil cube for easy flavor boosts in future dishes.
Squeeze bottles are an excellent solution for storing sauces and dressings that you want to use frequently, such as salad dressings or barbecue sauces. They allow for easy pouring and precise dispensing, making them perfect for meal prep.
For example, if you have a homemade ranch dressing, pour it into a clean squeeze bottle. These bottles often come with a flip-top cap, allowing you to control the amount dispensed. After pouring, label the bottle with the type of dressing and date using a waterproof marker, so you know how long it’s been stored. You can keep squeeze bottles in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes: Many squeeze bottles are reusable and dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean and refill them as needed. Opt for BPA-free plastic or glass bottles for a healthier choice.