Summer is finally here, and that means it’s time for Summer entertaining. One of the things I love most about Summer is enjoying home-cooked meals on the patio and sharing good food, conversation, and laughs with loved ones.
Whether you’re doing some outdoor dining on the patio, or packing a picnic lunch for a family hike, or going to a potluck BBQ party, it’s important to have some really mouthwatering recipes in your repetoire, and some awesome dishware or containers to serve your food in!
We decided to go on a picnic with another family. Summers call for hiking, picnic, and a swim! I was volunTOLD by my seven-year old to make my “perfect picnic potato salad”, fruit salad, and some homemade cookies.
Perfect Picnic Potato Salad
Ingredients:
- 6-8 medium sized potatoes, cooked, peeled, diced
- 2 cups of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup carrot, cooked, peeled, diced
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 2 cups cooked, diced ham
- 1 small handful fresh chives, chopped
- sea salt & black pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (you can add more if you wish)
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Maille Old Style Whole Grain Dijon mustard
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, boil potatoes until tender. Drain, let cool, remove skin, and cut into bite-sized cubes
- Boil carrots, corn, and peas until tender, drain, season with s & p, and set aside.
- In a mixing boil, add all your dressing ingredients and mix well.
- In a large bowl/serving dish, transfer cooked potatoes, veggies, cooked ham, and add dressing, making sure to gently coat potato mixture with dressing.
- Add fresh, chopped chives and serve (or bring to picnic, BBQ, potluck).
Summer Entertaining with Snapware
I’m always on the look out for kitchenware, kitchen gadgets, and basically all things for the kitchen and for cooking and entertaining. When I discovered Snapware’s Entertaining items, I was really excited at all the prospects of Summer entertaining!
- Turquoise 5 Quart Entertain-a-Bowl ($19.99)
- 4-Piece Small Value Pack, Yellow & Pink Entertain-a-Bowls ($17.99)
- Fruit & Veggie-tainer ($19.99)
I’ve had several inquiries from friends, family, and fellow parents from Little One’s school and dance regarding the Snapware products.
The 5 Quart Entertain-a-Bowl is perfect for serving Little One’s favourite “perfect picnic potatoes” in. The size of this bowl is ideal for salads of all sorts or even sides or main dishes!
Entertain-a-Bowls are spill-proof serve and store bowls that are playful and expressive.
- Lid securely latches to bowl for spill-proof storage and transport
- Carrying handles provide On-The-Go transportability
- Food presents well with polished white bowl interiors
- Lidded bowls nest together for easy storage
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Fruit & Veggie-tainer:
The Fruit & Veggie-tainer is another favourite.
I love that I can fit lots of veggies in there, and even add dip in the centre without worrying about spillage. The dip section has a tight-fitting lid and storage is a snap. What’s even greater is that you can add ice in the bottom section to keep fruit and veggies chilled. This is perfect for entertaining or when you need to transport your food to a party or BBQ!
- 4-pc Colander/Bowl set includes one 25.3-cup bowl with matching spill proof cover, removable colander and covered dip container.
- Snap lock 6-latch lid with easy to carry handle opens & shuts easily
- Microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe and dishwasher-top rack only
- BPA free polypropylene container and lid
- Four-compartment colander/divider with covered dip container
- Large salad bowl can be used with or without the divider
- Room for ice: Place ice inside of the bowl to keep food fresh and crisp at parties
- Perfect for picnics, parties and everyday use.
It’s great that we can use the products both indoors and outdoors! They’re ideal for entertaining at pool parties, graduation parties, BBQs, or even just indoors!
Since it’s Summertime and you’re probably as excited as I am about Summer entertaining, Snapware and I are giving away the exact same items shown in this blog post to one lucky Life on Manitoulin reader!
Giveaway
Giveaway products are the same as what I received. To enter, simply complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada and the U.S. and ends on July 18th, 2016.
Tell me, what’s your signature Summer entertaining dish?
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Disclosure – This is a sponsored post. This post was written in affiliation with World Kitchen LLC/Snapware. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
Do as much prep work as you can ahead of time.
Potato salad!
Keep food simple and provide plenty of water.
My tip is to prepare everything early!
My tip for entertaining is to take help if offered.
YES! That is a GREAT tip!!
My signature dish is planked salmon and I would put Greek salad in the container.
You’re making me hungry!
I’d put macaroni salad in it
Mmm! Can’t go wrong with a good macaroni salad!
My summer entertaining tip is to fill a bucket with ice to keep your drinks cold and it is easy to move from spot to spot
Fabulous tip!
My dish that I make when entertaining in the summer is Broccolli Salad
I usually provide dessert so my signature dish is strawberry shortcake!
I would put a nice fruit salad , and home made fruit dip in one . YUMMY !!
Wild rice and edamame salad is one of my current favs.
My summer entertaining tips are to BE PREPARED – check for any food allergies, watch the weather, etc
YES! Absolutely! Always ask if there are any food allergies and if you’re having a potluck, ensure that everyone is aware of food allergies so they do not bring a potluck dish with ingredients that can be harmful for other guests 🙂
So many different salads that I make more of in the summer – bean salad, quinoa salad, strawberry spinach salad, fennel/tomato/cucumber salad – all would fit perfectly in any of the Snapware containers depending on if you’re feeding a few or a crowd.
I would use it for fruits and veggies:)
I would make a fresh salsa! Yum!!!!
My husband has become the “tell him to bring a broccoli salad to the pot-luck” guy in our circle of family and friends. A new container to transport full and return home empty would be great.
Nice! Love it when the guys bring the potluck dishes!
My husband has become the “tell him to bring a broccoli salad to the pot-luck” guy in our circle of family and friends. A new container to transport full and return home empty would be great.
I have a mariniated vegetable pasta that is always a hit.
I would store cut up veggies in these containers.
I enjoy a greek pasta salad
I’m Not a side dish person – I like to do sweets. I absolutely love my chocolate trifle with Snicker Bars, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Pudding and whip Cream. I will occasionally change it up for White Cake/Vanilla pudding.
Oh my goodness! That all sounds delish!
I’m not a side dish person – but, I’m a sweet person. I love doing my Chocoloate Trifle – with Snicker Bars and Chocolate Pudding, Chocolate Cake and Whip Cream. I sometimes change it up to do White/Vanilla instead.
Summer entertaining tips: pot luck is always great! A BBYM (bring your own meat) BBQ (and the hosts supply all the salads and side dishes).
Always great to have salads and cold dishes made up ahead of time, and I love a good cut fruit platter, cut veggie platter, and cold cut and cheese platter (and so does almost everyone else)
Great tips, Andrea!
I love a good pasta and fresh veggie salad! Cooked pasta tossed with equal amounts of ranch and zesty Italian dressings, parmesan and/or grated cheese and then whatever fresh veggies I happen to have on hand. Favourites are bagged coleslaw, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, cucumber and bell peppers. These containers would also be great for cut fruit!
I would put cut up veggies in there so they are accessible and I stay healthy.
Entertaining is all about fun! Make things fun and colourful! Happy surroundings, like flowers and balloons.
I like a quinquo salad. That’s what I’d use it for
I love serving a taco salad when entertaining in the summer! I would store the leftovers in the Snapware® Entertain-a-Bowl Pink 1.25-qt Bowl
I make sure to get the whole family involved in preparations, makes it easier/quicker to get ready. Then, making sure to serve delicious non-alcoholic punch for the non-drinkers, and a variety of healthy foods for all ages (kids and adults alike)!
I’m not much of a cook. I would chop up veggies and cube a mix of cheese plus dip for summer entertaining. Everyone needs veggies right!
I love to bring lots of fresh fruit and dip to summer parties. 🙂
My summer entertaining tips are to stock up on cold drinks and
I also like to keep lots of salsa and chips in my cupboards for those
days when we get extra company dropping in.It’s always a nice treat
to make.
I love fresh salads like potato,broccoli salad and coleslaw and that’s
what I would put in them to stay fresh.They would also be perfect for
any fresh fruits too.
Keep things fun, easy and casual. BBQs are always welcome in the summer, and are fairly quick and easy, leaving the hosts to participate more in the event.
I make a pretty mean potato and egg salad. I would most often use the Snapware for veggies and fruit.
make extra food. It is better to have leftovers vs running out of food.
I would use it to store fruits and veggies
we use a lot of fresh veggies so this would be great to store them in
My nachos are always a hit. I would put fruit in the containers.
I’d definitely put my signature potato salad in the great containers!
Caprese salad and shrimp skewers on the barbie are always faves.
Caprese salad and shrimp skewers on the barbie are always faves.
I love a great potluck, so most of my Summer time entertaining revolves around a pot luck setting.
I would use it for my Greek Pasta salad.
LOVE TO PUT VEGGIE ON IT
I like to have some basics on hand ie cheese, meat crackers or dips
we would use it for our cucumber, onion & tomato dish we make
I always end up making bruschetta. Tomatos are in season, you can make variations with similar ingredients (eg make some with cheese and tomatos/onions make others with apple slices/cheese. its just fresh and easy!
I would store my buffalo chicken dip.
Make some dishes that can be made ahead of time.
I make great salads, including kale or bean salads.
My summer entertaining tip would be to have lots of games for the kids as well as the adults.
Cucumber avocado salad! I add fresh grilled corn, feta cheese and a good squeeze of lime.
My summertime entertaining tip is to make smaller quantities, but larger varieties of dishes. That way everybody gets to choose.
I would put my signature potato salad in the Summer Entertaining dish. It’s always a big hit and this would make it so convenient to transport and keep fresh.
If I’m entertaining, I make this Hawaiian Pasta Salad, which includes pineapple, mandarin oranges, red onion and almonds. It’s delicious!
That sounds so refreshing!
My summer dish is potato salad. I would put salad and fruits in these containers
plastic plates and plastic glasses are my tip
Mine is macaroni salad. always a hit during the summer
mine is my potato salad and marinaded fresh vegetables
I like to make a potato salad and those containers would be perfect to serve and store the leftovers!
My signature salad is potato mashed with mayo , radish , onion , eggs , cheese .dill pickle , celery all chopped fine …so so good !
Delish! Drooling here, Pauline!
My summer entertaining tip for an outdoor picnic is to fill a cooler with ice and place your drinks inside. Your drinks will stay icy cold even on a hot day.
My signature dish is a BLT pasta salad. I love making it for summer picnics/potlucks. It has bacon in it which I think really makes this salad so popular.
My signature dish is my pasta salad! It would fit perfect in one of those bowls!
My signature summer dish is a watermelon and feta salad! I would use these containers for all my different salads and appys when going out for a picnic!
Id put my Caesar salad in it!
My favourite summer entertaining tip is to have a “cold dinner” with salads, buns, cooked ahead turkey/roast beef – all stuff that can be done ahead of time so when your guests arrive you can spend time enjoying your time together and not cooking.
Our famous Orozo Pasta Salad.
Looks like I’m the only guy here! But, hey, I love all summertime picnic food! Potato salad, macaroni salad, fruit salad but no jelly salad – too icky! lol
Chuck and Linda, can you believe I’ve never even tried jelly salad?!?!
So many choices…Asian coleslaw, curried rice salad, quinoa tabbouleh & lots of fresh fruit.
And oh yes, Thai salad rolls!!
Mmmm…,We need to get together so we can cook together and eat together!
Yes please!!! 😀
For me, it’s my spinach, quinoa and smoked tofu salad. The bowl always comes back empty ;o)
Thanks for the great recipes and cool contest Christine!
Tyna
Tyna, you’re making me hungry! I love smoked tofu!!!
I like to make a homemade bean salad that is always a hit! It would go well in the Snapware® Entertain-a-Bowl
I always make potato-egg salad with homemade salad dressing (a family recipe), and tuna macaroni salad. Love summer when you can make these ahead ready for the hottest days.
Ohhh! Mouthwatering!!
my summer entertainment dish always have to have macaroni and potato salad, we love our salad and eat so much of it during the summer. thanks for the chance to win
When I entertained I like to make dishes before the guests arrive. That way you can sit with them and have a drink before eating.
Great tip! Always good to be able to sit and enjoy time with guests and not have to rush around and cook while they’re there!
I would store salads in them and also fruit.
For the summer my tips are too keep it simple and have fun 🙂
I have some turquoise plastic dishes in the camper that I like for summer entertaining. If I won I would use these for salad stuff 🙂
My signature summer dish is my famous taco salad! I’d store it in Snapware containers because I need a few to hold the different ingredients
My summer dish is watermelon with feta cheese and balsamic vinegar . This would be great to keep it in.
Seriously drooling over here!!
I don’t have any special dishes. I would put fruits and vegetables in the containers.
I always serve cucumber watermelon salad during the summer and these dishes would be perfect!
It’s not a summer event (picnic, barbeque, pool party) without a watermelon!
Agreed!!!
I like to freeze berries in ice cubes for drinks! My grandchildren think I’m very Martha Stewartish lol
I love that, Anne!!
Every summer since my kids were little (and I was a kid) we make shish kebabs with peaches wrapped in bacon! They are so delicious and are synonymous with Summer to our family!
Anne: Oh my goodness! That sounds delicious!! I’m going to have to try that!
I would put veggies in there. I do not currently own any of these.
Josh, they are so handy!
I would put some fruit in one, maybe a salad in the other.
Strawberry Salsa! With cinnamon chips. It’s a recipe I got years ago, and I still love it!
Jen: Strawberry Salsa!! That sounds so good! I’m going to have to invite you over so you can make it for me! Haha! 🙂
My broccoli pasta salad is always a big hit in the summer! Would definitely put salads in these containers and munchies for camping.
I have my coleslaw for sure and I would put the coleslaw in one, strawberries and watermellon in another and probably pretzels and chips in one for my kids. What a great idea these are
They’re so awesome, Tina!