How to Pack a Summer Picnic with Mason Jars (And Skip the Single-Use Plastic)
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Summer is officially here and that means more time outside, more spontaneous plans, and way too many single-use plastic bags and bottles ending up in the trash.
We have a better way to pack. And honestly, once you try it, you will not go back!
Mason jars are one of the most practical things you can bring on a picnic or a day out. They seal tight, they do not leak, they look great in a basket, and with the right reCAP lid they are incredibly easy to pour and serve from. Here is how to put together a full summer setup using just a few jars and lids you probably already have.
Drinks
Fill a wide mouth Mason Jar with lemonade, iced tea, infused water, or really anything cold you want to bring. Snap on a reCAP POUR Lid and you have a spill-resistant, easy-pour drink that stays cold longer than a plastic bottle and does not leave a sweaty ring on your blanket.
Some summer drink combinations we love:
-Cucumber, mint, and lime water
-Strawberry lemonade
-Peach iced tea
-Sparkling water with fresh citrus
Make a big batch at home, pour it into your Mason Jar, and you are ready to go.
Dressings and Sauces
This is one of our favorite Mason Jar tricks. Instead of packing a sad little container of store-bought dressing, make your own right in a Mason Jar and bring it along. Shake it up before you leave the house, and when it is time to eat, pour it straight onto your salad using the POUR Lid.
No mess. No wasted packets. No dressing that leaked all over everything in your bag.
A simple vinaigrette takes about two minutes to make and tastes so much better than anything from a bottle. Just olive oil, vinegar, a little mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake and pour.
Snacks
Wide mouth Mason Jars are perfect for snacks you would normally throw in a zip-lock bag. Hummus, trail mix, cut fruit, olives, cheese cubes. They are easy to pack, easy to eat out of, and easy to rinse when you get home.
A pint size Mason Jar holds the perfect amount of snacks for one person. A quart size works great for sharing.
A Few Extra Tips
-Pack a small tote with a few extra lids. The reCAP FLIP Top Lid is great for snacks since it opens with one hand and seals back tight.
-Use a wide mouth funnel if you have one to fill jars without spilling.
-Freeze your drink jar halfway the night before. It acts as a built-in ice pack for your whole bag and keeps your drink cold for hours.
-Label your jars with a piece of masking tape and a marker if you are packing for a group. Everyone knows which drink is theirs and nothing gets mixed up.
Why It Matters
Every Mason jar you bring on a picnic is a plastic bag, a plastic bottle, or a single-use container that does not end up in a landfill. It is a small swap that adds up quickly, especially over a whole summer of outdoor meals and adventures.
reCAP Mason Jar lids make it even easier. They are designed to fit standard Mason jars and built to be used over and over again. Buy them once and they will be in your picnic bag for years.
