The wait is finally over for this picnic inspired giveaway, filled with all kinds of healthy goodies to take along on your summertime adventures. First I must thank the good folks at Parrano cheese for making this giveaway possible! Some of these products are local favorites of mine, while others I just recently discovered, but needless to say they are all beautifully delicious. Now I know you are wondering what all is included in the giveaway? Well, I have included a list of what all the winner will receive along with an explanation of why I chose it below! All you have to do to enter to win is comment on this post! You may also feel free to like my post on facebook or reblog my post on instagram to gain extra submissions!! I will announce the winner on June 23rd 8pm EST. (Edit: this giveaway has ended.) I wish everyone the best of luck!
What's inside?
- a selection from Parrano cheese
- one jar Maranatha Sunflower Seed Butter
- one jar Leoci's Raspberry Jalapeno Jam
- one bag of Brad's Raw Chips
- one jar Miss Jenny's Pickles
- four Larabars
- four (non-alcoholic) Reed's Extra Ginger Brews
- two linen napkins
- two mason jars
- pretty paper straws
Maranatha Sunflower Butter: This sunflower seed butter is a long time favorite of mine! I promise you will not even miss the peanut butter. Toasty sunflower seeds blended into a creamy spread with just a hint of sea salt; it's the perfect addition to a hearty breakfast or an energizing snack!
Leoci's Raspberry Jalapeno Jam: This locally made sweet and spicy jam is crafted only from the good stuff making it an awesome addition to any meal! Serve it over toast with parrano cheese, mix it into a savory marinate or swirl it into a batch of cookies!
Brad's Raw Chips: Add some low calorie, low carb crunch to your meal with these healthy chips. Brad's Raw Chips are packed with super foods, like kale and flax seeds, making them an excellent anytime snack. Top them with your favorite hummus or cheese and make it a meal!
Miss Jenny's Salt and Pepper Pickles: What is a picnic without pickles? I cannot stress how hard it is to find good store bought pickles, so needless to say this local brand definitely had me surprised! Simple ingredients are all you need without the addition of artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup.
Larabars: To all who have not tried a Larabar before, now is your chance! These healthy snacks are one of my favorites! Made with only a few simple ingredients and no added sugars, colors or preservatives, these sweet treats make for a perfect power snack during a day of adventure.
Reed's Extra Ginger Brew: My entire family loves these naturally brewed sodas! Made with fresh ginger and an array of spices, these non-alcoholic brews will be a favorite among any age group.
Pretty Paper Straws: Paper straws make any beverage more fun, need I say more?
Mason Jars: You can never have enough mason jars so I have included some into the mix! I use them to store grains, fresh granola and for my salad-in-a-jar recipe of course!
Salad-In-A-Jar
For the Salad:
handful fresh spinach or spring greens
small handful sprouts (I used sunflower)
1/2 cup fresh cherries, quartered
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup cooked chickpeas or navy beans
handful raw walnuts
1/4 cup shaved Parrano cheese
For the Dressing:
1 tbs brown mustard
1 tbs maple syrup
juice of two lemons
1 tbs dried herbs of your choice (I used oregano)
2 tbs olive oil
cracked black pepper to taste
ground sea salt to taste
Instructions:
First, add all your dressing ingredients to a quart mason jar and shake to combine (I always taste my dressing before adding the rest of the ingredients). Next, add the beans, cherries and chopped cucumber to the bottom of the jar (this allows them to marinate and not get the other ingredients too soggy). To top it off add in your fresh greens, sprouts, raw walnuts and cheese! Cap up the jar and pack it up.
To assemble, I usually just shake the jar a bit before dumping it into a bowl/ plate or just eating it out of the jar! Recipe prepares two small servings or one large serving (alternately you can divide the salad among two pint sized jars if serving two). Serve alongside, hearty sandwiches or rustic bread, topped with jam and Parrano cheese!
*You can really add in any of your favorite toppings to make this salad your own! Just start off with the crisp veggies, firm fruits and dressing, then move on to the lighter toppings like sprouts and spinach. If desired, you can take along extra toppings in an separate container (to add on as the finishing touch) like walnuts, sunflower seeds, raisins or fresh berries.
Optional Pairings
Parrano, walnuts, tomatoes
Feta, cucumber, olives
Manchego, almonds, strawberries
Parrano, blackberries, pumpkinseeds