A Salsa Bar

Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy for the “Make It a Healthier Summer” campaign. I am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers. #CVSHealthierSummer

My theory on summer entertaining is that it should always be easy and a colorful salsa bar doesn’t get any easier.  Start with savory snacks, add some colorful decor and a few pitchers of refreshing icy beverages, and you have the ingredients for the perfect summer evening.

A colorful backdrop over the food table is a great way to make an evening feel festive.  These rainbow colored sombreros {found at a local party store} create fun ambience and set the tone for a simple fiesta.

If you can’t find something similar, a colorful paper banner or a garland made from bright peppers strung together would also be fun!

Bright plates and napkins {disposable for easy clean-up} add extra color.  If entertaining outside, use a small, bright-colored pepper to keep the paper goods from blowing away.

Besides beverages, the menu for a salsa bar is simple: chips and salsa!  I love the multigrain tortilla chips from the Gold Emblem Abound line at CVS and it pairs perfectly with the mild and medium salsa from the same line.  The Gold Emblem Abound products are free from artificial flavors and preservatives.  These delicious tortilla chips are a combination of whole grain corn, flax seed, and quinoa with a touch of sea salt.  The salsa is fat free and contains no added sugar.  The Gold Emblem Abound line provides better-for-you snacks that you can feel good about eating … and about serving to friends.

For easy serving, set out a tray of individual portions of salsa in bright plastic cups …

… and mark the types of salsa with labels.  Jalapenos or small sweet peppers make fun and unique food markers.  Simply write on them with a white paint pen.

Fill buckets or a large bowl with tortilla chips {you may want to consider serving a few different types of tortilla chips} …

… and add a few other toppings, if desired.  Shredded cheese, roasted or pickled jalapenos, black beans, and diced onions are all delicious toppings or salsa stir-ins to add to the bar.

Guests can serve themselves and go back for seconds … and thirds.  The chips and salsa from CVS will have everyone going back numerous times!

Before you set up your salsa bar, grab a coupon to save $1 on Gold Emblem Abound products at your neighborhood CVS/pharmacy.