Coleslaw

Recipes from scratch are always a favorite but then there are days when you just don't have enough time! For example this last Saturday, we worked cattle! I've already shared the Calico Beans recipe and here is the coleslaw recipe! The truth is: Not every recipe needs to make 20 dishes dirty to taste awesome!

Coleslaw
2 bag of coleslaw mix
1 small bottle of coleslaw dressing
3 apples peeled and cut into small pieces
1 bag of slivered almonds or cashews...whichever you have on hand
onion to taste if you wish

Directions: Mix it together, chill and enjoy!

I like to think the more apples I add, the healthier it is or the less guilty I feel eating it. I used low fat coleslaw dressing, the guys couldn't taste the difference. I highly recommend cutting the calories if possible....especially if you cannot taste the difference. This coleslaw was a big score!

Grape Salad

 It's simple, and simply awesome!

Grape Salad

Grapes

8 oz cream cheese - softened

8 oz sour cream

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

crushed pecans - optional

Beat cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla together. Add grapes (washed) and pecans. Stir until evenly coated. I used a whole bag of grapes and it seemed as though I could have used more. We fell in love with this salad last night. What a treat.

Enjoy!

Broccoli Almondine

This salad is awesome and one of my favorite things to bring to holidays, family gatherings, birthdays, and to just have at home. My mother is the queen of salads and this is her recipe.

 Broccoli Almondine Salad

            2-3 heads broccoli - cut into small pieces

2 cups shredded cheese - any flavor you like

1 lb of bacon - fried and crumbled

grapes - cut in half OR craisins

onion chopped finely - amount varies this is optional

1/4 cup slivered or sliced almonds

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup mayo

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

Stir the first 7 ingredients together in a large bowl. In a separate dish blend mayo, sugar and vinegar together. Pour over salad and stir together until it is evenly coated, chill and serve.

*Keep in mind that ingredients such as sunflower seeds, onion etc are optional. Make it to fit your palate!

Enjoy!



7-Layer Salad

I am convinced that every family has their own recipe for 7-Layer Salad which makes this dish that much more fun! With the 4th of July right around the corner, I spent nearly five hours in the kitchen last night preparing for the holiday weekend. This is a family favorite especially on these hot summer days.

7-Layer Salad

1 head lettuce

1 red, yellow, or green pepper - sliced and cut in half

1/2 cup red or yellow onion - chopped

4 stalks of celery

1 1/2 cups frozen peas - rinsed

1 lb crispy bacon chopped (you can substitute bacon bits)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use any flavor you like)

dressing:
2 cups real Mayo

3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp vinegar

Layer lettuce, peppers, onion, celery, frozen peas and bacon in a 9x13 glass dish. Mix together the dressing and pour evenly over the top. Lastly top with shredded cheese. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and chill for 6 hours or overnight. Serve chilled.

**The plastic wrap is important as it helps the dressing move from the top of the pan through the layers. Covering the dish with a normal cover does not seal tight enough leaving you a salad with dressing only on the top of the pan.

Enjoy!

Gilled Chicken Strawberry Salad

This salad was just what I needed after a hot day of playing softball.

Grilled Chicken Strawberry Salad

1 large grilled chicken breast

1 bag of lettuce

strawberries

onion

tomatoes

feta cheese
walnuts or almonds
fat-free raspberry vinaigrette

The best thing about a salad is the fact that you can top it with practically anything you like. I experiment with different fruits and vegetables all the time. Be aware that things such as dressings & cheeses can add a lot of fat/calories to your dish so you want to use them in moderation.

Enjoy!