MANDARIN CHICKEN SALAD

Summertime IS approaching. Time for some yummy pasta-ish salads. -- Cathy

MANDARIN CHICKEN SALAD
2 cups cooked chicken
1/4 tsp. onion pwd
1 tsp salt
1 cup grapes (halved) green or red
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup mandarin oranges
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup macaroni rings (or shells)
1 cup salad dressing

Serves: 12

*This is totally a "revisable" recipe. If you want more substance, add more chicken; more or less "fruity," increase or decrease the grapes and oranges. Use this as a starting base and do a taste test and add/subtract as desired

Spinich Salad

The 2nd recipe in the 3-part series of sweet young friend Rita's masterfully cooked meal that my familia partook (is that even a word?!?!) in. -- Cathy

SPINACH SALAD
Spinach leaves
Cashews
Apples, diced
Craisins

Mix just before serving. Top with Brianna's Homestyle Poppyseed Dressing. Rita says she has also used grapes and added chicken.

Two words: YUMMO YUMMO!

PS IF any of my family reads this "blob," (I have stolen this word from friend Kelly -- she calls her "blog" her "blob.") you best not be bringing this to the next family function, because I call dibs on it!!! :D

Oriental Salad

This one seems to be a hit with everyone. -- ml

ORIENTAL SALAD

1 bag coleslaw
1 package ramen oriental flavor noodles
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
3 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup oil
salt and pepper

Mix all the dressing ingredients together including flavor packet from the ramen noodles, pour over the cabbage. Shake it up stick it in the fridge. Stir in the crunched up noodles and seeds just before serving.

It should sit in the frig for at least an hour to get the flavors mixed together.

Aunt Rayna's Cherry Coke Jell-O

I was inspired the other day by Shirley's salad to share with you a Jell-O recipe from my Aunt Rayna. I have given this recipe out many times and I always label the card "Lisa's Aunt Rayna's Cherry Coke Jell-O." I'm sure there are people out there eating this tasty Jell-O saying, "I don't know Lisa or her Aunt Rayna, but mmmm this Jell-O is good!" -- ML

P.S. This is NOT a low cal Jell-O.

Lisa's Aunt Rayna's Cherry Coke Jell-O

1 6 oz. pkg cherry Jell-O
1 1/2 cu. boiling water
1 can cherry pie filling
1/4 cu. sugar
1 12 oz. can Coke (Don't be tempted to use cherry Coke even though it seems like the logical choice. It's too much. I know.)

Add Jell-O to boiling water, stir. Add pie filling and sugar. Bring to boil. Put in a bowl to cool. Add Coke before it begins to congeal.

Tangy Broccoli Salad

Today Cathy shares another great vegetable salad! -- ML

This is a recipe that I sampled at County Market last year and have since brought it to a couple family functions.

TANGY BROCCOLI SALAD

3/4 cup Miracle Whip dressing
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp vinegar
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets (6 cups)
1 jar of Hormel Real Bacon Bits (or pieces)
1 small red onion, chopped
1 bag of iceberg lettuce

MIX dressing, sugar and vinegar in large bowl.

ADD remaining ingredients EXCEPT lettuce; mix lightly.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour before serving. (NOTE: This salad is actually best when made the night before.)

ADD the bag of lettuce JUST before serving.

Shirley's Wonderful Salad

Here's an easy and interesting side dish salad with a salute to Shirley . . . wherever you are. -- ML


THIS is perhaps my family's favorite salad. It has been a HUGE hit at family gatherings. I got the recipe from my husband's aunt who brought this years ago to one of their family get togethers. PS: No one knows WHO Shirley is.

SHIRLEY'S WONDERFUL SALAD

1 head of red leaf lettuce
1 head of iceberg lettuce
1 head of cauliflower
2 jars Hormel Real Bacon Bits

Dressing:
1-1/2 cups salad dressing (or mayo....I use Miracle Whip)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 c. chopped green onion
MIX AND REFRIGERATE THE NIGHT BEFORE

Break up lettuces and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Mix with bacon bits, dressing and seasoned croutons JUST before serving. Mmm Mmm good!