Traditional Coleslaw from Scratch

A Creamy Homemade Coleslaw with a Sweet Tangy Dressing

This coleslaw recipe comes straight from my mother’s recipe box. It was one of those simple side dishes she made often because it went with just about everything. Whether we were having sandwiches, fried chicken, or a summer cookout, there was usually a bowl of coleslaw on the table.

What makes this coleslaw special is the balance of flavors. The cabbage and carrots stay crisp, while the dressing is creamy with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. It’s the kind of old-fashioned coleslaw recipe that tastes even better after it chills for a while in the refrigerator.

It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it perfect for family dinners, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients:

Coleslaw: 

8 c. cabbage, shredded thin
2 carrots, shredded thin 
1 onion, chopped

Dressing:

1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. milk, 
1/4 c. buttermilk
2 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbs. vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions.  Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Mix well until the mixture is smooth.  

Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the cabbage and mix well.

Refrigerate for at least an hour or so before serving.

Tips for Best Success:

• Shred the cabbage thinly for the best texture.
• Allow the coleslaw to chill at least one hour so the flavors can develop.
• If the coleslaw releases too much liquid after sitting, simply stir before serving.
• Taste the dressing before mixing with the cabbage and adjust sweetness or tang if needed.
• For extra crunch, add the dressing shortly before serving.

 Variations and Substitutions:

• Add celery seeds (about 1/2 teaspoon) for classic deli flavor.
• Make it less sweet by reducing the sugar slightly.
• Add color with shredded purple cabbage.
• Add crunch with chopped apples or sunflower seeds.
• Make it lighter by substituting part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions:

• Coleslaw pairs well with many classic meals:
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Barbecue chicken
• Fried chicken
• Burgers and hot dogs
• Fish sandwiches
• Picnic and potluck meals

It also works well as a topping for pulled pork or barbecue sandwiches. 

How to Store:

Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle slightly.

Coleslaw is not recommended for freezing because the cabbage becomes watery when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes. Coleslaw actually tastes better after it has chilled for a few hours, making it a great make-ahead side dish.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. If you do not have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a small splash of lemon juice.

Why does coleslaw become watery?
Cabbage naturally releases moisture as it sits. Stirring the coleslaw before serving usually solves this.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. This recipe is slightly sweet, but you can adjust the sugar to your taste.

Creamy Garden Pea Salad with Cheddar & Bacon

 Sweet peas, crispy bacon or ham, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing — just like Mom used to make. 

 This old-fashioned creamy pea salad with cheddar and bacon is a classic spring side dish. Easy to make, perfect for Easter, potlucks, and family dinners.

Even though the calendar still says winter, those first warmer days always make me think of spring — and of my mother out in her garden.

Every year she planted rows of peas. They were the sweetest peas I have ever tasted. I would walk out to the garden, pick a handful of pods, snap them open, and eat those little green jewels right there in the sunshine. She canned them, froze them, stirred them into soups, and turned them into simple salads like this one.

This creamy pea salad is one of those old-fashioned recipes that has stood the test of time. It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and tastes even better after it chills. The sweetness of the peas, the sharp cheddar, the smoky bacon, and the creamy dressing all come together in a way that feels both comforting and fresh.

It’s the kind of dish you bring to potlucks, serve at Easter dinner, or spoon alongside grilled meat on a warm spring evening.  In reality, this salad tastes great any time of the year.

This creamy pea salad pairs beautifully with my Glazed Pork Loin or Buttermilk Oven Baked Chicken for a complete family dinner.” 

Ingredients:  

 

16 ounces frozen sweet peas
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into pea sized pieces
1 onion diced
1/4 pound bacon or ham, fully cooked and finely chopped 

1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

 

Directions:  

Place the frozen peas in a colander and allow them to thaw completely. Drain well, so the salad does not become watery.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Add the thawed peas, cubed cheddar cheese, diced onion, and chopped bacon to the bowl.

Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Stir gently before serving.

Tips for the Best Pea Salad:

• Make sure the peas are fully thawed and well drained. Excess moisture will thin the dressing.
• Cube the cheese instead of shredding it for the best texture.
• Dice the onion small so it blends into the salad without overpowering it.
• Let it chill at least one hour — it truly tastes better after resting.

 Variations & Substitutions:

•  Use red onion for a little extra color and bite.
• Substitute Monterey Jack or Colby cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Add diced hard-boiled eggs for a heartier version.
• Stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
• Swap the bacon for turkey bacon if desired.
• Add some finely chopped celery to the dish for extra crunch. 

Serving Suggestions:

• Slow Baked Honey Glazed Ham
• Buttery Yeast Dinner Rolls   
•  Pork On A Bun
•  Slow Baked Honey Glazed Ham

How to Store:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir gently before serving again.

This salad is best served cold and is not recommended for freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned peas?
Frozen peas work best because they hold their texture. Canned peas tend to be too soft.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.

Can I use Miracle Whip or salad dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Yes. Years ago, many people used Spin Blend. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, salad dressing-style mayonnaise works well. 

Grandma’s Warm German Potato Salad

 A Tangy-Sweet Heirloom Recipe from a Well-Loved Recipe Box

This German Potato Salad was tucked inside my grandmother’s recipe box — the card worn and softened from years of use. She was of German descent and a wonderful cook, out of both necessity and love. Growing up in a family of eight children, she learned early how to help her mother prepare hearty, filling meals that could stretch and satisfy.

Unlike creamy American-style potato salad, traditional German potato salad is served warm and dressed with a tangy-sweet vinegar sauce made flavorful with bacon and onions. The warm potatoes soak up the savory dressing, making every bite rich, comforting, and full of old-world flavor.

It’s simple food — humble ingredients — but it carries generations of care in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

3 c. potatoes, peeled and diced, about 4–5 medium potatoes
4 bacon strips, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp.  pepper
1/4 tsp. celery seed
1 1/2 Tbs. sugar
1/4 c. cider vinegar
2 Tbs. water
1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp. dried parsley 

Directions:

Place diced potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water by about 1–2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 10–12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well. Set aside, keeping them warm if possible.

In a large, deep skillet (cast iron works beautifully), cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally for even browning. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until tender and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.

Stir in the salt, pepper, celery seed, sugar, cider vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Add the warm potatoes and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the potatoes in the dressing. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through, and the flavors meld together.

Sprinkle with parsley before serving. Serve warm.

Notes:

You can adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your taste — some prefer it sweeter, others more tangy.

For variation, add a spoonful of yellow mustard, diced green bell pepper, and/or finely chopped celery.

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best.

If the salad seems dry, add a splash of warm water or extra vinegar.

A tablespoon of butter stirred in at the end adds richness.

Best served warm, but leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet over low heat.

Serving Suggestions:

This cozy dish pairs beautifully with:

Bratwurst or smoked sausage

Baked ham

Pork chops

Meatloaf

Roast chicken

Sauerbraten

Grilled kielbasa

A simple cucumber salad on the side

For a true German-inspired meal, serve with:

Rye bread or crusty rolls

Steamed green beans with butter

Applesauce

A slice of apple cake for dessert 

Perfection Salad

Grandma's Perfection Salad

This Jello salad is made with cabbage, carrots, and pineapple—and if I had known that as a kid, I probably wouldn’t have touched it. I wasn’t a fan of cabbage back then. Luckily, I didn’t find out what was really in this salad until I was much older, which gave me plenty of time to enjoy it and eventually serve it to my own family. The finely shredded cabbage adds a pleasant crunch, while the carrots bring a pop of color that makes this classic salad just as pretty as it is tasty.

 

Ingredients: 

1 c. cabbage, shredded very fine 

1/2 c. carrots, grated

1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice, drain and save juice 

1(3ounce) box lime gelatin or orange

1 c. boiling water

1 c. water, with leftover pineapple juice

Directions

Using a food processor, finely shred the cabbage.  If you don't have a food processor, you can use a box grater.  I sometimes use a sharp knife and cut the cabbage in thin slices, then chop it up fine.

Next, grate the carrots. Add the cabbage and carrots into an 8x8 inch square dish, spreading them out evenly.  

Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice in a measuring cup. Add ice to the juice until it measures 1 cup, then set aside. Spread the pineapple out over the cabbage and carrots.

In a medium bowl, pour in boiling water.  Add gelatin and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the pineapple juice and ice mixture. Stir until the ice has fully melted, and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cabbage, carrots, and pineapple in the dish. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients.

Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until fully set.

Once firm, cut into 9 equal squares.  Serve chilled and enjoy!

Colorful Creamy Corn Salad

This salad is so colorful and so easy to make. It is prepared with a creamy dressing instead of a plain vinegar base.  It is the perfect side dish to accompany any meal.

Ingredients

3 (15 oz.) cans whole kernel corn, drained or 2 lbs. frozen corn
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 c. cherry tomatoes, diced or use any tomato that you may have
1 onion, chopped Use a red onion for extra color
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
2 Tbs. parsley
1 Tbs. basil
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. chili powder
 salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions

In a bowl, combine corn, sweet bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, jalapeno pepper, parsley and basil. Mix thoroughly.

In a small bowl or cup, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and chili powder.  Stir until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. 

Pour the mayonnaise sauce over the corn vegetable mixture.  Mix well. Season with salt and pepper as desired. 

Top with feta crumbles if desired.

Refrigerate for several hours before serving. This allows the flavors to mix and mingle for a delicious tasting vegetable side dish.

Sweet Marinated Green Beans

This is a quick and easy green bean and onion vegetable salad recipe that my aunt used to make. In her recipe, she called them string beans and not green beans. But they are the same. Back in the day, people used to call them string beans. The beans had something that looked like a string running down the length of the pod. So when you broke off the tip end that grew on the plant, you also had to keep pulling the string off as well.

Ingredients

1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 c. sugar, (use more or less sugar to suit your taste)
1/4 c. cold water
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
16 to 17 oz. or 2 cups green beans
1 onion, sliced thin

Directions

In a bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, cold water, olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Mix well until the sugar dissolves. 

In a serving bowl, add a layer of green beans, and then a layer of onion.  Repeat adding the green beans and onion in layers until done.

Pour the marinade over the top of the green beans and onions. 

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.

Pineapple Pear Salad

This easy Pineapple Pear Salad is one that they taught in Home Economics class, when they still taught Home Economics in schools. It can be served as a side dish, a dessert, or lunch.  It is one of our favorite salad recipes to make and serve. You can use different fruits and different flavored gelatin to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

2 pkg. lemon gelatin
2 c. boiling water
2 c. cold water
1 (16 oz.) pears
1 (16 oz.) pineapple
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. milk
2 Tbs. butter
1 egg yolk
3 Tbs. lemon juice or the juice of one lemon
Grated American Cheese (optional)
Whipped cream

Directions

In a heat safe bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes, or until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Stir in cold water.  Pour the mixture into an 11 x 7-inch pan. Place in the refrigerator and chill until partially set.

Drain pears and pineapple, but keep the juice.

Chop the pears and pineapple into small pieces. Fold into the partially set gelatin. Place in the refrigerator and chill until firm.

In a double boiler, combine sugar, and flour.  Stir in milk, butter, egg yolk, lemon juice and reserved fruit juices.  Mix well.

Cook and stir until the mixture is thick.  Cool

Spread the mixture over the firm gelatin. 

Sprinkle with cheese and top with whipped cream.  Chill until ready to serve, then cut into squares.

Cabbage Pepper Slaw

This is an easy recipe to make and it is so good.   Crisp cabbage, colorful bell pepper, and an onion, in a creamy salad dressing mixture. The dressing has a hint of sweetness, with a bit of sour to bring out the flavor.

Ingredients

4 c.  cabbage, shredded
1 c. bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped or thinly sliced into half circles
1/2 c. salad dressing
2 Tbs. vinegar
1 tsp. prepared mustard
2 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp.salt
1 tsp. celery seed

Directions

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bell pepper, and onion.

In a small bowl, combine salad dressing, vinegar, prepared mustard, sugar, salt and celery seed. Pour this over the cabbage, bell pepper and onion. Mix thoroughly.

Notes

You can chop up different colors of bell peppers for a beautiful cabbage slaw. 

Shred up a carrot for more color.

Old Fashioned Glorified Rice

 Glorified Rice

This is one of our favorite side dishes to make, serve and eat, especially during the holiday season. Combine cooked rice with whipped cream and crushed pineapple, and you will have a delicious treat. 

However, Glorified Rice isn't just for holiday dinners. It is delicious any time of the year. Glorified Rice is like having dessert in the middle of a meal, or you can even serve it as a dessert. 

Ingredients

2 c. water (use the drained pineapple juice and water)
1 c. uncooked white rice
1/3 c. sugar (more or less depending on how sweet you want it to be)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 (15 oz) cans crushed pineapple, drained
6 maraschino cherries, cut into small pieces
1 c. miniature marshmallows
1 c. whipped cream topping

Directions

In a sauce pan, pour the pineapple juice into a measuring cup.  Add enough water to make 2 cups.  Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the rice.  Stir. Bring the liquid to a boil, and cover the pot with a lid.  Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Fluff the rice and place in a bowl.  Set aside to cool

When the rice is cool, add the sugar, vanilla, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries and miniature marshmallows.

Gently fold in the whipped cream topping. 

Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Notes:

Sometimes I will add half a package or a whole package of instant vanilla pudding into the mix while adding the crushed pineapple. This gives it more flavor.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a quick and easy classic recipe that you can make ahead of time. You can use any kind of macaroni pasta shape that you like best. Add some delicious vegetables into the mix, then mix in some homemade salad dressing over the top for a flavorful side dish. 

Ingredients

8 oz macaroni, uncooked
1 tsp. olive oil
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 onion, diced fine
1/4 c. sweet gherkins, finely diced (Optional)
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced fine (optional)
1/2 c. sweet peas

Salad Dressing

3/4 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
2 Tbs. sweet pickle juice
1 Tbs. vinegar
1 Tbs. sugar
2 tsp. prepared mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)

Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil.  Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain. Place the macaroni in a bowl and add olive oil.  Gently stir the macaroni to distribute the olive oil evenly.

Add the sweet bell pepper, celery, onion, sweet gherkins, eggs and peas. Stir to combine.  Set aside to prepare the dressing.

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, prepared mustard, salt pepper, garlic powder and crushed red pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.   

Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables. Stir to combine. 

Chill in the refrigerator for one hour before serving, if possible. It gives the ingredients a chance to blend together for a better flavor.

Grape Salad

If you need a side dish, dessert, or just something to snack,  this grape salad is sure to please.  It is so easy to put together, and it is a perfect dish to bring for potluck, picnics, family gatherings, or anytime. This recipe can be easily cut in half.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese or mascarpone cheese
1 c. sour cream
1/3 c. sugar
3 Tbs. brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
4 lbs. grapes, red or green or a mixture of both
3 Tbs. chopped pecans, (optional)

Directions

Rinse off the grapes.  Allow the grapes to dry thoroughly before using them in the salad.  Otherwise, the cream cheese mixture will slide off the grapes instead of coating them.

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.  Beat with an electric mixer until light.

Add in the grapes, gently stirring them to coat in the cream cheese mixture. 

Sprinkle the top with pecans and gently mix in.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes:

You can add a diced apple, strawberries, or blueberries to this as well. 

Before adding the grapes, take a grape and dip it into the sauce. Taste to see if you need any more sugar. If the grapes are tart, you may need more sugar. Always taste it first. 

Instead of adding brown sugar and pecans over the top, you can crush up a Butterfinger candy bar and sprinkle that over the top. Or freeze 3 Milky Way candy bars. When they are frozen, chop them up into pieces. You can also use a food processor to chop them up as well. 

Smooth and Creamy Fruit Salad

A delicious mixture of fruit served in a creamy vanilla sauce. It is so easy to prepare! Change out the fruit and use the kind that your family likes best for a constant variety. 

Ingredients

2 (15 oz.) can fruit cocktail, drained well
1 apple, diced
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained well
1 (3.4 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1/3 c. orange juice concentrate
1/2 c. milk
1 c. vanilla yogurt
1 c. mini marshmallows (optional)
1 to 2 bananas, sliced

Directions

In a large bowl, combine, fruit cocktail, bananas, apple, and mandarin oranges. Make sure they are drained very well.

In another bowl, combine vanilla pudding, orange juice concentrate and milk.   Beat with an electric mixer until smooth, creamy and thickened.

Stir in vanilla yogurt.

Pour this over the fruit and mix gently.  

Stir in the marshmallows.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Serve with sliced bananas over the top. 

Notes:

Just remember to drain the liquid off the canned fruit.  We put ours in a large strainer and leave it there until it stops dripping. If it is not drained well, your salad will be soupy.

You can use different fruits to make your fruit salad. Try using canned or fresh peaches, raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, blackberries, blueberries, or grapes.

You can use whipped topping in place of the vanilla yogurt.

Strawberry Salad

 Ingredients

1 box frozen strawberries
1 can crushed pineapple
1 pkg.strawberry gelatin
1 container whipped topping
1 carton cottage cheese

Directions

In a saucepan, combine strawberries, pineapple, and strawberry gelatin together.  Stir constantly until the gelatin dissolves, and then bring to a boil.

Set aside in the refrigerator until cool. 

Stir in cottage cheese. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

Fruit Fluff Salad

This is one of the easiest salads to make and it is so good. It has delicious pieces of fruit, cream cheese, and pudding.

Ingredients

2 c. milk, divided
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 can fruit cocktail, drained
1 c. miniature marshmallows
2 bananas, sliced

Directions

In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup milk and cream cheese together. Blend well.

Add vanilla pudding and the remainder of the milk. Mix for 1 minute. The mixture should be thick.

Fold in the fruit cocktail, marshmallows, and bananas.

Chill for several hours before serving.

Cranberry Fluff Salad

This salad is so good, it is almost like eating dessert during the meal.  Even people who do not like cranberries will like this salad.

Ingredients

3 c. fresh or thawed frozen cranberries,  ground up in a food grinder
1 (20 oz.) can unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
1 small can mandarin oranges
2/3 c. sugar
dash salt
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 small box pistachio instant pudding

Directions

In a large bowl, combine ground cranberries, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, mandarin oranges, sugar, and salt.  Mix well.  

Cover the bowl with a lid or a sheet of plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, beat whipped cream until stiff peaks form.

Mix the pistachio instant pudding mix into the whipped cream.

Gently fold the whipped cream in the cranberry mixture.  Serve and enjoy.

Notes;

You can pulse the cranberries with a food processor if you don't have a food grinder.

You can use or red or green grapes instead of pineapple.

Instead of mandarin oranges, chop up one apple or a banana and use that instead.

If you like nuts, add some chopped walnuts.

Replace the marshmallows with cooked rice.

If you don't have whipping cream, substitute it with 1 container whipped topping.

Three Bean Salad

This is an easy recipe that goes together fast. It tastes delicious and is colorful addition to any table.  The sweet and sour dressing is just three ingredients.

Ingredients

2 c. fresh green beans,  or 1 (15 oz.) can green beans, drained
1 (15 oz.) can Kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz.) can yellow wax beans or garbanzo beans, drained
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, thinly sliced into half rings
1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
3 Tbs. sugar
1/4 c. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions

In a bowl, combine green beans, kidney beans, and yellow wax or garbanzo beans, sweet bell pepper, and onion. 

In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables  Mix gently, so the dressing gets all over the vegetables. 

Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours for best flavor before serving.

Gently mix before serving. Serve on a lettuce leaf if desired.  You can also add tomato wedges, diced tomatoes, or crumpled bacon.

Cranberry Fluff

If you want a quick and easy salad to serve with your Thanksgiving Day meal, then this Cranberry Fluff is perfect. It is the perfect balance of sweet and tart served in one bowl.  This salad literally takes no time at all to put together!

Ingredients

1 (14-oz) can whole cranberry sauce
1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
8 oz. whipped topping
3 c. mini marshmallows

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the can of cranberry sauce, and crushed pineapple.

Gently fold in whipped topping.

Stir in mini marshmallows.

Cover the bowl with a sheet of plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Homemade Cowboy Caviar 

This is an easy-to-make side dish/salad that everyone will love.  It uses black-eyed peas, black beans and Roma tomatoes, combined with a kick of jalapeño peppers.

Ingredients

1 (14 - 15.5 oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained
1 (14 to 15.5 oz.) can black beans, drained
1 1/2 c. sweet corn
1 onion, chopped
2 sweet peppers, different colors
1 1/2 c. chopped Roma tomatoes
1 to 2 jalapenos, chopped
1/2 fresh parsley, chopped (or 1/4 c. dry parsley)

Dressing

1/3 c. olive oil
3 Tbs. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 c. sugar, more or less to taste
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes

 Directions

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, chili powder, sugar, salt, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes. 

Stir in black-eyed peas, black beans, sweet corn, onion, sweet peppers, Roma tomatoes, and jalapenos.  

Add fresh parsley.  Cover and chill until it is time to serve.

Pennsylvania Dutch Green Bean Salad

Pennsylvania Dutch Green Bean Salad is an easy recipe that is sure to please your family.  My family really does not like green beans, but when we make them this way, they disappear fast. 

It is an old recipe. The sweet flavor of brown sugar, plus the tartness of vinegar, combined with dry mustard powder, gives these beans extra flavor. And of course, it has bacon in the mix!

Ingredients

3 strips bacon
1 onion, sliced
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1 Tbs brown sugar
1 Tbs. vinegar
1 (16 to 17 oz.) can cut green beans, drained, but reserve 1/2 c. liquid.
salt and pepper to taste
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and sliced for garnishing

Directions

Fry bacon in a cast iron skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels to absorb the excess fat.  Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon grease from the skillet. 

Sauté the onion in the bacon grease until lightly browned. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to get the good flavor bits at the bottom. 

Drain the green beans, but reserve 1/2 c. of the liquid. Stir in cornstarch, mustard, brown sugar and vinegar.  Whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump free. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.

Stir in the green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer into a serving dish if desired.

Top with crumpled bacon pieces and sliced egg.  Serve immediately.

If refrigerating overnight to serve the next day, omit the sliced egg until ready to serve.

To reheat or serve the next day, preheat the oven to 350°.  Bake for about 25 minutes, or until warmed through.   Garnish with sliced egg.

Notes

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled, depending on the amount of people you are wanting to serve. 

It is very important that you do not leave the green bean dish sit out for long periods of time.

Easy No Cook Brine Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

 

This is the easiest bread and butter pickle recipe ever!  Simply mix up the brine and pour over the sliced cucumbers.  No cooking involved. 

Ingredients

7 c. cucumbers, sliced thin (peeling them is optional)
2 Tbs. pickling salt
2 sweet bell peppers, thinly sliced into strips
1 large onion, thinly sliced into half rings
2 c. sugar
1 c. vinegar
1 tsp. celery seed
1 Tbs. mustard seed
1 1/2 Tbs. pickling spice homemade or bought from the store

Directions

Place sliced cucumbers in a large glass or plastic bowl. We use an ice cream bucket to hold our bread and butter pickles.

Sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and place them in the refrigerator for about an hour.  While the cucumbers are in the refrigerator, make the brine.

Combine sugar, vinegar, celery seed, mustard seed and pickling spice in a bowl.  Stir to combine.

Remove cucumbers from the refrigerator. Drain the cucumber juice off.  Rinse under cold water and then drain again.

Add the sweet bell pepper, and onion to the cucumbers. Stir or toss to combine. 

Pour the brine over the cucumbers.  Mix well.

Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 2 days for better flavor.  Stir occasionally.    

Give the cucumbers a little stir to make sure they are covered with the brine.  Then serve and enjoy!  Keep the bread and butter pickles in the refrigerator.