Myeightkiddies Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 On Monday we will be attending a rather large Memorial Day picnic. Due to our last name (the beginning letter) we are designated to bring salad. I would like to make two. Of course, in my efforts to decide what to bring, I decided to bring it to the experts. What are your favorite "pot luck" salads? As always, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in OR Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Are you using the Midwestern definition of "salad" (i.e., copious amounts of Jell-O and Cool Whip)? Or a larger definition? Erica in OR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myeightkiddies Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 I'm not sure. I'm new to the Midwest, so I really don't know what they are calling salad. I could make one traditional and one sweeter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSong Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 In the Midwest, salad is much more than jello, LOL. I'm not sure if that is true for my Minnesota relatives though. I love cole slaw with a few peanuts and raisins added, or a cucumber/tomato salad, or mixed fresh fruit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Are you using the Midwestern definition of "salad" (i.e., copious amounts of Jell-O and Cool Whip)? Or a larger definition? Erica in OR According to my family reunions, I always thought "salad" meant mayo. you know, potato salad w/mayo, carrot raisin salad w/mayo, pasta salad...... :lol: the lettuce stuff was 'tossed salad', ha But thinking of jello and cool whip, remember that salad that was orange jello blended with grated carrots and cottage cheese? ETA: not recommending the orange jello stuff, just reminiscing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 One of my favorites is a bean and cord dish that you could call "bean salad" or sometimes I serve with tortilla chips as like a salsa. It's black bean, corn (cut off the cob fresh is best), tomatoes, onions, cilantro and some salt and cumin. There aren't exact amounts you just kind of add it in amounts/ratios that fits your taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinchick Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Depending on how many categories there are, I'd take salad to mean really any side dish for a cookout. Last year for our church picnic I was assigned "salad" but brought some roasted veggies that were a hit (if I do say so myself). I think there are so many mayo-based salads at these things that people were happy for something a little different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 What are the other categories? -Helping you figure out if salad is a side dish, which is how I'd categorize cole slaw, a green salad- which is what I consider to be salad- lettuce with other veggies and croutons, or a Jello/Cool Whip thing, which I'd catagorize as dessert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I like a nice black bean and edamame salad: http://tastefullyjulie.com/black-bean-corn-and-edamame-salad-with-cilantro-and-lime-dressing/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in OR Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 For something lighter, we've really liked cranberry/feta/spinach salads (one example is http://www.food.com/recipe/cranberry-feta-and-walnut-salad-59829). From my WI/MN/Lutheran upbringing, the kids usually appreciate a potluck item like "green stuff": http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/watergate-salad-53771.aspx. Recently attended a funeral (living in Oregon now) and of the potato salad, fruit salad, and a green Jell-O salad, can you guess which got emptied first? Erica in OR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carriede Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Broccoli salad Fresh, chopped broccoli Sliced red onion Chopped peanuts Raisins Poppyseed dressing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Cole slaw's always a good choice. I make this one: http://articles.courant.com/2002-12-12/features/0212121254_1_pina-colada-muffins-red-cabbage-sour It's from a very popular local seafood restaurant. It gets rave reviews and now if I'm asked to bring a salad, I'm usually asked to bring this coleslaw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I'd make fattoush, which is a middle eastern chopped salad. Recipe at http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/modern-manna/.premium-1.529257 We usually just use romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomato, parsley, maybe one or two carrots, and onions (instead of shallots). Dressing is lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add in the pita croutons when you get there or else they get soggy. I'd also do something along the lines of potato or macaroni salad, assuming those are not covered in sides or some other category. There was a great recipe for potato salad by one of the Food Network stars http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aaron-mccargo-jr/classic-potato-salad-recipe.html Macaroni salad http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/kelsey-nixon/classic-macaroni-salad.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Cowboy Caviar! http://www.myrecipes.com/m/recipe/cowboy-caviar-10000000522962/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I love "ramen coleslaw." Google for recipes. It usually has a combination of cabbage, almonds, sesame seeds, crumbled ramen noodles and a tangy vinegar based salad dressing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 This is a very nice and different potato salad. Definitely needs a few hours for the flavors to work. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-salad-recipe.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I shy away from mayo based salads just in case they will be out all day. Some things I've made: ramen coleslaw (mentioned upthread), vinaigrette coleslaw, fruit salad, watermelon with lime and mint or basil, black bean salad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I like quinoa salads. A friend of mine raves about this one: http://www.justataste.com/2011/07/quinoa-with-corn-and-scallions/ and I'm going to try it for our family picnic. Usually I make a Greek quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta and a lemony greek vinaigrette. (Make it the night before and add a tad more dressing before taking it.) I could eat this all summer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myeightkiddies Posted May 23, 2014 Author Share Posted May 23, 2014 These are such great ideas. I've been a bit concerned about the mayo, but I'll keep it on ice in a cooler until time to eat. I have a lot to think about and plan. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 I like pasta salad. By "pasta salad" I mean vegetables, pasta, and Italian dressing. Some people put cheese on it but I can't have cheese. It is a standard potluck food IME but I like it anyways. I would do a spinach and strawberry salad. I put all sorts of different things in my salad, it may include: Spinach Strawberries raisins grapes mandarin oranges pecans (or walnuts,or sliced almonds) Strawberry vinaigrette I like feta in mine but dh disapproves of feta I don't really eat mayo salads. They are good and all but they make me feel gross when it is hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Grape tomatoes, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball on a toothpick, or alternating on a longer bamboo skewer. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. I love Waldorf salad as well, it's crisp and refreshing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Cous cous makes great salads too. My favorite was on the back of the Marrakesh couscous tin. It has sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, mozzarella cubes, artichoke hearts, and some sort of garlic vinaigrette as a dressing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynamite5 Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Depending on how many categories there are, I'd take salad to mean really any side dish for a cookout. Last year for our church picnic I was assigned "salad" but brought some roasted veggies that were a hit (if I do say so myself). I think there are so many mayo-based salads at these things that people were happy for something a little different. What a great idea--sneak in those veggies with no mayo! I would take an Asian salad, either one with broccoli slaw, red pepper, peanuts and a semi-spicy dressing or perhaps Asian noodles. For the second one, totally go with grilled veggies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSong Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 I've made this a few times and people really liked it. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/tracies-couscous-salad-recipe.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 I also tend the skip the mayo when it's hot out or I have to travel with the food. I just made a pasta salad today, it was sort of a cheater version since I used bottled dressing but good and simple. I tossed cooked orzo, split cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices with Ken's Lite Northern Italian dressing. If I had fresh basil ready, I'd have shredded and added a few leaves. Salt and pepper to taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Ken's Lite Northern Italian dressing This is absolutely my go-to dressing for a quick pasta/quinoa/veggie salad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 I'd make fattoush, which is a middle eastern chopped salad. Recipe at http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/modern-manna/.premium-1.529257 We usually just use romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomato, parsley, maybe one or two carrots, and onions (instead of shallots). Dressing is lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add in the pita croutons when you get there or else they get soggy. :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: i LOVE Middle Eastern food! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upennmama Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 I would do an italian antipasto salad- rotini or other small shapes, diced pepperoni, salami, summer sausage, provolone/mozzarella, olives, sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and italian dressing (I do homemade, but jarred works). A spoonful of pesto or just sliced basil is lovely, too. I get raves on this salad all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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