Baby Spinach Salad

Some of the ingredients in this recipe (read: spinach leaves) might throw you off. But I'm telling you - this is one of the best salads I've ever tasted!

1 bag baby spinach leaves
1 carton fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 can hearts of palm, cut up
1 box cherry tomatoes
1-2 avocados, diced

1/4 cup sugar or splenda
1/2 cup vinegar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 Tbsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 cup oil

Toss salad ingredients. Mix dressing (makes a lot, so use only half) and pour onto salad.

Broccoli-Craisin Salad

1 lg package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
Handful of almonds or cashews, toasted lightly in oven
Handful of craisins

Dressing:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lemon (1 ½ Tbsp)
2-4 Tbsp sugar, to taste

Combine salad ingredients in bowl. Mix together dressing ingredients and taste to adjust flavors. Pour over salad, toss, and serve chilled.

Beena's Macaroni Salad

1 lb macaroni (whatever shape)
Mayonnaise (start with 2 spoons, add more as needed)
3 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp vinegar
2 tsp salt
Pepper, diced

Cook noodles according to directions on package. VERY IMPORTANT: Immediately after draining, mix in mayonnaise (so it won’t get greasy). Mix in rest of ingredients.

Chicken Salad

I got this recipe from Bassie Gruen (from Mishpacha magazine and the book Mother's Musings). I went to her house for Shabbos once, and let me tell you, this salad went fast. I've made it many times since I've come home, and it's become one of my family's favorites.

Chicken (from soup, leftovers …), shredded into pieces
Cherry tomatoes
Pickles
Scallions
Celery

Dressing:
    Mayonaise
    Spurt of mustard
    Pickle juice (just a little)
    Salt
    Pepper

Mix all salad ingredients together. In a separate bowl (or cup), mix dressing ingredients until smooth. Toss together. Enjoy.

You can be as original as you want with this. I've put in noodles, left out vegetables, etc. It is extremely adaptable and ca fit any family's needs.