Tag: Green Onions

What You Need To Know About Potato Salads

Potato salad is a dish, usually an appetizer, made, obviously, from potatoes. However so, it still varies throughout different countries and regions of the world. Potato salads are more classified as side dishes than salads for they generally just precede or the follow the main course.

Many would claim on having made the best potato salad and would offer the truest and most authentic way of making it. But no matter what is said by many, the best potato salad, or any kind of salad at that matter, is purely of personal preference. Some like their potato salads mingled and just oozing with its dressing, some would prefer theirs to be really soft and tender, and others would want their potato salad to be crispy.

Potato salads are oftenly served along with hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, roasts and cold sandwiches. This kind of salad is categorized more as a casual fare and more oftenly served during outdoor barbecues, picnics, and other sorts of casual events or meals. But this fact is not stated to underestimate their savory goodness.

Potato salads are definitely a popular menu choice of various chefs and cooks for preparing food for a large crowd, and since they can be made in large quantities with utter ease, they can also be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator until it is their time to be served.

You must never worry about emptying your wallet when going to the grocery store to buy whatever ingredients you need for you potato salad. The ingredients needed for potato salads are inexpensive and very much affordable. Thus, you do not have to worry about making one yourself because it is, in fact, quite easy.

You would need two pounds, or approximately six large potatoes which are peeled and quartered; two stalks of chopped celery; one finely chopped onion, of which you could cook using a microwave on high level for just one minute to be able to reduce that hotness, if you want, that is; four green onions that you have sliced for just of an inch thick; one large carrot, shredded; cup of a sweet pickle relish; cup of chopped red onion; one teaspoon of dry parsley; a half teaspoon of mustard seeds; you would also need pepper or salt for the taste, along with balsamic or wine vinegar, and also with yogurt or a nonfat mayonnaise.

Of course you have to cook the potatoes in boiling water for approximately fifteen minutes, or when the potatoes are already barely tender. You have to check every minute or so after the first ten minutes have gone by. Once you have confirmed of the cooked status of your potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces. After that, just leave them be so that they will cool down. Then, you should mix the other ingredients you have also prepared in a large bowl. Once you are confident that you mixed them finely, add your already cooled potatoes, and then mix them, altogether, well.

When all these are done, chill your self-made potato salad, but just do not forget to stir it a couple of times during the chilling time you have alotted for it.

Tasty And Healthy Spinach Salad Recipes

Think spinach and the cartoon Popeye comes to mind. It is not so much of a mystery why the creators have decided to create this character. It is the only way to convince kids to eat their spinach. High in iron and vitamins, the spinach has a slightly bitter taste that needs a little getting used to. But with the following preparations, even most discriminating kids will come in for seconds.

24-HOUR SPINACH SALAD RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 pound Fresh Spinach — torn in pieces
1 pound Bacon — chopped
1 Head Lettuce — torn in pieces
1 medium red onion — diced
6 Eggs, Hard-Boiled — cut in wedges
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
3/4 cup Miracle Whip
8 ounces Swiss cheese

Directions:

This is a layered salad, don’t mix until serving time.

Place prepared spinach in bottom of large bowl, sprinkle with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add prepared bacon, do not mix. Add onion and prepared lettuce, add the eggs.

Mix both mayonnaise and Miracle Whip and pour over eggs, cut up the Swiss cheese and place over mayonnaise. Cover and let the salad set for 24 hours. Mix and stir just before serving.

WILTED SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM DRESSING RECIPE

Ingredients:
2 heads spinach; torn
1 small can mandarin oranges; drained
1 avocado; sliced

Dressing

2 teaspoons sugar
2 green onions; sliced
4 slices bacon; chopped
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water

Directions:

Tear spinach into bowl; season with salt and pepper. Fry bacon crisp; add vinegar, water, sugar and onion; heat to boiling. Pour over spinach. Toss until wilted. Add mandarin oranges and avocado.

SPINACH FLAMBE RECIPE

Ingredients:

6 bunches spinach — washed and dried
6 hard-boiled eggs — sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
12 strips bacon, crisply fried — chopped
3/4 cup bacon drippings
1/2 cup malt vinegar
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 ounce brandy (100 proof)

Directions:

Tear spinach into bite-sized pieces and place in large salad bowl. Add egg slices, salt and pepper.

Mix remaining ingredients except brandy in small saucepan and heat until very hot. Heat brandy briefly, add to saucepan and ignite. Pour flaming dressing over spinach and toss gently but thoroughly. Serve on warm salad plates.

SHRIMP AND GRAPEFRUIT SPINACH SALAD RECIPE

Ingredients:

3 pink grapefruit
3 tablespoons wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 pound spinach, stems trimmed and leaves washed well
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Directions:

With a sharp knife, peel the grapefruit, removing all the bitter white pith. Slice about 3/8 inch thick. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Drizzle in 1/2 cup of the oil, whisking to combine. Season the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, and cook, turning once, until pink, about 3 minutes per side. Add the grapefruit, cooked shrimp, spinach, and onion to the vinaigrette in the large bowl. Toss well.

Satisfying And Light Chicken Salad Recipes

Chicken has grown to be the favored meat especially in Asia. Mainly because chicken do not have the same strong taste like say, beef, it has become a favorite addition to salad recipes. The combination cannot be any greater, the filling effect of the chicken without the strong taste to clash with the light, fresh taste of the fruits, vegetables and dressing.

Below are two widely researched recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy your salad cravings. So what are you waiting for? Get your choppers ready and let’s start making that salad!

CURRIED CHUTNEY CHICKEN SALAD (from AllRecipes.com)

2 whole chicken breasts (or about 5 cups cubed cooked chicken)
1 cup seedless white grapes, cut in half
1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into cubes.
Greens of your choice for serving
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted.
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, white and green parts

Dressing:

1/3 cup bottled Major Grey’s chutney, large pieces chopped.
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup mayonnaise, homemade or high-quality purchased.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Roast the chicken. When it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the chicken. Pull the meat off the bones and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the meat in a large bowl. Add the grapes and pineapple.

For the dressing, in a bowl, whisk together the chutney, curry powder, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and salt.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly. At this point, you may refrigerate the salad for up to 3 hours, or turn it out onto a platter lined with lettuce leaves, chill briefly, and serve. Sprinkle the pecans and green onions over the salad before serving.

MEXICAN CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 Tbsp. honey
1-1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned, and cut into 2″ strips
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
16 oz. pkg. frozen corn
1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
10 oz. pkg. lettuce mix
2 avocados, peeled and chopped
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups slightly crushed blue corn tortilla chips
1 cup sour cream
10 oz. jar thick and chunky salsa

Combine salt, vinegar, cumin, pepper, and honey and mix well; set aside.

Heat oil in skillet. Sprinkle chicken with garlic salt, then saute in pan until white, about 5 minutes. Combine cooked chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, onions, and red peppers in large bowl. Stir in dressing. Chill for an hour.

Mix chicken mixture with lettuce. Serve along with avocados, cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream and salsa.

Pasta Salad As A Healthy Alternative

Pasta has always been associated with weight and a heavy feeling. True, pasta is rich in carbohydrate, a food group most often than not, shunned by weight watchers. However, there are still people who find it hard to avoid this altogether. And they are right in thinking so.

Although it tends to add weight if taken in excess, carbohydrate is very important because it gives the body the energy it needs to enable it to do its work properly. So for those who cannot give up pasta, there is an alternative.

Instead of having it th traditional way ( with meat and bacon, and cream and all the fatty substances), why not have it as a salad? Below are three fantastic recipes gathered from all over:

TURKEY PASTRAMI AND PASTA SALAD

Ingredients:

3/4 lb. TURKEY PASTRAMI, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
8-ozs. rotini, cooked and drained
1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and cut into quarters
1 cup carrrots, chopped (2 medium)
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1/2 cup chopped celery (1 stalk)
1 4-oz can black olives, drained and sliced
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 /2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
6 lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. In large bowl, combine pastrami, rotini, artichoke, carrots, onion, celery and olives.

2. In small bowl, combine oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Toss together with pastrami mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Serve on lettuce leaves.

APPLE PASTA SALAD

Ingredients:

1 container (8 oz.) plain nonfat yogurt
1 can (8 oz.) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 tsp salt, optional
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp finely chopped crystallized ginger
1 Tbsp honey
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1/2 cup shedded carrot
1 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup raisins
3 cups diced, unpeeled apples (suggested: Empire, Gala, Ida Red, Jonagold, Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Delicious, or Rome)

Instructions:

Thoroughly combine yogurt, pineapple, salt, spices, ginger, and honey; refrigerate. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly. Cool completely. In large bowl, combine all ingredients including yogurt dressing. Chill thoroughly before serving.

GARDEN PASTA SALAD

Ingredients:

1 can (16-ozs) mixed fruit in juice or extra light syrup
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 pkg. (8-oz) spinach spiral pasta
2 tsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup celery, sliced
1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
– Romaine lettuce leaves

Instructions:

Drain mixed fruit, reserving liquid. Drizzle fruit with vinegar and set aside. Cook pasta in boiling water until tender; drain and cool slightly. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, whisk together reserved liquid, cornstarch, basil, and garlic.

Stir over medium heat until mixture thickens and boils. Remove from heat; stir in mixed fruit and vinegar. Toss pasta with tomatoes, celery, and green onion. Fold in fruit and sauce; chill. Spoon onto Romaine lettuce to serve.

Must Try Soup and Salad Recipes

A meal is never complete without either a soup or a salad as an appetizer. Salads are fairly easy to make while soups differ on the level of difficulty of its execution. However, compared to main courses, these can be whipped up in no time.

Quick Chinese Egg Drop Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups seasoned chicken broth
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1 egg, beaten
2 to 3 green onions, finely diced

Bring broth and peas to boil in large saucepan. Slowly add egg to boiling broth, stirring constantly. Sprinkle with onions. Serve hot.

Note: You can also add sliced mushrooms to this.

Gaisburger Marsch (Brisket of Beef Soup/Stew)

Ingredients:

1 pound brisket of beef
1 pound soup (stewing) bones
5 ounces celery
1 small root of parsley
1 to 2 leeks
1/2 onion
1 bay leaf
3 cloves
peppercorns
salt
1/2 pound potatoes
1 to 2 ounces butter or margarine
3 onions
6 to 8 ounces cooked egg noodles

Place meat and bones in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Remove froth. Clean vegetables and add to stock. Stir in herbs and spices. Cook for 90 minutes.

Peel potatoes, wash and cut into small cubes. Cook potatoes separately in salted water. Drain when tender. Remove meat and bones from stock. Dice meat. Strain stock.

Melt butter or margarine in a pan, add sliced onions and braise until golden brown. Alternately put meat, potatoes, and boiled noodles in a soup tureen layer by layer. Cover with hot stock. Sprinkle with braised onions before serving.

Pungent Thai Sauce For Soups

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup Rose’s Lime Juice
3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
6 teaspoons sugar

Combine the ingredients in a bowl and whisk to incorporate.

FRESH CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE

Ingredients:

6 cups fresh cucumbers
1 cup sweet pepper, sliced thin
2 onions sliced into rings
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon celery seed
2 cups sugar
1 cup white vinegar

Directions:

Mix well. Put in refrigerator, let stand overnight.

CUCUMBER AND GREEN SEAWEED SALAD RECIPE

Ingredients:

2 cucumbers
2 radishes
Salt as needed
1 3/8 ounce green seaweed

Dressing:

3 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons
kelp-flavoured fish stock

Directions:

Slice cucumbers and radishes into thin rounds; salt and leave until dewatered. Wash with water and squeeze out brine.

Pour boiling water over green seaweed and cut into bite-size pieces.

Thoroughly mix dressing ingredients and add to cucumbers and seaweed just before serving.