Spinach and Strawberry Salad

1 bunch spinach leaves, washed, patted dry
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 (7 oz.) can mandarin oranges
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
1/3 cup almonds
3 tablespoons sugar

In saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons sugar. When sugar starts to melt, add almonds. Remove from heat when almonds are sugar coated. Toss all ingredients in salad bowl. Serve with poppy seed dressing.

Poppy Seed Dressing:

3/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Put all ingredients in jar with lid and shake. Pour on salad just before serving.

Pasta Salad with Chicken and Grapes

3 cups dried bow tie pasta, cooked until tender--about 8 minutes

4 cups chicken, poached and cut into 1 inch cubes (When I'm in a hurry, I use a cooked rotisserie chicken.)

2 cups celery, chopped

2 cups, cashews, salted

2 cups dried cranberries

3 cups red grapes, cut in half

1 bunch green onions, chopped

8 oz. coleslaw dressing (You will find this by salad dressings.)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup Miracle whip

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. In large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, celery, cashews, cranberries, grapes, and green onions. 

2. In small bowl, combine coleslaw dressing, mayonnaise, Miracle Whip and salt. 

3. Add dressing mix to pasta mix and fold gently to combine. 

4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

This is one of my favorite luncheon foods. It is fabulous for dinner as well.

Potato Salad

8 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cooked tender (about 10 lbs.)

8 eggs, hard boiled and sliced

1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup dill pickles, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 heaping cup Miracle Whip

2 tablespoons prepared mustard

1 teaspoon bacon grease

1. In large bowl, fold together potatoes, bacon, bacon grease, green onions, pickles, and eggs. 

2. In separate bowl combine Miracle whip, mustard, and salt. 

3. Pour dressing mixture over potatoes and mix carefully until all potatoes are coated.  

4. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

This recipe is from my late Grandma Schmidt. She served this recipe at our family Christmas Eve parties, Summer barbecues, and family reunions. It is the best potato salad I have ever tasted.