Three Bean Macaroni Salad

I’m always on the lookout for a new salad, especially if it has macaroni in it. This three bean macaroni salad is somewhat similar to our popular peas and pasta salad. It has a nice creamy dressing and a nice crunch thanks to onion and bell pepper. The addition of dill really makes the dressing even better. And oh, the dressing. Delicious.

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

Cheese Is Optional

I can see adding cubed pepper jack cheese to this three bean macaroni salad to really take it over the top. So I included it in the recipe, though I didn’t make it with the cheese. I trust my judgement on this one.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my regular-ole-macaroni salad. Classic flavor in every bite.

Three Bean Macaroni Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

I’m always on the lookout for a new salad, specially if it has macaroni in it. This three bean macaroni salad is somewhat similar to our popular peas and pasta salad in that it has a nice creamy dressing and a nice crunch thanks to onion and bell pepper. The addition of dill really makes the dressing even better.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 308kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain well and let cool.
  • Place all of the beans, the bell pepper and onion in a large bowl and mix.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Italian dressing.
  • Pour dressing over vegetables and stir to combine.
  • Add in the pasta and the dill and stir until the pasta is well coated.
  • Add cheese and stir gently.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 489mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cauliflower Steaks

Roasting is my favorite way to cook vegetables. The flavors really, really come out. From broccoli to Brussels sprouts to cauliflower, you just can’t beat them roasted. And they’re even healthy (if you watch what you put on them). But they can get rather boring. These cauliflower steaks aren’t boring. And not only do they taste great they also look cool!

Cauliflower Steaks

Easy. Cool. And Yummy.

This approach to roasting cauliflower is super-easy, and very easy to change to suit your own tastes. It can be a bit challenging cutting the cauliflower into steaks. After you do a few you kind of get the hang of it.

Also try my Buffalo bacon roasted cauliflower.

Cauliflower Steaks
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4 from 1 vote

Cauliflower Steaks

These cauliflower steaks aren’t boring. And not only do they taste great they also look cool!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower, roasted
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 46kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 400 F.
  • Stand cauliflower on end and cut into 1/2″ thick slices.
  • Place in a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Brush with olive oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Place in oven for 15 minutes. Flip and cook another 10 minutes or until stalks are tender and florets are starting to brown.
  • Combine the tomatoes, olives, red onion, one half tablespoon of the parsley.
  • Add about a tablespoon of vinaigrette and mix.
  • Serve cauliflower topped with the tomato mixture and garnish with the remaining parsley.

Notes

Add a little crumbled feta or blue cheese for a delicious twist!

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 349mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mardi Gras Slaw

I’m a huge fan of anything slaw. It’s kinda odd since when I was growing up I couldn’t stand slaw at all. Now, slaw is the one thing I almost always order when eating out. I often make it when cooking at home. And slaw isn’t just a wonderful side. It’s fantastic on top of hot dogs, hamburgers, and best of all, pulled pork or smoked brisket sandwiches. This colorful Mardi Gras slaw is one of the slaws that changed my mind about slaws.

Mardi Gras Slaw

A Wonderful Twist On A Classic Slaw

This recipe for Mardi Gras slaw comes from Marguerite at Cajun Delights, my favorite place for all thing Cajun, from food to music.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my bacon ranch slaw.

Mardis Gras Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Mardi Gras Slaw

I’m a huge fan of anything slaw, which is odd since when I was growing up I couldn’t stand slaw at all. Now, slaw is the one thing I almost always order when eating out, and I often make it when cooking at home. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, cole slaw, coleslaw
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 140kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine cabbage, onion and bell peppers in large bowl.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients.
  • Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat completely.

Notes

Always stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 637IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

All-American Mac-and-Cheese

Who doesn’t love mac-and-cheese? I’ve certainly made lots of variations on the classic, from a Cholula mac, to pepperoni pizza mac, fondue mac, to roasted garlic and thyme mac. I decided to go a more traditional route. Loaded with cheese, my All-American Mac-and-Cheese is just flat-out cheesy. And it has a little twist at the end to boot.

All-American Mac-and-Cheese

Add A Little Kick

You don’t have to sprinkle your All-American Mac-and-Cheese with cayenne pepper, though I do recommend it. Leave it off entirely or try a little dusting of paprika instead. I think it adds a nice (needed) contrast to the tons of (yummy) creamy cheesiness. Otherwise you end up with a big ole bowl of yellow orange. Sure, it’s tasty yellow orange, but life (and mac and cheese) needs a little kick so add some!

Reheating Leftovers

If I end up with leftovers, I warm them up on the stovetop with a few splashes of milk (not the evaporated stuff, the stuff from the carton). And I might add a pat or two of butter. It helps the sauce get creamy again.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also try my 20-minute mac-and-cheese.

All-American Mac-and-Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

All-American Mac-and-Cheese

Loaded with cheese, my All-American Mac-and-Cheese is just flat-out cheesy. And it has a little twist at the end to boot.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 563kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni.
  • Continue boiling until the pasta is al dente. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour, mustard powder and cayenne. Continue whisking for 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the evaporated milk and continue stirring until thick, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the cheeses and stir until melted.
  • Add the pasta and stir. If the mixture is too thick add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  • Heat through and season with salt and pepper.

Notes

You might have to add a bit of milk or water to the mac-and-cheese when reheating if it’s too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 861IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 627mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Italian Olive Salad

Italian olive salad is a wonderful thing. Although I use it pretty much exclusively on sandwiches, you can also mix it with pasta for a great salad. There’s a great mix of textures and taste. From crunchy carrots to rich Kalamata olives, to the kick of pickled cauliflower and pepperoncini. Although it’s a little work, and takes a few ingredients, this salad is the best there is. Make sure to let it set overnight before using it.

Italian Olive Salad

Olive Lover’s Heaven

If you love olives, you’ll more than love this Italian olive salad. It makes for the world’s best sandwich, a muffuletta.  I can eat muffuletta all day long. I can also eat this salad out of a bowl. And if you’re looking for something different, add a good spoonful of this salad to your next pizza.

Make sure your olives are completely pitted. That’s one advantage of making this salad at home versus buying it. You can make sure each every pit is gone. I used a store-bought olive salad to make a muffuletta the other day and I bit into a pit. I about broke a tooth. No more of that. It’s homemade for me!

Yeah, you can buy olive salad online or in a store. And it’s good stuff. But, oh, there’s nothing like the homemade salad.

Italian Olive Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Olive Salad

Italian olive salad is a wonderful thing. Although I use it pretty much exclusively on sandwiches, you can also mix it with pasta for a great salad. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, olives, salad
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 30 minutes
Servings 14
Calories 405kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large seal-able bowl.
  • Let set in fridge overnight, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir again before serving.

Notes

Add more oil, in very small quantities, if the mixture gets too dry.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 1385mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2147IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cheese Fondue Mac-and-Cheese

Fondue. Mac-and-cheese. Two things that were destined to go together. You just know it is creamy, gooey, and super cheesy. Cheese fondue mac-and-cheese is what that weird orange stuff in the box at the grocery store dreams about being. There’s nothing but good stuff here. Nothing but flavor and creaminess. This is one delicious side dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again. I did and do!

Cheese Fondue Mac-and-Cheese

The Cheese Takes The Stage

The best part of cheese fondue mac-and-cheese is definitely the cheese. Don’t skimp on the cheeses you use. Add good quality cheese and you’ll really enjoy the end result.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

If you’re worried about the wine and serving this to children, I wouldn’t worry. The alcohol cooks off once the mixture comes to a boil. Now, whether or not you can get kids to eat this is another thing. It’s definitely not the ‘usual’.

Also try my pimento cheese fondue. No, it’s not mac-and-cheese but oh is it ever great fondue!

Cheese Fondue Mac-and-Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Cheese Fondue Mac-and-Cheese

Fondue. Mac-and-cheese. Two things that were destined to go together. You just know it is creamy, gooey, and super cheesy.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesy, mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 462kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Cook pasta per package instructions, removing from heat 1-2 minutes before being completely done. You want the pasta to be a little al dente.
  • Melt the butter in a large sauce pan.
  • Add the garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute while continuing to whisk.
  • Remove from heat and milk and wine and stir.
  • Return to heat and bring back to a boil. Whisk for another minute while boiling.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Add the pasta to the pan and toss until well coated.
  • Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Pour pasta mixture into dish, spreading out evenly.
  • Sprinkle top with Panko.
  • Bake 35-40 minutes or until the mixture is golden brown and is bubbly hot.

Notes

Sure, you can substitute any cheeses you want!

Nutrition

Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 954mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chorizo Fried Potatoes

These chorizo fried potatoes are so good you almost don’t need anything else with them. I had a batch with breakfast. You can also use them in tacos or tortillas – just add a little shredded cheese!

Chorizo Fried Potatoes

Better Than Beef

I love Mexican chorizo. Quite often I mix it half-and-half with ground beef for a more kicked-up dish than using just plain ole beef. It certainly makes for great chorizo fried potatoes.

When I first started cooking I kept running into recipes that called for chorizo, but they didn’t say which kind. Now it’s obvious to me. There’s a mighty big difference between them. Mexican chorizo is a spicy ground meat mixture. Spanish chorizo is a dried, salami-like spicy meat. I love them both, though.

Also try my andouille Cajun potatoes.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Chef Valladolid.

Chorizo Fried Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Chorizo Fried Potatoes

Great as a side or on tacos or tortillas.
Course Side
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword potatoes, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 287kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Mexican chorizo
  • 1 small white onion diced
  • 1 pound red potatoes cut into 1/4″ dice

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil until starting to get tender. Remove and drain.
  • Crumble the chorizo into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned.
  • Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the chorizo drippings. Add in the onion and potatoes and cook until the onions are tender and the potatoes are starting to brown (I like mine with crispy edges).
  • Add the chorizo back to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Notes

You can also use Russet potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 554mg | Potassium: 361mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon Ranch Slaw

This is the world’s easiest-to-make slaw. Bacon ranch slaw is perfect for a big get-together. It’ll hold up well in the heat of the day, so make a batch for a family picnic. It has the surprising twist of bacon. Who puts bacon in slaw? Well, everyone should now. It adds that great smokiness. A little extra crunch. We already knew that ranch dressing and bacon go together so well. I mean, who doesn’t load up on the bacon bits on their salad then pour on the Ranch? Ok, maybe that’s just me…

Bacon Ranch Slaw

Bacon In Slaw Is A Good Thing

My wife loved this bacon ranch slaw. Use a good smoky bacon for extra kick! Also try my bacon ranch potato salad or another favorite, pineapple king coleslaw.

Bacon Ranch Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Bacon Ranch Slaw

This is the world’s easiest-to-make slaw. Bacon ranch slaw is perfect for a big get-together. It’ll hold up well in the heat of the day, so make a batch for a family picnic.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, cole slaw, coleslaw, Ranch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 122kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 pound coleslaw mix
  • 4 slices bacon cooked, drained, crumbled
  • ½ cup Ranch dressing

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

The better quality Ranch you use, the better this slaw is!

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Wow, now this is the way to cook and serve up cauliflower. The flavors are fantastic, and just doesn’t get any easier to make. You can make this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower in any style you want, just substitute your favorite spices. I lean towards southwestern and Cajun flavors, so that’s what I used. A little citrus, a little earthiness, and just a bit of heat. It’s nice to have something that looks a little different!

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Crunchy Outside, Tender Inside

The yogurt coating forms a light crust over this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower. It’s a nice little crunchy contrast to the tender roasted insides. I was pleased with how well this cooked up. I was afraid the cauliflower would be hard. Instead it was perfect.

Also try Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun cauliflower.

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower
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4 from 1 vote

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Wow, now this is the way to cook and serve up cauliflower. The flavors are fantastic, and just doesn’t get any easier to make. You can make this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower in any style you want, just substitute your favorite spices. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower, roasted, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 64kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Trim the green leaves from the cauliflower. Also trim the stem so most of the woody part is gone and there is a nice flat surface on the bottom.
  • Note: Depending on how large your cauliflower is, and how you like yours cooked (we prefer a little bite to ours), you may want to steam or microwave the cauliflower a little first. Make sure you dry the outside of the cauliflower afterwards so that the yogurt mixture will adhere.
  • Spray a small baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
  • Dip the head of cauliflower into the bowl and swish it around to get it fully coated. Transfer to the baking sheet stem-side down.
  • Roast for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and starting to get tender. I inserted a long toothpick into the cauliflower to make sure it was cooked like I want it (a little al dente). Depending on the size of your cauliflower, it may take more or less time.

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 872IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Macaroni Salad

The key to this fantastic macaroni salad is the tang of the Blue Plate mayonnaise. Regular mayonnaise just won’t give you that kick. If you cannot find Blue Plate in your area, mix a little fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard into your usual mayonnaise. It’ll be more like Blue Plate, but nothing, absolutely nothing, is the same as Blue Plate.

This macaroni salad really reminds me of a traditional egg salad. Creamy, and crunchy. Well, and it does have eggs in it too.

Macaroni Salad

Want A Kick? You Got It!

For a little kick in your salad, add a few pinches (or more) of my homemade Cajun seasoning. Or add cubed pepper jack cheese.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my mac and Jack salad and my crazy-good Creole macaroni salad.

Macaroni Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad really reminds me of a traditional egg salad. Creamy, and crunchy. Well, and it does have eggs in it too.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 385kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Drain well and let cool.
  • Place pasta into a large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir (gently) to combine.
  • Let refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

Substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for the salt, pepper and garlic powder for extra kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 705mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.