Cajun Rainbow Slaw

Boy, this Cajun rainbow slaw has some kick! If you’re a fan of horseradish you’ll be all over this salad. If you’re not a fan of horseradish, cut the amount in half and you’ll still get to enjoy a great salad! I make a lot (and I do mean a lot) of slaws and this one is a pleasant change from the usual vinegar- or mayonnaise-based versions.

Cajun Rainbow Slaw

Great On A BBQ Pork Sandwich

My favorite way to eat a good slaw is heaped on top of a smoked pulled pork or brisket sandwich. I love the contrast between the crunchy slaw and the tender meat. You just can’t beat it.

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 Sriracha slaw. Just like this Cajun rainbow slaw, it packs a good bit of a kick.

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from the Food Network.

Cajun Rainbow Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Rainbow Slaw

Boy, this Cajun rainbow slaw has some kick! If you’re a fan of horseradish you’ll be all over this salad
Course Side
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 220kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Creole mustard spicy brown works fine, or combine a few drops of Worcestershire sauce with Dijon mustard
  • ½ lemon juiced (to taste, depending on the size of the lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish more or less, to taste
  • 1 12 ounce broccoli slaw mix
  • 1 small red bell pepper minced
  • 1 small orange bell pepper minced
  • 3 green onions chopped

Instructions

  • Combine the seasoning, mayo, mustard, lemon and horseradish in a medium bowl.
  • Add in the remaining ingredients and fold to coat.

Notes

You can substitute 2 tablespoons chopped red onion for the green onion.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1768IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cantaloupe Salsa

This is great salsa. Tired of the same old tomato-based salsa? This cantaloupe salsa will cure you! You could serve it with chips, though you might want to chop the cantaloupe a little smaller. Or do as I did and serve it over a fantastic grilled pork tenderloin.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cantaloupe Salsa

Perfect With Grill Pork

I liked the chunkier pieces of fruit in my cantaloupe salsa when served with tender, juicy pork tenderloin. Smaller pieces would’ve been lost in the dish, I think.

I serve a similar dish but use a cherry salsa instead. Either salsa pairs perfectly with the pork.

Add a little minced jalapeno or serrano for an extra kick!

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Patio Daddio.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cantaloupe Salsa
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4 from 1 vote

Cantaloupe Salsa

This is great salsa. Tired of the same old tomato-based salsa? This cantaloupe salsa will cure you! 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cantaloupe, salsa
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 63kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 407mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 3533IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mason Jar Salad

We often have a salad with our dinner. Sometimes, you want to mix it up a little. Make it  look a little different. These Mason jar salads did just that. Great greens, juicy explode-in-your-mouth tomatoes, and a few croutons, all topped with homemade dressings. It might be just a salad. But put it in a jar and everyone ‘oooohs’ and ‘aaaaahs’. Just like they do for my classic wedge salads.

Mason Jar Salad

Eating Out Of A Jar Is Fun

You can put anything you want into these salads. As long as it’ll fit through the jar opening. I used jelly Mason jars since they are big around the base. They also have a large mouth, making it easier to get to the salad.

For dressings, I like to make jars of my homemade Catalina dressing or homemade Italian dressing.

Mason Jar Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Mason Jar Salad

We often have a salad with our dinner. Sometimes, you want to mix it up a little. Make it  look a little different. These mason jar salads did just that. 
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • Toppings cherry tomatoes, croutons, cubed or shredded cheese, diced onion or cucumber, etc

Instructions

  • Cut the bottom off the lettuce.
  • Then, cut it into 2" (depending on how deep your jars are) pieces.
  • Insert the pieces into the jars then top with your desired toppings and serve.

Notes

You can make these ahead of time and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sriracha Slaw

I love a slaw with some kick. Sure, I’ll enjoy a big ole bowl of sweet slaw too, but for my money you can’t beat a Sriracha slaw that brings a little heat. This is not your usual boring creamy slaw. Nor is it your usual vinegary slaw either. There’s more than a bit of spiciness in it. There’s lots of flavor too!

Sriracha Slaw

Nicely Spicy

Sriracha sauce is a wonderful thing. Though it is a little spicy, it’s not a burn-the-cover-off-your-tongue hot. It’s pleasant really. It adds a little something, something you don’t find in a regular hot sauce. It is fantastic in this Sriracha slaw. Heck, I’d have to rename this dish if there weren’t Sriracha in it!

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 Hard Eight coleslaw.

Sriracha Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Sriracha Cole Slaw

I love a slaw with some kick. Sure, I’ll enjoy a big ole bowl of sweet slaw too, but for my money you can’t beat a Sriracha slaw that brings a little heat.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 155kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Sriracha, sugar and celery seed.
  • Add in the slaw mix and stir well to coat.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Italian Pasta Salad

I’ve been on a pasta and potato salad kick lately. The beauty of salads is that I can make them in the morning when it is still cool out. Then, there’s no additional work at dinner time. Perfect! But that doesn’t mean I want something boring. This Italian pasta salad is nice and easy to make. And it’s definitely not boring!

Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian pasta salad has all sorts of yummy fresh things in it. Even with the pasta it still feels light. It’s a great salad to make in the evening and let it ‘get happy’ in the fridge overnight. Pack it into a cooler and you have the perfect side salad.

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 roasted red pepper pasta salad.

Italian Pasta Salad
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4 from 1 vote

Italian Pasta Salad

The beauty of salads is that I can make them in the morning when it is still cool out. Then, there’s no additional work at dinner time. Perfect!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 259kcal
Author Paula Deen

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Drain well and let cool.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and bell pepper to the pasta and fold to combine.
  • Whisk together the salad dressing, mayo, and sugar.
  • Add to the pasta mixture and fold to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper. You may have to add a bit more dressing the next morning after the salad sits in the fridge.

Notes

You can use a sugar substitute in this salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 229IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fire and Ice Salad

This fire and ice salad has some spicy kick for sure. And crunch. It’s very good with just the right amount of vinegar (too much can be… too much!). Mustard seed and celery seed add a nice pickling flavor.

Fire and Ice Salad

Celery Seed Adds So Much

This fire and ice salad would be fantastic on fish tacos (you might want to cut the cukes down a bit) or a pulled pork BBQ sandwich. And you might not think it, but it’s fantastic on top of grilled hot dogs. They need that crunchy contrast. A lot.

I’ve become a big fan of celery seed. It really kicks up salads, such as slaws or this fresh garden salad. Celery seed also finds its way into may of my rubs and seasonings, including my favorite Fire-Eater rub.

Fire and Ice Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Fire and Ice Salad

This fire and ice salad has some spicy kick for sure. And crunch. It’s very good with just the right amount of vinegar (too much can be… too much!). Mustard seed and celery seed add a nice pickling flavor.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pickled, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 44kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the tomato, bell pepper and onion in large bowl.
  • In a small saucepan over high heat add the remaining ingredients except for the cucumber.
  • Stir and bring to a boil for 1 minute.
  • Remove dressing from heat and pour over the tomato mixture.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour or until cold.
  • Serve tossed with sliced cucumber.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cowboy Caviar

This marinated black-eyed pea salad (aka Cowboy Caviar) is absolutely fantastic. It is great as a side for grilled burgers or dogs… anything! The celery adds a really nice crunch. Take this along on your next pitch-in and everyone will love it. Like me, they will think that it’s the best kicked up pea salad ever.

Cowboy Caviar

A Great Fresh Bite

This recipe for Cowboy Caviar came from the July 2013 issue of Chile Pepper magazine (no longer in publication). The recipe was originally from Liberty’s Kitchen in New Orleans, which is committed to helping teach under-served youth in a culinary setting. So not only do they have a great mission, they also have a great black-eyed pea salad!

Also try my Buffalo Cowboy caviar and my Georgia caviar recipes.

Cowboy Caviar
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4 from 1 vote

Cowboy Caviar

This marinated black-eyed pea salad (aka Cowboy Caviar) is absolutely fantastic. It is great as a side for grilled burgers or dogs… anything! 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bean salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 280kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the cilantro lime vinaigrette

For the salad

  • 3 15 ounce black eyed peas rinsed and drained
  • 1 large sweet onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 4 stalks celery diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • Cilantro lime vinaigrette (from above)

Instructions

  • Prepare the vinaigrette by placing all ingredients into a bowl and whisking well. You can also puree them in a blender.
  • Make the salad by combining all ingredients and tossing to coat.

Notes

Give the salad another stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 254mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 557IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

This is the easiest way to make a big ole loaf of yummy, cheesy garlic bread. Every slice is loaded with butter and cheese goodness. You can make these loaves ahead of time and bake them later. You can cut them thick, or you can cut them thin. If you end up cutting them real thin you might have to double or triple the ingredients for the ‘toppings’. Heck, you might want to double or triple them anyways because they’re great. And more cheese is more better!

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Kick It Up

You can kick up this cheesy garlic bread by substituting pepper jack cheese and adding a few pickled jalapeno slices. I sometimes make this using a baguette for smaller, almost crouton-sized slices of cheese bread.

Also try my gotta-have-it garlic bread and some gorgonzola garlic bread.

Cheesy Garlic Bread
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Garlic Bread

This is the easiest way to make a big ole loaf of yummy, cheesy garlic bread. Every slice is loaded with butter and cheese goodness. You can make these loaves ahead of time and bake them later. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesy, garlic bread
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 385kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 4 ounces Mozzarella cheese sliced thin
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or more, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Make vertical cuts in the bread every inch or so, cutting to within 1/2″ of the bottom of the loaf but not all the way through.
  • Transfer bread to a large piece of aluminum foil.
  • Insert cheese slices into the cuts in the bread.
  • Melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder and parsley. Brush over the bread and into the slits.
  • Wrap up the bread in the foil and transfer to the oven.
  • Bake 15 minutes.
  • Open foil and bake another 5 minutes until crispy.
  • Serve sliced or whole and let your guests pull it apart.

Notes

Pepper jack is great too!

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 707mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 217IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 205mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Roasted Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes have such tremendous potato flavor. And they cook very quickly, making them great to make on the grill, like these spicy roasted baby potatoes. These little bites-of-nothing-but-goodness pack some mighty nice kick. Just like I like it. And don’t fear the spicy, either. We’re not talking ‘oh my! my mouth is on fire’ spicy. There’s just enough to wake up your taste buds.

You can substitute fingerling potatoes too, just make sure they are all about the same size or they won’t cook evenly. You want tender, tasty baby potatoes. You don’t want to bite into a hard potato. Ever. The more they are the same size, the better they’ll be!

Spicy Roasted Baby Potatoes

Add A Little Smokiness

For a little smokiness in your spicy roasted baby potatoes, substitute chipotle powder for the chili powder. You’ll still get a nice kick. And you’ll get just the right hint of smoke. If you’re cooking these on a gas grill, people will think you used charcoal or wood!

Also try my grilled potato wedges.

Spicy Roasted Baby Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Roasted Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes have such tremendous potato flavor. And they cook very quickly, making them great to make on the grill, like these spicy roasted baby potatoes. These little bites-of-nothing-but-goodness pack some mighty nice kick. Just like I like it.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword potatoes, roasted, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 181kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large aluminum pan.
  • Cook over indirect heat until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes.

Notes

Left over potatoes can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven or on a grill.

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 665mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

I was somewhat pessimistic when I first saw this recipe for Oriental Ramen broccoli coleslaw. My wife sent it to me and asked that I make it for her to take to work for lunch. And of course, I did! Ya know, to like stay in good graces. Well, not only did I stay on her good side I got a great slaw too!

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

Different And Delicious

I was really surprised at how much I liked this oriental Ramen broccoli coleslaw. It is fresh. The flavors are not overpowering, with just a hint of seasoning. It’s light and crunchy and really delicious. This recipe makes for a pretty good-sized batch, but for a huge crowd I’d double it. It holds up well for picnics and family get-togethers.

This slaw is great with my Ramen-seasoned chicken wings.

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

I was really surprised at how much I liked this oriental Ramen broccoli coleslaw. It is fresh. The flavors are not overpowering, with just a hint of seasoning. This makes a pretty good-sized batch, but for a huge crowd I’d double it. It holds up well for picnics and family get-togethers.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, broccoli, cole slaw, coleslaw
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 248kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Do not open the noodle packages. Instead, crush them in your hands. Then, open them, remove and reserve the spice packets, and pour the noodles into a large bowl.
  • Add the broccoli, nuts, sunflowers seeds and green onions.
  • In a small bowl or Mason jar, combine the sugar, oil, reserved Ramen spices and vinegar. Whisk or shake well then pour into the bowl of slaw.
  • Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Notes

Toss or stir lightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.