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From Sardis, Ohio, Dorothy Bayes sends this refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue.
Whenever I attend a potluck or family gathering, I'm asked to make this salad, which has been a family secret for over 50 years. My husband likes it as a main dish, served with garlic bread.
—Barbara Robbins
Cave Junction, Oregon
I modified the original recipe for this chicken salad to make it healthier. The ingredients are so flavorful that my changes didn't take away from the taste. This refreshing salad never lasts long at our house. Even if I double the recipe, my husband asks, "Why didn't you make more?"
-Kristi Abernathy, Lewistown, Montana
I've found that I can't go wrong taking this colorful bean and pasta salad to a potluck, patio party or picnic. It is easy to put together ahead of time...and the flavors blend as the salad chills.
-Cheryl Maczko
Arthurdale, West Virginia
People tell me they can't stay away from this fresh-tasting salad, with its layers of lettuce, green pepper, cucumber, macaroni, hard-cooked eggs, ham and more. Mustard and pepper give a little zip to the creamy mayonnaise dressing.
-C. Neomi Drummond, Des Moines, Iowa
"When I bring this super salad to church dinners, there is usually nothing to take home," relates Lynn Cole of Sagle, Idaho. "Add 2 or 3 cups leftover turkey or chicken to create a filling main-dish salad," she suggests. "The dressing is so good that we use it on potato salads and even lettuce salads!"
THIS SALAD is ideal for one or two people, but I've often increased the recipe to take to potlucks.
For variety, I'll sometimes add chopped pickles or shredded cheese. In summer, fresh tomatoes add color and flavor.
-Ruth Griggs, South Hill, Virginia
Popular any time of the year, this crowd-pleasing pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics. Made the day before, it has a pleasant vinaigrette dressing sparked with herbs. I set aside the Parmesan cheese and add it just before the salad is served.
-Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
