Garbage Salad

I know the name of this salad sounds terrible, but it doesn't taste like that.  Super easy and fun to take to gatherings.

Garbage Salad


1 can fruit cocktail with the juice drained off
1 can crushed pineapple
2 or three bananas
2 8 oz. cans mandarin oranges, drain the juice off of one can
1 to 2 cups marshmallows (just depends on how much you like marshmallows and you can even not add them if you don't like them!)
1 3 oz. box instant pudding ( I usually go with banana cream, but french vanilla and lemon are good also.)

Slice the bananas into a large bowl.  Dump in the fruit cocktail, crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges.  Sprinkle the instant pudding over the top and stir well, make sure that the pudding gets into the juice.  When it is well mixed, stir in the marshmallows until they are distributed throughout the salad.

It helps if you chill the mixture after you make it before you serve it, or you can chill the fruit in the cans before you put them in the bowl.  This will feed 12 to 15 people.

Broccoli Salad

This is a salad that is always a favorite at family gatherings. In the summer we usually have a ton of broccoli from our garden, so it is a great way to use it.

Broccoli Salad

Chop up:

2 medium bunches of broccoli

1 or 2 apples, don’t peal them (Optional)

1 cup raisins or craisins (optional)

¼ cup red onion

Combine all the items you just chopped up.

Blend for the dressing:

1 cup salad dressing

½ cup sugar

¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice (I usually us lemon juice because I like the flavor it adds)

After you have mixed the dressing, pour it over the chopped mixture. Let it sit in the frig for an hour or so (if you have time, if not just go on to the next step.)

When you are ready to serve it:

Cook ½ cup bacon until it is crispy. (I like to cut the bacon into ½ inch pieces before I cook it.) Wipe off excess grease. Let it cool.

Then add 1 cup shredded cheese and mix all the ingredients together.