Taco Salad

I love fresh and easy recipes, especially for the summer with everything going on. This is a Taco Salad recipe that I fix a lot when the kids are come over. When they do there’s usually nine of us and still plenty of salad to go around. This is an easy dish to take to family reunions, pot lucks at church and work. Just make sure you take the recipe with you someone will ask for it. There is one thing if I fix this for a family reunion or pot lucks I take everything in zip lock bags to assemble when its time to eat. When I fix it at home, I mix everything together except for the Doritos and the dressing. We like to add our own chips and dressing. It’s totally up to you on how you want to mix it all together. So lets get started.

What you will need:
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning
2 large tomatoes, cute into small pieces
2 8oz. bags shredded lettuce
1 8oz. pkg. shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag Doritos(crush them in the bag)
Dressing:
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup taco salsa or sauce or more to taste

In a mason jar or anything with a lid add the ingredients for the dressing. I like to use a mason jar because it’s so easy to shake. Shake this really well and place in refrigerator to chill. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain, add taco seasoning and mix well. No water. In a large bowl start layering the tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, hamburger, now give it a toss. When ready to serve add the crushed Doritos and make sure to shake the dressing before adding. Now serve, trust me you will love the taste and everyone will love it also.

Sorry I know you like pictures with the recipes, I just had to get this recipe on here. I will add a picture the next time I make it.

Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad
This is probably the best the best Pasta Salad that I’ve ever had. My husband works for the Mennonites and I got the recipe from them. Every where I take it people love it. If you try it you will be hook too.

1 lb. macaroni (I like using the Rotini (spiral) macaroni)
2 cups real mayonnaise ( not salad dressing)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 T mustard
3 T vinegar
1 tsp. celery salt
Chopped vegetables of your choice. I add cauliflower, broccoli, carrots. Sometimes a small onion diced really fine.
Cook the macaroni in a large pan. You will be using the entire box. While this is cooking I usually make the dressing, just put everything in a large bowl and mix. You do want to mix till the sugar is dissolved. Decide on what vegetables you want to use. The broccoli, carrots and cauliflower give it a really pretty color. After the macaroni is done you will want to drain and rinse in cold water a couple times. Mix everything in a very large bowl, cover with a lid. Place in the refrigerator to chill. The salad taste better when all the flavors have blended together. So make this up a day ahead.
If the salad seems dry, just add a little milk. It will help to moisten everything.

This is great for weddings, reunions or any family gatherings.