Mock Potato Salad made with Cauliflower

 A friend of mine recently told me that her husband made a potato salad using cauliflower instead of potatoes. I try to incorporate more vegetables into our meal time but must admit I lack inspiration at times,  so I thought I would make my own version of this salad and see how the family liked it. We liked it, but no one could be fooled and knew that it wasn't potatoes. You can try your favorite potato salad substituting cauliflower in your recipe as well or try this version.

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 4 hard boiled eggs, cut in eighths
• 1/2 of a small red pepper, finely chopped
• 2 pickles, diced
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons pickle juice
• salt, pepper and dried dill to taste

1. Cut the cauliflower in pieces and cook in an inch of water for about 7 minutes or until tender
2. Rinse the cauliflower in cold water and drain, using paper towel to dry it well or the salad will get watery. 
3. Add the remaining ingredients and chill until serving time. 

Mac & Cheese Salad

This macaroni salad can be served hot or cold and it can also be kicked up by adding cooked and seasoned ground beef to make a more hearty meal.

1. 16 ounces of small elbow macaroni cooked in well salted water
2. 5 ounces of crumbled feta cheese
3. 4 ounces grated fresh Parmesan cheese
4. 1/2 cup or more of fresh baby spinach julienned
5. 3 green onions chopped
6. Olive oil
7. Salt and Pepper to taste

• Bring a big pot of water to boil with a good amount of salt. 
• Add the elbow macaroni and cook to a nice al dente stage.
• Drain water and add a little olive oil to slightly coat the elbow macaroni.
• Immediately add the feta and Parmesan cheese while macaroni is still hot.
• Add green onions and spinach.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss and serve hot or you can refrigerate to serve cold at a later time.

If you want a more hearty meal instead of a nice side dish add some cooked seasoned ground beef to the salad and top with a little more Parmesan cheese. If you want the dish to be cheesier just add more feta and Parmesan cheese. You can also add more green onions or spinach. It's up to you and your taste buds.