Cold main dishes for potluck??

[CJMickeyMouse]

We have a game right before the previous season's potluck banquet. So, we need something to take and leave in the car (if it's not cold outside we will bring a cooler) to grab and head to the banquet. Obviously pasta salad and cookies will be great, but what about a main dish? Any suggestions??

Thanks for your help!!

 

[piratesmate]

I have to admit that I usually use this in the summer time, but what about a Taco Salad?

Taco Salad
1 lb ground meat
3/4 c water
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 head lettuce
2 c kidney beans
1 - 2 c Cheddar, grated
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 - 2 c carrots, grated (opt)
1/2 bottle French dressing
taco chips, crushed
Prepare meat as for tacos with water & seasoning; chill. Toss with lettuce, beans, cheese, tomatoes, carrots & half the chips. Pour dressing over all & mix. Top with remaining chips. (Use plain chips or Doritos.)

Or maybe a Hoagie Dip?

Hoagie Dip

1/4 pound Genoa salami, sliced thin
1/4 pound cappacola ham, sliced thin
1/4 pound peppered ham, sliced thin
1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced thin
1/4-1/2 medium onion, chopped fine
1/4 head lettuce, shredded
1/4 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup oregano
4 plum tomatoes, seeded

Cut everything into very small pieces. Mix all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Put in a bread bowl (pumpernickel makes a nice contrast). Arrange 1/2 " thick slices of french bread around the bread bowl. Spread the dip on the french bread.
NOTES:
Making this a couple hours ahead give the flavors time to blend.
(opt) replace the peppered ham with regular ham
1/4 cup of oregano may be too much
1/2 cup of mayonnaise may not be enough
(opt) replace mayo with oil or an oil & vinegar dressing
(opt) Tallarico's Hot Hoagie Spread
(opt) season with Italian seasonings (basil, oregano & thyme) instead of just oregano

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Thank you for the ideas, piratesmate! They both sound yummy!!

 

[piratesmate]

I forgot to mention that you should leave out ALL of the Doritos from the taco salad since you won't be eating it right away. They'll get too soggy. I'll eat it left-over, but DH & DD won't.

Just take them along separately, stir in half & then top when you get there.

Also, I've started using shredded chicken instead of ground beef in it. I much prefer it this way.

Deb

 

[PoohBWV]

What about a layered mexican dip. Our favourite is:

Layer 1 - 8 oz pkg of cream cheese mixed with 16 oz sour cream and a dash of tobasco
Layer 2 - Salsa
Layer 3 - shredded lettuce
Layer 4 - shredded cheddar cheese

Serve with nachos. This is always really popular

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Mmmmm.... PoohBWV, that sounds good too!

I am not only going to have a dish to take to the potluck, but also a couple of new recipes to try out on my family!

Thanks!!!!

 

[bananiem]

How about making your pasta salad a main dish by throwing in some cubed ham? I don't have my pasta salad recipe in front of me but I use spiral macaroni, brocolli, cheddar cheese, cauliflower, red onion, green or red pepper, maybe some carrot. Then I toss it with a bottle of Zesty Italian salad dressing.

Where in Iowa are you? My hometown is Davenport.

 

[piratesmate]

Bananiem - You know, I used to do one like that - but I forgot about it! Thanks for the reminder.

I used tri-color rotini, mozzarella, pepperoni, tomato & a bag of frozen cauliflower, broccoli & carrot mix. I didn't bother to defrost the veggies - they had a bit of crunch that way. Oh and for the dressing I used Newman's Own - original Italian dressing.

We'll have to have this again soon.

d

 

[MerryPoppins]

Or you could make a loaf or two of French bread into sub sandwiches. Then slice into servings. My kids like to eat these.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

bananiem, I am in the far southwest corner. We have friends in Camanche..... he works in Davenport!

Thanks for the recipes!!!