The other day I remembered the taste of three bean salad. Many people buy it at their supermarket deli, and to be honest, I don't think making it at home is any better, but I haven't had a lot of either version because Mr. YouKnow doesn't like cold vegetables except lettuce.

This recipe is from Paula Deen. She probably considers it a garnish because it's not loaded with fat and sugar. I made the fresh sliced mushrooms optional because I've never had them in three bean salad before. I think red onions are too strong, but if that was all I had, after mincing them, I'd rinse them in hot water because that's what Jacques Pepin said to do.

Three Bean Salad


1 (16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can cut golden wax beans, drained
(1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms)
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced red onion
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Greek seasoning (see below)

In a medium bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, and Greek seasoning. Pour over bean mixture; cover and chill 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Greek Seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic
Keep in a cool, dry place for 6 months.

This next one has a lot of ingredients. I would probably use less bell pepper, and less red onion.

Mexican Bean Salad
Makes 8 servings.

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and
drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn kernels
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 clove crushed garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Here is recipe that is served hot. It's not as fried as the name sounds. It would be good baked inside roll or pizza crust dough. I think you could leave out the meat, too.

Southern Fried Cabbage

1 pound ground beef
1 head of cabbage, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoon butter
1 pinch white sugar
3 slices of bacon, cut into thirds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Fry ground beef just until done. Add remaining ingredients and cook until vegetables are tender.