When you're asked to bring the green tossed salad . . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha, love the "self contained candied nuts" direction this thread has taken. The next big DCUM debate.

My mom may have been on with something, no conflict with iceberg lettuce and baby carrots.

Might be a good nickname for many us on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

I would bring a very simple green salad. Mixed greens. Maybe some sliced red onion, some shredded carrots, and a nice vinaigrette. No need to show up the host with a fancy salad. But it would depend on the host (some may prefer fancy). I would steer clear of croutons or other carb or heavy additions simply because there are enough carb and fattening sides. i would store the various veggies in separate containers but combine there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ha, love the "self contained candied nuts" direction this thread has taken. The next big DCUM debate.

My mom may have been on with something, no conflict with iceberg lettuce and baby carrots.

Might be a good nickname for many us on DCUM.

LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would bring a very simple green salad. Mixed greens. Maybe some sliced red onion, some shredded carrots, and a nice vinaigrette. No need to show up the host with a fancy salad. But it would depend on the host (some may prefer fancy). I would steer clear of croutons or other carb or heavy additions simply because there are enough carb and fattening sides. i would store the various veggies in separate containers but combine there.

+1

[Anonymous]

I don't think any of the salads being suggested on here are "showing up the host" fancy. (Though I confess I wondered if the host was making some sort of commentary on the guest by asking her to bring the dish that nobody wants to eat on Thanksgiving. :-/)

[Anonymous]

I do a version of what others have recommended: dried cranberries, blue cheese, toasted pecans and vinaigrette dressing. I use romaine but spinach would work too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would bring a very simple green salad. Mixed greens. Maybe some sliced red onion, some shredded carrots, and a nice vinaigrette. No need to show up the host with a fancy salad. But it would depend on the host (some may prefer fancy). I would steer clear of croutons or other carb or heavy additions simply because there are enough carb and fattening sides. i would store the various veggies in separate containers but combine there.

I think that people who are going to gain weight on Thanksgiving (and I'm one, so not judging), will do so without or without a stray crouton.

I'm not generally an elaborate cook, but I generally make my tastiest dishes for Thanksgiving. I never thought that was "showing up" my host. I thought it was honoring my family by presenting my best.

[Anonymous]

salad - baby spinach, mandarin oranges or beets, mushrooms, nut of choice, feta

dressing - olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt/pepper

[Anonymous]

Can you do a bowl of greens with shredded carrots/cabbage/celery whatever, just greens and veggies and then small bowls of toppings? Dried fruit, cheese, nuts, dressing on the side maybe.

Also I have done what a PP mentioned and bought several gourmet salads at a nice restaurant (once we did the house salads from Maggianos) and thrown them all into a big bowl for a potluck or dinner.

[Anonymous]

I would not make salad for 25. I'd make it for 15-18. In my experience people skip the salad or only take a small amount.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think any of the salads being suggested on here are "showing up the host" fancy. (Though I confess I wondered if the host was making some sort of commentary on the guest by asking her to bring the dish that nobody wants to eat on Thanksgiving. :-/)

Ha. I'm the OP and would agree but this particular group has lost about 150 lbs in the last 18 months so I know many will be looking for the salad. I'm thinking Costco mixed greens, feta cheese, cranraisens, roasted almonds or self-contained nuts, maybe some onions, a light vinaigrette and a full-fat dressing, all on the side. How does that sound?

[Anonymous]

I'd eat it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be nice if the blue cheese was put in a small bowl on the side of the salad. Many people don't/can't eat it.

If you don't eat blue cheese (note, I specifically didn't say "can't") then honestly, I don't want to have dinner with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you do a bowl of greens with shredded carrots/cabbage/celery whatever, just greens and veggies and then small bowls of toppings? Dried fruit, cheese, nuts, dressing on the side maybe.

Also I have done what a PP mentioned and bought several gourmet salads at a nice restaurant (once we did the house salads from Maggianos) and thrown them all into a big bowl for a potluck or dinner.

Do NOT do this. A million extra bowls on an already crowded dinner / buffet table, plus a million little spoons? Just mix it all in and be done with it. No one wants to mess with all this stuff. If they don't like something they will eat around it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ha, reminded me how my mom banned me from bringing salad after I showed up with baby spinach, feta, kalamata olives and other "odd & high class things." Seems it was suppose to be iceberg with shredded chedder cheese, cherry tomatoes, and homemade Hidden Valley Italian dressing.

Same for me!! Hello Midwesterner!