Best Helens Salad Recipes

HELEN VITALE'S ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the mustard and vinegar in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly add the oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly until fully emulsified. If the dressing breaks while you're making it, stop pouring the oil and whisk what you've made so far until it comes together again.
• Spread the arugula on a large platter. Slice off the top and bottom of each orange. Cut away the peel and outer membranes, then slice the orange cross-wise into wheels. Layer the orange slices over the arugula, followed by the fennel, onion (add more to taste) and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette on top, toss and serve immediately.

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Season chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and onion powder. Place in the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until juices run clear and chicken shreds easily, about 1 hour 20 minutes; don't overcook. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Remove from the oven, uncover, and let sit until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Reserve any accumulated chicken broth.
• Prepare dressing while chicken cools. Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, sour cream, relish, green onions, parsley, Dijon, lemon juice, dill, and remaining salt and pepper in a large bowl; mix until well combined.
• Break chicken into large pieces and place in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3 to 5 times to shred chicken to desired consistency.
• Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add celery and pour dressing over top; toss to coat. If more moisture is desired, add reserved broth or more mayonnaise.
• Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days) before serving. Stir well before serving.

HELEN'S SALAD

Steps:

• Open cans of green beans, peas, and carrots and pour vegetables into a large strainer in the sink. Let vegetables drain for at least an hour, shaking strainer every so often to get rid of water.
• When drained, put vegetables into a large bowl that has a lid that seals.
• Slice onion into thin slices and then cut the slices in half or fourths. Put cut onion on vegetables.
• In a small pan, heat to dissolve: sugar, oil and vinegar. Be careful to not breathe in the fumes as this mixture heats. I usually just bring it to a boil, stirring constantly.Marinade should be clear not cloudy. Remove pan from burner and let mixture cool to just warm.
• Pour cooled marinade over vegetables and carefully stir so vegetables don't get mushy. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Next day drain salad in strainer in the sink for at least an hour. Pour salad back in bowl and add diced celery and green pepper. Add 3 tbsp Miracle Whip and gently stir to mix well. If it isn't creamy enough add up to 3 more tbsp Miracle Whip.
• Salad is ready to serve and will keep for up to a week.

HELEN'S CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Serve on your favorite bread or on a bed of lettuce.

AUNT HELEN'S GREEN CONGEALED SALAD

Steps:

• Dissolve jellow in boiling water; add vinegar; chill til thickened.
• Whip evaporated milk; fold into thickened jello together with remaining ingredients.
• Turn into buttered 8 cup mold and chill til firm.

HELEN'S CABBAGE SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the shredded cabbages and onions in a LARGE BOWL. (I use a Tupperware Fix-n-Mix) Add the bean sprouts, shredded chicken meat and almonds. Toss until well mixed.
• Mix the dressing ingredients in a Quick-Shake or similar container until well blended. Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture, This could take two bowls, because of the amount of ingredients. Do not be concerned once the cabbages come in contact with the dressing, it will be able to store in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate over night or 6 hours minimum.

HELEN'S EGG SALAD SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Mix and use for sandwiches.