So I’ve discovered the joys of watching Gossip Girl. I know, I know- it’s high school. How can I even relate to these Upper East Side kids? I don’t know- but I do know how crazily addicting this show is.

My favorite character, naturally, is Blair Waldorf- and today’s recipe is in honor of her. It’s a bit sophisticated, unbelievably easy to make, and sooo tasty.

Wickedly Good Waldorf Salad

1 fuji apple, cored and chopped (I like it with the peel on)
half a cup walnuts, chopped
half a cup of celery, sliced thin
half a cup of red or green seedless grapes
4 tablespoons mayonnaise (please use Hellman’s or Best Foods real mayonnaise. Makes all the difference!)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt & pepper to taste
green butter lettuce (my choice)- or any good, fresh, crispy lettuce

Whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in apple chunks, celery slices, chopped walnuts and whole grapes. Serve on lettuce.

You know you love me… XOXO!

Ingredients

1 medium head cabbage, shredded
1 large red onion, diced
1 cup grated carrots
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup white sugar
1 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon dry mustard
black pepper to taste

What’s next
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, onion, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle with 1 cup sugar, and mix well. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, oil, salt, dry mustard, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Pour hot dressing over cabbage mixture, and mix well.

Ingredients

3 cups fusilli pasta
3/4 cup broccoli florets
3/4 cup cauliflower florets
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
salt and pepper to taste

What’s next

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water. Place pasta in a large serving bowl add the all the vegetables and toss to combine. Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar together, whisk until smooth. Pour over salad and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Serve on a croissant or a honey pita. Let the flavors meld together for a day for a fuller flavor.

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cooked and diced
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 small apple – peeled, cored and chopped
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
3/4 cup mayonnaise

What’s next
In a large salad bowl combine the chicken, celery, onion, apple, raisins, grapes, pecans, pepper, curry powder and mayonnaise. Mix all together, tossing to coat. Salad is ready to serve!

When budget (and time) is tight, serve this simple, filling and frugal spaghetti salad. It’s low in fat, too, so great for those on a diet!

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) dry spaghetti, uncooked
2 cans (14.5 ounce size) diced tomatoes, drained
1 jar (12 ounce size) chopped olive salad or tapenade, with red wine vinegar marinade, undrained

What’s next

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water. Place in large bowl.
Add tomatoes and olive salad; mix lightly. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled. Toss before serving.