OUT WEST: Food & Lifestyle

Salads

Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon

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Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon combines new potatoes with creamy dill dressing, Fresno chilies and my favorite spicy dill pickles.

Calling all the dill pickle lovers – this one’s for you. I use my classic dill dip as a creamy dressing for this flavorful potato salad. The tender new potatoes really hold on to all that creamy dill flavor. This potato salad has been our family favorite Summer side dish. It all started when I was short on time and had to whip up a quick party dish.

I always have dill dip and fresh cut vegetables in my refrigerator for easy, healthy snacks. Something I learned from my mom. Remember Uncle Dan’s dill dip? I grew up on that. These days, we make our own homemade dill dip and that’s exactly what inspired this Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon.

Being short on time led to using my dill dip as a dressing for potato salad. Deciding to take that dill flavor to the next level was the addition of Grillo’s Spicy Dill Pickles. They’re a permanent fixture in my refrigerator. Read more below and find the link to see where you can pick up these tasty pickles.

Ingredients in Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon

  • Yellow New Potatoes – Also known as baby potatoes, creamy and perfect for soaking up all the flavor.
  • Bacon – Thick cut hickory smoked bacon is preferred.
  • Fresno Chili Pepper – Red, Fresno chili pepper is spicy and has great flavor. Can sub for Serrano.
  • Grillo Spicy Dill Pickle Spears – Fresh, crispy, cold pickled spears of deliciousness.
  • Green Onions – Chopped green onions add freshness.
  • Eggs – Hard boiled eggs, farm fresh, of course.
  • Sour Cream – I use our local Tillamook sour cream.
  • Mayonnaise – The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream perfects the creaminess.
  • Dill – Both fresh and dried dill for an extra dill flavor.
  • Garlic Salt – Lawry’s garlic salt is the only kind I use.

Grillo’s Pickles

I like a crisp, fresh tasting dill pickle. When I found Grillo’s Pickles in the refrigerator section of my local grocery store, I knew I would be a fan. Their motto ‘ Crisp. Clean. Fresh. ‘ is exactly what you get. Grillo Pickles are cold pickled, which means they use simple ingredients like garlic, vinegar, dill, salt and grape leaves to bring you the freshest, crispiest pickles around. I use Grillo’s Hot Pickle Spears in my Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon.

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Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon combines new potatoes with creamy dill dressing, Fresno chilies and my favorite spicy dill pickles.

Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon

Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Salad with Bacon combines new potatoes with creamy dill dressing, Fresno chilies and my favorite spicy dill pickles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb. yellow new potatoes
  • 5 strips thick cut bacon
  • 1 small Fresno chili pepper minced
  • 1/2 cup Grillo spicy dill pickle spears chopped
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 2 large hard boiled eggs sliced
  • 1/2 cup Dill Dressing (below)

Dill Dressing

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill minced
  • 2 tbsp. dried dill
  • 1 tbsp. Lawry's garlic salt

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes until just fork tender. Drain and let cool.
  • Cook the bacon until browned, then cut into lardons or strips.
  • Prepare the eggs by boiling until hard boiled, let cool, then slice into rounds.
  • Place prepared potatoes, cooked bacon lardons, Fresno chili peppers, spicy dill pickles, green onions and sliced hard boiled eggs in a large mixing bowl. Fold in dill dressing until coated. Serve right away or refrigerate for up to two days.

Dill Dressing

  • Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, dried dill and Lawry's garlic salt in a small bowl until creamy. Save any remaining dressing in the refrigerator. This can also be used as a dill dip for vegetables.
Keyword Creamy Potato Salad, Grillo Pickles

Out West’s Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

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Out West’s Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad combines cellentani pasta, arugula, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes in a light lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Out West's Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad combines cellentani pasta, arugula, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes in a light lemon vinaigrette dressing.

This fresh and flavorful pasta salad skips the mayo and gets tossed in a light vinaigrette. The lemon juice in the dressing makes this salad light and refreshing and the cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness. Making it the perfect side dish for those Summer potluck parties.

This Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a take on one of my favorite pasta salad’s from the local grocery store. Originally with just spinach, pine nuts and parmesan. I added spicy arugula, sweet cherry tomatoes and lemon zest to make this pasta salad shine. It’s perfect served right away and even better served the next day.

Make this pasta salad a meal by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp would be the perfect choice. If planning on adding a protein to the pasta salad, make a little extra dressing. You want to make sure every bit gets coated with that lemony dressing – no dry bites here! In fact, this dressing is my go-to dressing for most of my salads. Sometimes I add a little finely minced shallot and omit the parmesan. Make extra and store it in the refrigerator.

Ingredients in Out West’s Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

  • Cellentani Pasta – Cork-screw shaped pasta that’s super fun to eat.
  • Arugula – A mix of arugula and spinach works well.
  • Pine Nuts – Crunchy, yet buttery, they add a nice bite to this pasta salad.
  • Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half for a burst of sweetness.
  • Lemon – Pick a nice and juicy lemon for the zest and juice.
  • Parmesan – Fresh grated parmesan in the dressing and more for garnish.
  • Pantry Items – Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, agave syrup and salt/pepper.

Related Recipes

Out West's Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad combines cellentani pasta, arugula, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes in a light lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Out West’s Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Out West's Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad combines cellentani pasta, arugula, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes in a light lemon vinaigrette dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Farmer’s Market
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Cellentani pasta
  • 2 cups arugula / spinach mix
  • 1/2 cups pine nuts
  • 10-15 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan grated

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. agave syrup
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan grated
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cellentani pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water until completely cold. Drain well and pat dry, if necessary. Place in large mixing bowl.
  • Prepare dressing by whisking all dressing ingredients together. Coat the prepared Cellentani pasta with all of the dressing.
  • Fold in arugula/spinach mix, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes. Top with lemon zest and parmesan. Serve right away or refrigerate overnight for even more flavor.
Keyword No Mayo Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with fresh corn, tomatoes, chilies, bacon, cilantro, cotija cheese and orecchiette pasta in a creamy Tajin dressing.

Delicious the first day and even better the following day. This pasta salad is my go-to dish for picnics, BBQ gatherings and camping. It can be made ahead and refrigerated for two days.

The orecchiette pasta is the perfect shape for cupping all the corn, peppers, bacon, tomatoes and cheese, so you get all the flavor in one bite. When cooked al dente and rinsed in cold water, orecchiette pasta really holds up in this creamy pasta salad.

Ingredients in Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • Orecchiette Pasta – Ear shaped pasta, perfect for holding all the tasty bits.
  • Corn – Yellow corn is preferred for color and flavor.
  • Fresno Chilies – Red, medium heat chili pepper. Can also use serrano or jalapeno.
  • Cherry / Grape Tomatoes – These smaller, sweeter tomatoes hold up well in pasta salad.
  • Red Bell Pepper – Adds extra texture and color.
  • Scallions – a.k.a. green onions for a fresh herbiness.
  • Cilantro – Fresh cilantro.
  • Bacon – The bacon in this pasta salad really makes the dish.
  • Cotija Cheese – Crumbly Mexican cheese similar to feta.
  • Tajin Seasoning – A Mexican seasoning staple.
  • Mayonnaise– Real Mayo, full fat.
  • Lime – Adds a light, zesty flavor.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with fresh corn, tomatoes, chilies, bacon, cilantro, cotija cheese and orecchiette pasta in a creamy Tajin dressing.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with fresh corn, tomatoes, chilies, bacon, cilantro, cotija cheese and orecchiette pasta in a creamy Tajin dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 mins
Course Dinner, Salad
Cuisine Farm to Table, Mexican
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Orecchiette pasta cooked according to package directions
  • 6 ears yellow corn on the cob cut off the cob
  • 1 tbsp. avocado oil
  • 2 Fresno chilies (can sub serrano or jalapeno) minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small pkg. cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 bunch green scallion / onions chopped
  • 8 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese crumbled

Tajin Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp. Tajin seasoning
  • 1 lime juiced

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Strain and remove all of the water from pasta, pat dry if necessary.
  • While pasta is cooking, cook bacon either on a sheet pan in 400 degree oven until browned or in a pan on the stove. Remove grease from cooked bacon and crumble.
  • Heat a large sauté pan over high heat. Add avocado oil and let it come to high heat. Add corn that has been cut off the cob. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until just heated, but still firm.
  • Place completely cooled pasta in a large serving bowl. Toss together with corn, chilies, red bell pepper, tomato, scallions, cilantro and bacon. Stir in Tajin dressing to coat. Top with cotija cheese and more cilantro. Serve right away or refrigerate for even more flavor.
Keyword Elote Salad, Pasta Salad

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Avocado Pineapple Salad with Halibut

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Light and refreshing Avocado Pineapple Salad with Halibut takes Summer into full swing and simplifies your weeknight dinner.

Creamy sliced avocado pairs with bright juicy pineapple and fresh herb greens in a light agave lime dressing. This makes for the perfect Summer salad to top with seared halibut. I like the rich, buttery taste of local halibut, but you can use your favorite seasonal white fish as a substitute. This easy weeknight meal comes together in less than 15 minutes and that is what I call the perfect dish, especially on those hot nights.

What makes this meal so easy is the short list of ingredients. Grab a box of mixed herb greens from your grocery or if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, use what you have. The addition of avocado and pineapple is something I learned from one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. It’s a combination that I never would have thought to pair, but is now a favorite go-to salad ingredient. Most of the ingredients on the list are common pantry items. It’s always a good idea to have a stocked pantry – You can create great things with protein, vegetable and pantry items.

Ingredients in Avocado Pineapple Salad with Halibut

  • Halibut – Fresh halibut, about 1 inch thick fillets – Can substitute another white fish.
  • Avocado – Pick a firm, not hard, avocado perfect for slicing.
  • Pineapple – I always smell test / pluck a frond easily to pick the juiciest pineapple.
  • Herb Salad Greens – Grab a container of herb salad greens from the produce of your grocery.
  • Lime – Rolling your lime on the counter helps create more juice.
  • Agave Nectar – A sweetener sometimes found in the baking aisle of your grocery.
  • Dijon Mustard – Always keep on hand for salad dressings, adds zing and viscosity.
  • Pantry Items – Garlic, white wine, olive oil, salt, pepper, butter.

Try These Similar Halibut Recipes

Light and refreshing Avocado Pineapple Salad with Halibut takes Summer into full swing and simplifies your weeknight dinner.

Avocado Pineapple Salad with Halibut

Light and refreshing Avocado Pineapple Salad with Halibut takes Summer into full swing and simplifies your weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Course Dinner, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Farm to Table, Seafood
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Halibut

  • 4 fillets halibut or other white fish about 1 inch thick
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 tbsp. butter

Avocado Pineapple Salad

  • 4 cups fresh herb salad greens
  • 2 avocados outer shell and pit removed, sliced
  • 1 small pineapple skinned, cored, sliced in long strips

Agave Lime Dressing

  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp. agave nectar
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
  • 1-2 pinch salt

Instructions
 

Halibut

  • Heat a large heavy bottom pan over medium high heat. Add olive oil and swirl. Pat halibut fillets dry with a paper towel, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Place fillets in middle of pan with space between them.
  • Sear halibut fillets until they turn opaque half way up the thickness of the fillet. This should take about 3 minutes on a 1 inch thick fillet. Flip over. Add wine, garlic and then butter. Cook for another 3 minutes or until completely opaque.
  • Remove and place on top of avocado pineapple salad.

Avocado Pineapple Salad

  • Gently combine avocado and pineapple with fresh herb green mix. Drizzle agave lime dressing over the top (You may have extra – just cover, refrigerate and save for later) Divide into 4 portions and top each with halibut.

Agave Lime Dressing

  • Combine lime juice, agave and Dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Season with cracked black pepper and salt.
Keyword 15 minute dinners, Summer Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

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Shallot lemon vinaigrette drizzled over this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with grated parmesan, pomegranate and toasted bread crumbs.

Perfect as a side dish, yet hearty enough for a vegetarian main dish.  Brussels Sprouts really hold up to this shallot lemon vinaigrette, making this a great dish for gatherings.  You’ll want to add the vinaigrette 15 minutes before serving to allow the brussels sprouts to completely absorb all the flavor, saving the pomegranate seeds, parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs until just before serving.

Ingredients in Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

  • Brussels Sprouts – Shaved, shredded or sliced in super thin strips.
  • Pomegranate Seeds– Slice open the pomegranate, tap out the seeds OR make life easier buy a cup of pomegranate seeds in the produce dept.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Buy a wedge of parmesan cheese and grate your own – it’s so much better than the pre-packaged.
  • Breadcrumbs -Use the crumbs at the bottom of the crouton bag or just smash up some croutons into breadcrumbs.
  • Shallot – Smaller than an onion, usually next to the garlic in the produce section of your grocery.
  • Lemon – A large lemon gives us the bright acidic taste to our vinaigrette.
  • Dijon Mustard – Adds a nice flavor to the dressing.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – Can sub with your favorite type of vinegar.
  • Agave – A natural sweetener usually found in the baking aisle.
  • Olive Oil – I used extra virgin, look for a good quality olive oil.

Preparation

  1. Place cleaned, shaved brussels sprouts in a large salad bowl.
  2. Coat with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette (whisk shallot Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and agave together, then whisk in olive oil).
  3. Let sit for about 15 minutes while brussels sprouts soak up the vinaigrette.
  4. Toss in pomegranate seeds, parmesan cheese and seasoned bread crumbs before serving.
Shallot lemon vinaigrette drizzled over this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with grated parmesan, pomegranate and toasted bread crumbs.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shallot lemon vinaigrette drizzled over this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with grated parmesan, pomegranate and toasted bread crumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

  • 20 brussels sprouts cleaned, stemmed and shaved
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs/smashed croutons

Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup shallot thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. agave
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions
 

Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette

  • Whisk together shallot, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and agave in a small bowl. Whisk in olive oil.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

  • Place shaved brussels sprouts in a large salad bowl.
  • Coat with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette.
  • Let sit for about 15 minutes while brussels sprouts soak up the vinaigrette.
  • Toss in pomegranate seeds, parmesan and breadcrumbs before serving.
Keyword Brussels Sprouts, Holiday Salad

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