Picnic Friendly Potato Salad

Today is National Picnic Day! I hope the weather where you are is less stormy than where we are. Go out and have a picnic!

I have never been a huge fan of mayonassie. And having potato salad with tons of mayonnaise is never appealing. Plus, mayo goes bad in the sun. Here a mayo-free picnic-friendly potato salad that is simple and delicious.

Picnic Friendly Potato Salad

2- 2 1/2 red potatoes
4 slices bacon
4-6 green onions
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 Tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cut potatoes into large 1 inch cubes. Place in large pot and cover with cold water - about 1 to 2 inches above the level of the potatoes.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble or cut into little pieces.
3. Slice green onions thinly, using the white and the greens.
4. In a large bowl whisk together red wine vinegar, mustard, and salt and pepper. While still wisking, add in olive oil slowly. Add in green onions.
5. When potatoes are cooked, drain, and place in large bowl with dressing. Add bacon, stir until combined. Can be served warm or room temperature.
Serves about 4.

Tips: 

Leave the skin on the potatoes. Taste and looks better.
To cook bacon and avoid splatters and smelling like bacon for the rest of the day - make it in the oven. Place metal cooling rack on baking sheet. Place bacon on cooling rack and bake at 400 degrees for about 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness.

Green Mashed Potatoes

 Do you have a hard time getting your kids to eat peas? Or do you just want something different for a side dish? This is perfect. I made this the other night because the only begetables I had in the house were frozen peas. Don't judge me. And I didn't want to have just peas on the side. So I decided to mix them in with the mashed potatoes.

No, it's not quacamole...

Green Mashed Potatoes

6 russet potatoes
1/2 bag frozen peas, thawed
4 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp sour cream

salt and pepper, to taste
milk

Boil potatoes until soft. Add in peas for last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain peas and potatoes. Add butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Mash. Add milk as needed to obtain desired texture. Serve.

This would also be a fun recipe for St. Patrick's Day.