Our church picnic is next Sunday. The church provides the meat and the congregation brings sides and desserts.  I am thinking of taking a side, but was looking for suggestions other than potato salad, macaroni salad or beans.  Any thoughts?

Shari was talking about a cold corn bread salad last night.

Is there anything from your recent trip that might inspire a creative side dish?

I was talking with my wife, she mentioed that a Snickers salad is always good. It throws people for a loop, they don't know whether to count it as a dessert or a salad. Having attended my fair share of pot-lucks and picnics, my Mount Rushmore of covered dishes would include: Tator-Tot Casserole, Broccoli and Cheese Casserole, Scalloped corn, and Hot German Potato Salad.

Please post a picture of what you come up with!

Buffalo chicken dip is easy to make, provided you have a way to keep it warm. a slow cooker of that and some chips and crackers.

These have went over well at places. The wife of someone I used to shoot with gave me this recipe. I usually leave out the green peppers or I will use a  different color.
Chinese Noodles

¼   Cup Peanut Oil
2     TBSP White Vinegar
1     TBSP Dry Sherry
2½ TBSP Sesame Oil
3    TBSP Soy Sauce
1    TBSP Crushed Red Pepper
½   TSP Ground Ginger
1    TBSP Brown Sugar
¼   Cup Green Pepper
1    Pound Linguine

Cook pasta, then mix next eight ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid, shake the dressing. Toss with pasta. Let sit in refrigerator to blend flavors for two hours.  Put green pepper in just before serving. 

Wrap your favorite stuffed ravioli (plain cheese is more than adequate) in 1/2 slice of thin bacon, dust lightly with a rub of choice, and smoke at 325°F for about 90 minutes (or until you think the bacon is done).

This may be an appetizer that's tedious to make for the number of people you expect.

Wrap your favorite stuffed ravioli (plain cheese is more than adequate) in 1/2 slice of thin bacon, dust lightly with a rub of choice, and smoke at 325°F for about 90 minutes (or until you think the bacon is done).

This may be an appetizer that's tedious to make for the number of people you expect.

Oh my, that truly sounds great!
Definetley going to try that.

Deviled strawberries.
Strawberries halved, dolloped with sweetened cream cheese and covered with graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.

Pretty easy to make without taking a lot of time.

 CORNBREAD.  To be it's very best, must be done in cast iron of course.

A cheese ball and crackers is always popular and this serves a large group–

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon dijon-style mustard   
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped   
2 tablespoons white wine   
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese   
1/3 to ½ cup sunflower nuts
2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional)

BEAT cream cheese with mustard, garlic powder & wine until smooth.
BEAT in olives, cheddar cheese & parsley.
FORM into ball & wrap in waxed paper.
CHILL.
ROLL in sunflower nuts.

I do broccoli salad that is a hit.

Broccoli Salad

3 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
2 bunches broccoli, cut into small florets
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 cup chopped red onion
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
6 ounces of bacon bits
What to Do
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar; mix well. Add remaining ingredients; mix until well combined.
 Cover and chill at least 4 hours before serving, but way better if it is done the day before.

Can add sunflower seeds or raisins to change it up.

The salad suggestion reminded me of the Brussels Sprout Salad.

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