Mom always bought Good Seasons, so I have, too! When I want it JUST like I remember from childhood, I want it that way and only that way, so I use the four beans and don’t substitute edamame. But sometimes, I like to play with the recipe a little.

I use Stevia for sweetening instead of sugar as I’m Type 2 diabetic and stevia doesn’t raise blood sugar at all. Plus, it’s a natural sweetener and I’m not eating anything that’s not natural. It’s VERY sweet, so it doesn’t take much to sweeten things! I use the liquid mostly, and one drop is equal to approx. 2 teaspoons of sugar. There’s also powdered Stevia, sold in individual packets, and I think some tiny little “balls” in little containers, too. I don’t know about that as I always get the liquid (one bottle lasts an eternity, so though the price tag seems steep – $18 or so – it’s actually quite economical because you use so little).

I don’t use garlic, salt or pepper as the dressing mix has all that. I just mix up some red wine vinegar, some oil (I’ve been using grapeseed for awhile now as it’s really good for us diabetics), some stevia and about 3/4 of a packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix and pour it on the beans, onion and celery. I think the cucucmber would be really good, but I just ran out and need to get some more. I use it alot in the juices I make; I’m addicted to my juicer and make 3-4 big servings a day, usually about 24 oz., I think…I never measure anything, so I don’t know! Luckily, cucumbers are a big part of the Mexican diet adn I live in Tucson, Arizona, where a lot of Mexican folks live, so the grocery stores that specialize in Mexican foods always have cukes really cheap, unlike the other grocery stores where they’re pricey. I eat them a lot, and love them in salads, like the cucumber & onion salad I make often (sliced up, marinated in vinegar, stevia and a mix of mayo and sour cream, though lately, I’m using a lot more yogurt than mayo and sour cream, and this salad is just as great with using only yogurt).

I just made this today, as a matter of fact, and was just curious to see who else made it with what other things in it. I’m always about saving money, too, so this blog title caught my eye. I have a hard time waiting for this salad to sit for a few hours to “marry,” so sometimes I just have to go have a small bowl until it’s “ready.” I just did…it IS delish, yes!

~ Julie

-Mei