Potato salad: Not just for the summertime. What this one lacks in the mayo department, it makes up for in wintry herbs and -- more importantly -- bacon.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pound whole baby yellow potatoes
6 thick slices bacon, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoons chopped chives
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions:
Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender. Drain and set aside to slightly cool. Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon, but keep about a tablespoon bacon grease in the pan. Sauté in the bacon grease until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from heat. In a glass liquid measuring cup whisk together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt and pepper. Set aside.

Slice the potatoes into half-inch chunks. Combine the potatoes with the onion, vinegar mixture, bacon, chives and thyme leaves. Toss gently so everything is evenly distributed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature. Taste mixture and add more kosher salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm from the skillet or room temperature.

Image via nutmegnanny.com

In the chillier months, hearty cabbage is an excellent stand-in for the delicate greens that are so ubiquitous in summer salads. This blend successfully mixes crunchy red cabbage with salty blue cheese, tangy vinegar and sweet raisins. Oh, and it's a cinch to pull together in a hurry.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1/4 head of red cabbage, shredded
1/3 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1/3 cup golden raisins
1-2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
In a bowl combine the cabbage, pecans, raisins and blue cheese. Add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and stir to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Image via tasteandtellblog.com