A rutabaga looks like a giant yellow-fleshed turnip and began as a hybrid between a turnip and cabbage. I was looking for a lower-carb alternative for a "fauxtato" salad. Potato has 24 net carbs per cup, while rutabaga has only 9 grams, making it the clear winner here. I previously tried chopped cauliflower, but the texture wasn't right, and I thought that an actual root vegetable would be a better choice. It has a much firmer texture and a bit of a radishy taste (which I enjoyed), but it is close enough that you could certainly share it with people eating an otherwise standard American diet.

RUTABAGA FAUXTATO SALAD
Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large rutabaga (about 2 lbs)
• 2 Tbs cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickle (optional)
• 2 Tbs thinly sliced scallions
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Spectrum light or full-fat)
  
• 1/4 cup sour cream (light or full-fat)
• 3/4 tsp dry mustard
• 3/4 tsp celery salt
• 2 Tbs minced fresh dill
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced or chopped
• Pepper, to taste
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel the rutabaga and cut it into cubes. Boil in generously-salted water until tender. Drain and cool.
   
2. Combine the remaining ingredients. Add the rutabaga, toss, and chill for at least an hour.