This recipe has too much mayo. The dressing shouldn't be the most important ingredient. It should just bind the rest of the ingredients together. I've made this recipe for over 40 years, and use less than a 1/4 of a cup of mayo. Don't be tempted to use canned shrimp. That will produce and different taste than fresh shrimp. Also good with fresh crab, tuna, salmon pieces (either cured or leftovers from a salmon dinner). I prefer green onions in mine. Less of that onion bite.

Reviewed On: May 12, 2009

The original recipe for this calls for minced water chestnuts. They really make a great addition, adding some crunch. Always a hit at parties.

Reviewed On: May 10, 2009

This particular version of Calico beans is way too sweet. Cut down on the sugar most definitely. The origianl recipe calls for about 1/4 cup of sugar. I've been making this for about 30 years. I can no longer have the sugar, catsup, or beans (diabetes), and this is one recipe I really miss. It's always a hit at picnics. Do drain the beans. The original recipe calls for undrained beans. This comes together quickly, so it's not a pain to make.

Reviewed On: May 10, 2009