With Easter coming this Sunday, I am starting to gather meal ideas together. Since I was in the hospital last week I had time to think about what I would like to make. Hospital stays are never fun, but there is a lot of time to think when confined to an uncomfortable hospital bed. In quiet times, even in a hospital, my mind always goes to my mom who I miss more than I can say. I love thinking about the times we spent together in the kitchen or talking about new and old recipes we loved.
I started thinking about side dishes to have with a ham. I remembered a cold pea salad my mom loved and decided to make it when I got home. It was just as good as I remembered with peas, corn, cubes of cheddar cheese, chopped dill, either peanuts or cashews, and more.
I’ll be thinking of other ideas that I will share this week, but let’s start with this yummy and easy salad.
- 12 ounce package frozen baby petite peas, cooked as directed and well-drained
- 11 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- ½ cup diced bacon, cooked and drained
- ½ cup lightly salted peanuts or cashew pieces
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup cubed block cheddar cheese (about ½" dice)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup finely chopped onions
- ¾ teaspoon table salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill- optional
- Combine all ingredients in a serving bowl and gently stir to coat. Cover and chill until ready to serve. It can be made in the morning and ready for dinner.
I just came across this photo of a long ago Easter with me and my brothers, and of course with a bunny cake my mom made. I still have that cake mold, and a lamb one too. I also must say that my (pre-Martha Stewart) mom made that table, my dress, and the chair cover peeking out on the left. She was amazing.
How sweet. That’s a good looking group! My mother sewed our clothes and did a lot of baking, but didn’t make a table. That’s incredibly impressive. Lovely photo and I’m sure it brings back a flood of happy memories.
Regarding the recipe, I plan on making it. My sister had a similar recipe and I always enjoyed it. She hasn’t made it in years. I will try the one you shared above. Thank you
I hope you enjoy it, Elaine! Have a Happy Easter.
This salad is carved into my brain. This was my mom’s favorite. She made a few changes. She omitted the bacon, used scallions instead of onion, mayonnaise instead of sour cream, deleted the salt, and preferred cashews or pecans to peanuts. She also used fresh or frozen vegetables to eliminate as much sodium as possible. If I were to make this today I’d probably eat all of it by myself. If someone has never tried this.they should as soon as possible.
Peggy, I like all your mom’s salad ingredients. I prefer cashews too, but when I made the salad all I had in my pantry was peanuts. It’s very addictive, isn’t it?
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been hosptialized, Debbie. I hope things w your health are moving in a postive direction.
How wonderful that you have such comforting memories with your mom to draw from. From getting to know her through your blog, she sounds like a remarkable person. It also sounds like you’ve created many memories w your girls and grands.
Pea salad is a favorite in our family too! But you’ve offered some intriguing variations, as did Elaine. I’m going to do some experimenting!
Take care of yourself – and thanks for sharing the recipe, the photo and the memories!
Thanks for your concern, Denise. Yes, my mom was indeed remarkable. She gave us so many memories in so many ways. If you experiment with your pea salad, I’d love to hear what ingredients you used!
Peas, mayo, green onion and shredded or cubed (small) cheese. My mom likes to add finely diced celery.
I can easily (and have) made a meal of this salad.
Denise, I love the addition of celery!
That pic! What a blast to the past. Love the recipe, may use it for our church gathering tomorrow.
EJ- it’s a good one!
Love this classic salad! As you know, frequently I like to “gild the lily” as some of my family and friends say about my recipes. I use Briannas Home Style Poppy Seed dressing instead of the sour cream. Plus I might add a dash of cayenne pepper….. 🙂 Bon Appetit, Y’all and thanks for sharing your recipes and blog with us! Big Sis
Sis, I love the way you “gild the lily” with the salad!