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Pea Salad

March 27, 2015 by Maureen 59 Comments

Pea Salad

I was talking online to an old friend of mine and we were reminiscing about growing up in our sleepy little town. We talked about her favorite dish when she was a kid – salmon pea wiggle and I hated it. If her mother invited me over for dinner on that night, I always had too much homework. She told me they knew every time because that was the only time I didn’t want to stay.

Pea Salad

Then she asked me if I remembered the bean suppers at the congo church. It’s really the Congregationalist Church but I never knew anyone who called it anything but the congo. I’ve told you before that everyone in our town had Boston baked beans with franks, brown bread and potato salad every Saturday night. If you didn’t feel like cooking, you could go to the congo church and they would have an affordable bean supper, a piano player and lots of people to talk to. What they also had that most people didn’t was pea salad and I loved it.

Pea Salad

When I was going through my stash of recipes that my father sent me (he died in 1987), tucked in between two newspaper recipes was a little card that said, “Congo Pea” and it was carefully written in my father’s handwriting. He would never have eaten pea salad because he didn’t like mayonnaise very much. He was a meat and potatoes man and a huge dessert eater. He got that recipe for me and I smile every time I think about it.

5.0 from 8 reviews
Pea Salad
 
Print
Prep time
15 mins
Total time
15 mins
 
This salad was on offer at the Saturday bean suppers and I loved it. They gave my dad the recipe many years ago.
Author: Maureen Shaw (Inspired by the Congregationalist Church, Winslow, Maine)
Recipe type: Salad
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6
Ingredients
Salad
  • 500 grams frozen peas (I used baby peas)
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 small or ½ large red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped
  • ¾ cup cheddar cheese cut into small cubes
Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (try not to get too much liquid)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
Salad
  1. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix through the dressing.
Dressing
  1. Mix all ingredients together, taste for seasoning and adjust for your taste.
Notes
You could add some chopped pimiento if you like or any other salad ingredients but this is what the church served. 🙂
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Filed Under: Recipes, Salads Tagged With: pea salad

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In My Kitchen, April 2015 »

Comments

  1. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    I love pea salad and my husband would flip for this one! Printing and tucking away to add to my dinner menu soon. Thanks so much for sharing this – love the back-story. Happy weekend!

    Reply
  2. Kathleen | HapaNom says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    What a sweet story, Maureen. I absolutely love looking through old family recipes – the stained and dog-eared cards mean so much.

    Great recipe! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  3. Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says

    March 28, 2015 at 1:46 am

    I love recipes with a sentimental connection! How sweet of your dad to write this down for you. This looks so good!

    Reply
  4. Stephanie says

    March 28, 2015 at 2:23 am

    This looks great! I feel like it’d be a great Easter side dish… I was just talking to my husband about what I would be making this Easter…. this one makes the cut!!

    Reply
  5. Easyfoodsmith says

    March 28, 2015 at 3:23 am

    What a lovely story Maureen. I so agree with Kathleen. The salad looks wonderful and perfect for the kind of weather that we are having here.
    P.S. – Lovely bowl in that first pic 🙂

    Reply
  6. A_Boleyn says

    March 28, 2015 at 3:56 am

    Great reminiscence of the past, Maureen. I don’t recall my mom making any cold salad dishes featuring mayo for us when I was growing up. I think I had my first potato salad in my late 30s, something my brother served at a bbq at his house. I bet it’s a tasty dish for a warm summer day.

    Reply
  7. John@Kitchen Riffs says

    March 28, 2015 at 4:18 am

    I’ve had this salad! Or something really similar. But we’re talking distant past here, decades ago. Totally forgot about this dish, which is too bad — it’s a good one. Thanks for bringing it back!

    Reply
  8. Melissa B says

    March 28, 2015 at 4:25 am

    Such a lovely story! =)
    I love pea salad, and I plan on trying your recipe soon!

    Reply
  9. Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says

    March 28, 2015 at 5:00 am

    I like the idea of a pea salad and i have so many peas to use up that this would be a splendid use of them. Really fresh and delicious looking!

    Reply
  10. Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says

    March 28, 2015 at 5:14 am

    Great story to go with this recipe – Maureen – love have you called the congo church:) – reminds of something out of West Africa:)

    Reply
  11. Carol Preibis says

    March 28, 2015 at 5:29 am

    Hello Maureen,

    My husband, and many others I am sure, would like this recipe just as it is.
    Oddly enough, I don’t like eggs, so I’d try the same recipe substituting potatoes.
    I have a similar dish prepared by two different friends – one Polish, the other Russian.

    Thanks for another great recipe!

    Wishing you well,
    Carol Ann

    Reply
  12. Veronica (Roni) says

    March 28, 2015 at 6:29 am

    Oh wow! what an interesting childhood you must have had Maureen!
    And how awesome that your father got the recipe for you!
    It sounds unusual & foreign to me, but so interesting I am going to give it a whirl.
    I imagine the ingredients would work well together…
    thank you :))

    Reply
  13. Emma @ Bake Then Eat says

    March 28, 2015 at 6:36 am

    Oh what a lovely recipe to make from your dad’s recipe card. I secretly love peas so this is totally for me 😀

    Reply
  14. The Ninja Baker says

    March 28, 2015 at 7:22 am

    What a fantabulous story, Maureen…And a wonderful reminder of how much your father loved you =) P.s. Take me to the Congo! Those Boston baked beans and franks look to be as delicious as your pea salad with mayo =)

    Reply
  15. Liz Posmyk (Good Things) says

    March 28, 2015 at 8:15 am

    What an interesting salad Maureen… and I loved the tale behind it!

    Reply
  16. Marilyn Lesniak says

    March 28, 2015 at 9:01 am

    I never liked peas much as my mom always boiled them to death. This recipe though is more like a salad. I earmarked it to try.

    Reply
  17. jo@jocooks.com says

    March 28, 2015 at 9:31 am

    I’ve never had pea salad before, but I love peas. Now I’m curious what this tastes like, must try. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  18. Liz says

    March 28, 2015 at 9:57 am

    What a treasure in your dad’s handwriting! I had never even heard of pea salad till one of my college roommates made it for us. I became an instant fan. I haven’t thought of that in year—I think I need to whip up a batch of yours 🙂

    Reply
  19. Chris Scheuer says

    March 28, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    I would have hated this when I was a kid but I’d love it now. I’ve never heard of anything like it and I know I would eat too much. If we ever meet up at the congo church, don’t sit next to me – I might eat your bowl too!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      March 28, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      LOL 85% of our town were Catholic but you’d see many of them at the Congo church on Saturday night. Someone once asked the pastor at the Catholic church why they didn’t do something similar and he said they he think anyone could beat the Congregationalist cooks. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Amanda (@lambsearshoney) says

    March 28, 2015 at 2:59 pm

    We seem to be having a very early autumn in the Adelaide Hills this year, and we’ve lit the fire for the last 3 nights running. I’m hoping for another few warm days to enjoy the last of the barbecues – and this pea salad will be on the menu. I think the kids will love it.

    Reply
  21. Chineka @ Savor The Baking says

    March 28, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    This looks really good and is perfect for Spring.

    Reply
  22. Chineka @ Savor The Baking says

    March 28, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    This salad is perfect for Spring. Love it!

    Reply
  23. Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says

    March 28, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Salmon pea wiggle? I don’t blame you for wanting to dodge that one! However the pea salad sounds delightful and how sweet of your dad to get the recipe for you despite not being a fan of the dish. What a nice way to remember someone.
    Hope you’re having a lovely weekend. Hx

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      March 28, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      Salmon pea wiggle was canned salmon in a white sauce with curly noodles and peas. I couldn’t bear it. 🙂

      Reply
  24. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    March 28, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    How wonderful that your father got you that recipe even though he wouldn’t have eaten it himself! I like the idea of the Congo church having food in case you didn’t feel like cooking.

    Reply
  25. Deb@SimplePlate says

    March 28, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    Oh how I love this stuff! My other half hates green peas, so I get to enjoy all to myself!

    Reply
  26. Minnie says

    March 29, 2015 at 12:33 am

    The pea salad sounds delightful. Your not wanting to go to your friend’s house just because you didn’t like the menu..it’s funny.

    Reply
  27. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:02 am

    I have a recipe very much like this and I love it. And I’ve blogged about it…. and it was from a Church cookbook … and I need to make it again. 🙂

    Reply
  28. Lisa Goldfinger says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:56 am

    I love recipes that have memories attached. There are so many great things about this post Maureen – it brought me back to my childhood memory of being afraid to go to my friend Lisa S’s house for dinner because her mom always made us eat everything on our plate and I hated vegetables back then with a passion. I can so imagine being terrified of “Salmon Pea Wiggle,” even without knowing what’s in the dish! Great post, and your pea salad looks delish!

    Reply
  29. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    March 29, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    I actually really like pea salads, my grandmother makes one similar to this. Thanks for reminding me how delicious it is Maureen!

    Reply
  30. Anna @ shenANNAgans.com says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    I was sifting through boxes from my moms today, found her granny’s cookbook loaded with absolute classics. I do so love a recipe that has a personal history attached. Great recipe too. I don’t much care for peas, but my family would very much. Hope you’ve had a great weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  31. Roz @ La Bella Vita Cucina says

    March 30, 2015 at 12:18 am

    I love the name Conga for your church! Plus loving this salad for spring . . . perfect for fresh peas! Happy Spring Maureen!
    Roz

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      March 30, 2015 at 7:32 am

      Oh how I WISH it were Spring here, Roz! You get Spring and we get your leftover Winter down here in Australia. 🙂

      Reply
  32. Marina Shaylitsa says

    March 30, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    I’ve never had this salad but by the list of ingredients it looks like something I would like. I have frozen peas in the freezer so I think I’ll make it this week 🙂 Thank you for sharing Maureen!

    Reply
  33. Krista says

    March 30, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    This really made me smile, Maureen. I haven’t had this salad in years!! Not since I was a little girl. No doubt at a church potluck of some sort. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Eva says

    March 30, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    It’s funny how it changes the taste ! Now you love this salade and you are right because looks so good !

    Reply
  35. Katy | Her Cup of Joy says

    March 30, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    Peas are great! Never heard of this salad but it looks so good and simple! Reminds me of an egg salad but with extra veggies 🙂

    Reply
  36. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says

    March 30, 2015 at 11:21 pm

    Maureen, our house was the only place in town you could get pea salad when I was growing up. Everyone in my mother’s side of the family made it, so I always assumed it was an English thing. We all do it a little differently; yours looks rather like my cousin L’s. But what on earth is Salmon Pea Wiggle?!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      March 30, 2015 at 11:31 pm

      Salmon pea wiggle is a bechamel sauce with canned salmon and peas. My friend’s mother added curly noodles and she put crushed Ritz crackers on top and baked it until the crumbs were crunchy. It looked great but I couldn’t bear it.

      Reply
  37. Mary Frances says

    March 31, 2015 at 12:39 am

    Wow, what a unique recipe and interesting story to go with it!! I will have to try out this recipe soon! Perfect for the spring season.

    Reply
  38. Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says

    March 31, 2015 at 3:06 am

    I’m cracking up that you call the congregational church the ‘congo’ – such a nice tradition though to offer a meal, live music and conversation. I love this pea salad – my husband is allergic to peas such a bummer because I love them. I’m going to make this next time I’m on my own for dinner.

    Reply
  39. sheila says

    March 31, 2015 at 4:13 am

    Love this story. Like your dad, my husband would never eat this salad either, he’s definitely a meat and potatoes guy. I on the other hand would eat this all day long! I love peas!

    Reply
  40. Hotly Spiced says

    March 31, 2015 at 7:27 am

    There’s a lovely history to this recipe. Over the summer I’ve made a couple of pea salads and I’ve loved them. I thought this had potato in it but I see it’s cheese. The salad looks really yummy and would be great with a BBQ xx

    Reply
  41. Abbe @ This is How I Cook says

    March 31, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I haven’t had a salad like this in years. I do remember eating one though only it had bacon in it! Love handwritten recipes, Maureen. Very special, indeed!

    Reply
  42. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    March 31, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    Salmon pea wiggle sounds absolutely terrifying.. I think I would have skipped the dinner invitation too ;).

    Reply
  43. Ala says

    March 31, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    That was such a lovely story, Maureen–I really loved that ending. It’s amazing what our parents do for us sometimes–the little things really do make all the difference. I’m also loving this pea salad recipe–this is definitely my kind of thing! So glad I found your blog via Shashi’s–I was checking the comments on her latest post and I saw yours on Dr. Seuss (I’m actually writing a research article on him ATM, hehe). Anyway, LOVE your blog–totally great to meet you here!!

    Reply
  44. Paola Fuentes says

    April 1, 2015 at 7:59 am

    Oh my! Pea salad, yum!

    Reply
  45. giulia says

    April 1, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    I might just try this out tonight! yum Giulia x

    Reply
  46. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure says

    April 2, 2015 at 12:34 am

    I love peas, this salad looks wonderful. Good idea for lunch or dinner.

    Reply
  47. Kate @ Babaganosh.org says

    April 2, 2015 at 12:51 am

    That looks awesome! I love mayonnaise based salads.

    This reminds me of a Russian salad that I grew up eating with my family – it had potatoes, eggs, peas, pickles, and meat (we liked chopped hot dogs as kids!), with a mayo dressing. This version sounds really good too, and sounds like less chopping and less work!

    Reply
  48. Nupur Mehra says

    April 3, 2015 at 1:11 am

    What an interesting story Maureen! The salad is obviously lovely and refreshing and am sure addition of onion would uplift it higher.

    Reply
  49. Tammy says

    April 4, 2015 at 8:47 am

    What a great salad to bring along on a picnic! 🙂

    xo

    Reply
  50. Joanne T Ferguson says

    April 6, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    I couldn’t go past your pea salad today Maureen as it brought a smile to my face as my mum used to make something very similar and just the memory makes the recipe yummy!

    Reply
  51. Ciao Florentina says

    April 8, 2015 at 7:51 am

    Oh I missed this post! This reminded me of a recipe I used to make as a child, only it had diced pickles in it and any leftover roasted chicken. So amazing, I have to make this now ! Thanks for awakening my memory Maureen! xo’s

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      April 8, 2015 at 5:23 pm

      Pickles and chicken in it? What a great idea!!

      Reply
  52. Debbie Russell says

    December 24, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    I love pea salad. The only thing I would add is chopped water chestnuts. I love the crunch of the onion, celery and water chestnut. yummm. You have a winner there, Maureen.

    Reply
  53. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says

    August 17, 2016 at 10:40 am

    Maureen, glad you tweeted this today! I love pea salad. I don’t make a mayonnaise pea salad myself, but my mother did and at least one of my cousins. I do a vinaigrette version (posted it a few weeks ago). Love your Pea Salad Story!

    Reply

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