Sweet Pea Salad

NorthwestGal's Note:

My friend gave me this recipe several years ago, when our families attended a 4th of July picnic together. I have made it many times since then, and it's always a favorite whenever I make it. The recipe makes quite a bit, so it's one of my favorite dishes to take to potlucks, picnics and other gatherings with large crowds. The recipe would fit a lot of party themes, as the ingredients represent various continental cuisines, from the Asian inspired chestnuts to the Brazilian cashews. But it is the smokey Dutch-influenced gouda cheese that adds a wonderful Mediterranean flair to this great picnic salad. Cooking time does not including chilling time (as that can vary greatly).

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 24

• 4 (16 ounce) bags frozen sweet peas (not thawed)
• 8 ounces sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 bunch celery, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese or 8 ounces edam cheese, cubed
• 1 1/4 cups low-fat sour cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup sliced cashews

Directions:

1. Place peas, chestnuts, celery, onion, and cheese in a large salad bowl.
2. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and sugar until well blended. Add the sour cream mixture to the salad, then season with salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly with a large spoon.
3. Place in refrigerator for several hours (or overnight is ideal). Add the cashews just before serving, and toss well to thoroughly blend all ingredients.

Reviews

[grumblebee]

THIS IS THE BEST SALAD I HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME!! Such great flavours and textures. I find myself randomly craving it throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge so if you make a big batch it will last you a few days. So yummy!

[Boomette]

I scaled the recipe to use 1 bag (16 ounce) of frozen peas. I didn't serve it with the cashews. That's a really good recipe and it gives a lot. I didn't use salt and pepper. Thanks NorthwestGal :) Made for the Zwizzle Chicks of ZWT

[IngridH]

This was really good! I halved the recipe, and still had far more than I needed to serve the crowd at my BBQ today. The flavor combination was great, although I have to mention that I added some dill to the dressing, since my family likes it that way. This was simple to make, and serves a large group- perfect for a pot luck or picnic. Made for ZWT6.