Peas, Rice, Ham and Cheese Salad
This hearty salad is sure to please. Enjoy it for lunch, supper or even as a snack. It has a nice texture and flavor balance of salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy and finished with the all powerful creamy garlic dressing. This salad packs a punch served all alone or even as a side. This was my first time creating this dish and it was very good. The next day, I used the remaining dish (without the dressing) and prepared it like a stir fry with sesame oil, Teriyaki and fish sauce. I added almonds to it to give it more body. It was pretty good as well.  I love playing with food.
Servings: 2 yield(s)
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Ingredients
  • cup rice (I used a veggie rice substitute)
  • 15 oz peas
  • 1 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup cheese (I used fresh mozzarella )
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup ham (I used country ham)
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup bread and butter pickles (optional)
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp dill spice
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup onion
  • 1/4 cup celery
Instructions
  1. Mix mayonnaise, heavy cream, minced garlic, paprika and a pinch of salt
  2. Allow to rest for several hours or overnight for rest results
  3. Chop onion, celery, ham, and pickles and set aside
  4. Boil water and add rice and peas, cook until tender
  5. Drain water and allow rice and peas to cool
  6. Fold all ingredients together and add cheese
  7. Take your dressing from the refrigerator and mix into your salad