He's Starting To

So I've shared the fact that my child is an amazing eater so many times, I'm sure those of you out there struggling at meal time every day are incredibly tired of hearing it. Well, guess what...there are  a few things he doesn't really "groove" on. And most of them have the word "salad" in them. No I'm talking about a side or tossed salad. (Although, he did just start to eat those about a year ago when he discovered he didn't have to have dressing on them. Yeah, my kid is the one who hates salad dressing, even ranch!! He's weird, I know!) What I'm talking about are the salads that begin with the words potato or pasta, both of which he absolutely love, so for a long time I didn't understand. But finally I realized why...he associates something with both of these...mayonnaise or sour cream.

Alex has never been a fan of either. Both of which I cook with, especially in potato and/or pasta salads, a lot. I really don't remember what we were eating when the light bulb went off in my head, but one day I finally realized what the things he would turn his nose up at had in common. 

I'm happy to report though, he has started to branch out and he is eating more and more sour cream. One reason is he has discovered that, like his Daddy, he loves spicy food, and in some things the sour cream really helps to relieve his tongue from fire. Two, I started fibbing to him when he would be eating dishes containing it, and afterwards after he gobbled it down, say "Oh by the way, you just ate sour cream." He finally realized that in 99% of the foods I make with sour cream, he can't even taste it. 

But mayo has been a little trickier. He has eaten a few things containing it, but it hasn't been as easy to win him over with as sour cream. So I started thinking about making a couple things that in other recipes contained mayo, but finding ones that didn't. In this case, a delicious pasta salad that contained no "creamy" dressing whatsoever. That way, he couldn't even question if I were trying to  trick him. And guess what...he loved it! He said he was so excited to "eat pasta salad and not worry about mayonnaise." 

With the graduation party, wedding reception, backyard barbecue, pool party season upon us, or at least getting closer, this is a great idea for any of those. Filled with veggies and great flavor, and with no mayo, less worry about sitting out! 

I'm glad my little guy is branching out and starting to try those last couple things that were on his "I don't like list". Little does he know I'm going to continue to slip them in whenever and wherever I can...and he's gonna eat them and like them!

Black Eyed Pea Pasta Salad 

Adapted from Lady Behind The Curtain

1 (15 oz.) can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed with cool water

1 lb. garden rotini pasta, cooked and drained

1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped

1/2 c. red onion, finely chopped

3/4 c. cucumber, finely chopped

15 grape tomatoes, halved

3 TBS vegetable oil

6 TBS cider vinegar

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. Italian seasoning, extra for garnish

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

Salt and Pepper to taste

While pasta is cooking, in a large bowl combine peas, pepper, onion, cucumber and tomatoes. Toss to combine. In a medium jar combine oil, vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, chili powder, seasoned salt, and pepper. Shake well to combine. When pasta is done and drained well, combine with veggies. Toss again. Pour dressing over. Stir well. Chill at least 3 hours before serving. Garnish with extra Italian seasoning.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals May 6, 2013
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