Grandma’s Potluck Favorites Live On!

1950s Side Dishes Perfect for Parties, Dinners, Potlucks, Holidays, and Backyard BBQs!

Discover the charm of a classic 1950s Vintage Pea Salad, the irresistible sweetness of Quick Brown Sugar Baked Beans, and a Retro Potluck Appetizer everyone will love!

Blog Recipes:

Original Vintage Pea Salad

Retro Style Pea Salad

Potluck Veggie Platter with Herbed Tomato Recipe

Quick Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Crunchy Kidney Bean Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad

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#1 Vintage Pea Salad Recipe

pea salad newspaper — original / really good recipe

#2 My Retro Pea Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (chilling & combining)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

2 cups canned green peas (chilled)
¾ cup sweet relish
1 cup canned diced mushrooms
1 cup diced American cheese
½ tablespoon minced onion
½ tablespoon minced garlic
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons pickle juice
¼ teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper

Instructions

Chill the peas before preparing the salad.
In a medium bowl, combine the peas, relish, mushrooms, cheese, onion, garlic, mayonnaise, and pickle juice.
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Season with salt and a dash of pepper.
Mix thoroughly, then chill until ready to serve.

Serve & Enjoy

This creamy, tangy pea salad is a true retro side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners. Serve it cold for the best flavor!

FAQ: Retro Pea Salad

Q: Can I make this pea salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen peas instead of canned?
A: Absolutely. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before adding. Fresh peas should be lightly blanched and cooled for the best flavor and texture.

Q: What cheese works best in pea salad?
A: Classic American cheese gives it that true vintage taste, but you can also try cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Swiss for a different flavor.

Q: How long will pea salad keep in the refrigerator?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.

#3 Potluck Veggie Platter with Herbed Tomato Recipe

Elevate your next potluck gathering with a touch of nostalgia by presenting a vibrant array of fresh vegetables in a classic vintage Tupperware container.

This iconic piece not only adds a charming retro flair to the table or vintage BBQ but also keeps your veggies crisp and ready to enjoy.

You’ll Need:

Vintage Tupperware Tray
Leafy Lettuce
Carrots
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Tomato
Cucumber
Parsley
Salt n Pepper
Fresh thyme
Chives
Salad oil
Tarragon vinegar

Herbed Tomato Recipe:

Via Better Homes and Gardens - 1963

1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon course black salt
A few leaves fresh thyme 1/2 Cup finely snipped parsley
1/4 Cup snipped chives
2/3 Cup salad oil
1/4 Cup tarragon vinegar

Instructions:

Peel tomatoes, cut crosswise in half. Place in a deep bowl, sprinkling each layer with seasoning and herbs.
Combine oil and vinegar and pour over.
Tilt bowl so all tomatoes are covered.
Cover and chill about an hour occationally spooning dressing over tomatoes.
Drain off dressing before serving.

Instructions veggie platter:

Slice and quarter the tomatoes and follow herbed tomato recipe above.
While tomatoes are chilling, slice the carrots using the waffle fry blade on a mandoline slicer.
Use small stainless steel vegetable Slicer/peeler for cucumbers.
Cut cauliflower and broccoli into uniform pieces.
Rinse the vegetables under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Separate lettuce leaves, rinse and place them in individual compartments of the tray.
Arrange the prepared vegetables in quarters in contrasting colors in your vintage veggie tray laying them on top of the lettuce leaves.
Add small bowls or dishes to hold dips such as ranch dressing, hummus, garden vegetable dip or spinach dip, strategically placing them for easy access.
Garnish the tray with fresh parsley for a retro touch.
After use, clean the vintage veggie tray according to its care instructions to preserve its charm for future gatherings.

#4 Quick Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

Notes

Serve in a Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Container for that classic retro touch.
Perfect to make ahead for potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners.

Ingredients

1 can (28 oz) Bush’s Best Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans
1 spicy or sweet Italian sausage
1 tablespoon Kraft Sweet Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
½ tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

In a medium pan, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked.
Remove the sausage and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
In a clean pan, add the baked beans, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
Slice the cooked sausage and stir it into the bean mixture.
Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors blend.

Serve & Enjoy

Rich, smoky, and slightly sweet, these baked beans are the ultimate quick retro side dish. Pair them with burgers, hot dogs, or your favorite BBQ mains for a crowd pleasing potluck classic!

FAQ: Quick Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Q: Can I use a different sausage in this recipe?
A: Yes! Sweet or spicy Italian sausage works beautifully, but you can also use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even breakfast sausage for a fun twist.

Q: Can I make these beans vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Simply skip the sausage or replace it with a plant-based sausage or crumbled veggie burger. The beans and brown sugar barbecue sauce still deliver plenty of flavor.

Q: Can I prepare these baked beans ahead of time?
A: Yes, these beans taste even better after sitting for a few hours. Make them earlier in the day, store in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q: What should I serve with these baked beans?
A: They’re a perfect side for burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or any classic BBQ spread. Try pairing them with coleslaw or cornbread for a full retro meal.