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Easter Sunday tables across America are known for tradition \u2014 glazed ham, pastel desserts and plenty of family favorites.<\/p>\n
But one celebrity chef<\/a> says there\u2019s a lesser-known dish that steals the spotlight every year, even if it surprises guests at first.<\/p>\n Jason Smith, a Food Network personality known for his Southern-style cooking<\/a>, told Fox News Digital that while fresh spring vegetables are a staple of his Easter spread, an unexpected recipe is often what gets people talking.<\/p>\n VIRAL EASTER CANDY TRENDS PAIR GIANT \u2018SMASH EGGS,\u2019 PRICEY TREATS WITH \u2018BETTER-FOR-YOU\u2019 SWAPS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cEaster is one of my favorite holidays<\/a> for wonderful spring dishes,\u201d said Smith, who was raised in Kentucky and now lives in Florida. \u201cIn the South, we celebrate with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits.\u201d<\/p>\n Among his favorites is saut\u00e9ed spring peas and carrots with pistachios \u2014 a simple but flavorful side<\/a> that blends sweetness, texture and crunch.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the sweet spring peas to the earthy tender carrots and pistachios that give the dish just the perfect crunch, it\u2019s a must-have on my Easter table spread,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n However, it\u2019s another dish<\/a> \u2014 one many Americans may not expect \u2014 that often becomes the biggest conversation starter.<\/p>\n Smith said his family never skips a Southern staple known as cornbread salad<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI hear y\u2019all saying, \u2018What do you mean cornbread being in a salad?’\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you ain\u2019t had a good salad \u2019til you\u2019ve had this.\u201d<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The dish layers crumbled buttermilk cornbread with a tangy herb mayo dressing, along with fresh spring onions and sweet red peppers.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen ol\u2019 Peter Rabbit comes by, he\u2019ll want to set right down and have a plate full with you,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n The combination, he said, surprises first-timers \u2014 but quickly wins them over.<\/p>\n