Pea Salad Recipe – Did you know frozen peas are a top pick in the U.S.? Over 1 million tons are eaten every year. This pea salad is a tasty way to enjoy them. It’s great for summer events, picnics, and potlucks.
This recipe mixes sweet peas with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing. It’s light, healthy, and full of flavor.
Key Takeaways
- Pea salad is a classic, refreshing side dish made with sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
- The recipe uses a ratio of 16 ounces of frozen peas to 2 cucumbers, 2/3 cup of radishes, and 1/3 cup of green onions.
- The dressing is made with rice vinegar, olive oil, and honey, providing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Each serving of the pea salad contains approximately 110 calories, 17g of carbohydrates, 5g of protein, and 3g of fat.
- The pea salad can be customized with additional ingredients like sunflower seeds, bacon bits, or shredded cheddar cheese.
What Makes Pea Salad a Perfect Side Dish?
Pea salad is a great side dish for many occasions. It’s light and healthy, making it a refreshing addition to any meal. Plus, it goes well with many main dishes. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a fancy dinner party, this spring pea salad is a hit.
Light and Healthy Ingredients
The secret to pea salad’s great taste and texture is its ingredients. It has fresh or frozen green peas as the main attraction. It also has a creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and tasty add-ins like bacon or cheese. This mix makes a dish that’s both good for you and enjoyable to eat.
Versatile for Any Occasion
Pea salad is very flexible. You can change the recipe to fit different tastes or diets. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a fancy dinner. Pea salad can handle any event.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen Green Peas | 16 Ounces |
| Mayonnaise | 1 1/3 Cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Onion, Chopped | 1 Small |
| Cheddar Cheese, Shredded | 1 Cup |
| Real Bacon Bit Pieces | 2.8 Ounces |
“Pea salad is a refreshing and versatile side dish that can elevate any meal, from casual gatherings to formal events.”
Essential Ingredients for Pea Salad
Making a tasty pea salad starts with picking the right ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen green peas. The key is to choose ones that are fresh and flavorful.
The creamy dressing is what holds the salad together. It’s made from mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and a bit of sugar. Adding crispy bacon, crunchy celery, or toasted nuts gives it a nice crunch.
Fresh or Frozen Peas?
Choosing between fresh or frozen peas for your salad depends on what you like and what’s available. Fresh peas are sweeter and softer. Frozen peas are easier to find and keep their color and firmness well.
Creamy Dressing Essentials
The dressing is crucial for a good pea salad. It should be creamy, tangy, and a bit sweet. A classic dressing includes mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Some recipes add Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for more flavor.
Crunchy Add-ins to Consider
Adding crunchy ingredients makes the salad better. Celery, onions, and bacon are great choices. You can also try toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a nutty taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen green peas | 4 cups |
| Diced red onion | 1/2 small onion |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 6 oz |
| Crispy bacon, chopped | 8 slices |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Pea Salad
Making a tasty easy pea salad is easy with this guide. It works with both fresh and frozen peas. The secret to a great pea salad is in how you prepare it.
Preparing the Peas
Begin by thawing 16 ounces of frozen petite peas or blanching fresh peas lightly. If using frozen peas, rinse them in cold water until thawed. For fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, shock them in an ice bath to keep their color and crunch.
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 to 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add a pinch of kosher salt and some black pepper to taste.
Combining All Ingredients
In a big bowl, mix the peas with 1/4 cup of diced sweet onion, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 4 slices of bacon, crumbled. Pour the dressing over it and toss until everything is coated well.
For the best taste, cover the salad and chill it for at least 30 minutes. Or, refrigerate it overnight. This pea salad recipe is a refreshing side dish for any meal!
“This easy pea salad is a delightful balance of creaminess, crunch, and flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion!”
Variations to Try with Your Pea Salad
Pea salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add fresh herbs for a burst of flavor or different cheeses for extra creaminess. There are many ways to put your own spin on this classic side dish.
Adding Fresh Herbs for Flavor
Fresh herbs can elevate your pea salad. Try adding chopped mint or basil for a refreshing twist. Dill is also great, adding a subtle savory note that complements the peas.
Incorporating Cheese for Extra Creaminess
Crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan can make your pea salad creamier. For a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
Experimenting with Spices and Seasonings
Spices and seasonings can change your pea salad’s flavor. Add cumin for a warm, earthy note or smoked paprika for smokiness. Try different spice blends to create a unique flavor.
Looking to add a fresh herb twist, creamy cheese, or experiment with spices? The possibilities for customizing your pea salad are endless. Get creative and find the flavor combinations that best suit your taste buds.
Best Pairings with Pea Salad
Enjoying a cold pea salad is refreshing and flavorful. It pairs well with many main dishes and sides. This healthy pea salad is perfect for any meal, pleasing everyone.
Complementary Main Dishes
Pea salad’s cool, creamy texture goes great with grilled meats like honey-glazed ham or steak. It also matches well with roasted chicken. For seafood, try it with pan-seared salmon or lemon-garlic shrimp.
Vegetarians will love it with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled tofu. It makes the meal complete.
Delicious Bread and Grains
For a heartier meal, put the cold pea salad on quinoa or brown rice. It also goes well with bread, like focaccia or dinner rolls. These are great for soaking up the salad’s flavors.
This healthy pea salad is perfect for any occasion. It’s refreshing and pairs well with many dishes. It’s great for hot summer days.
Tips for Making Pea Salad Ahead of Time
Preparing easy pea salad ahead of time can save you a lot of time. It also makes sure your side dish is fresh when you’re ready to serve it. The great news is that cold pea salad can be made up to three days before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Storage Advice for Freshness
To keep your salad fresh, prepare each part separately. Then, mix them together just before serving. This way, the ingredients won’t get soggy or lose their texture.
One important tip is to store the crispy bacon separately. Add it to the salad right before serving. This keeps it crunchy.
Preparing Components in Advance
- Cook the bacon and crumble it, then store it in an airtight container.
- If using frozen peas, add them to the salad while they’re still partially frozen. This keeps them crunchy.
- Make the dressing and store it in a separate container.
- Chop the onions, cheese, and any other crunchy add-ins. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
By preparing the parts in advance, you can quickly mix everything together when it’s time to serve. This ensures your easy pea salad is fresh, tasty, and ready to impress your guests.
Nutritional Benefits of Peas
Green peas add flavor to your healthy pea salad. They are also packed with nutrients. These legumes are great for a balanced diet.
Packed with Protein
Peas are a top choice for plant-based protein. They have about 8 grams of protein per cup. This is good for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone wanting more plant-based protein.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Green peas are full of vitamins and minerals. They have vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and manganese. These nutrients are key for health and well-being.
Peas also have antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids. These help fight oxidative stress and boost the immune system.
“Peas are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate any salad or side dish. Their creamy texture and sweet flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, while their impressive nutrient profile ensures you’re getting a healthy addition to your plate.”
Enjoy peas in a classic green pea salad or other dishes. They make your meals more nutritious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Pea Salad
Making the perfect pea salad recipe means avoiding common mistakes. Overcooking peas and picking the wrong dressing are key errors to avoid. These mistakes can ruin your salad’s taste and texture.
Overcooking the Peas
The texture of peas is crucial in a great pea salad. Overcooking makes them mushy and loses their color. Use frozen peas or lightly steam fresh peas to keep them green and crunchy. Stay away from canned peas, as they’re too soft.
Choosing the Wrong Dressing
The dressing is what ties all the flavors together in a pea salad. A dressing that’s too thin makes the salad watery, while too thick overpowers the other ingredients. The best dressing is creamy but light, letting the peas and veggies stand out. A mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice works well.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you make a pea salad full of flavor and texture. Don’t forget to season it well and chill it before serving for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions for Pea Salad
There are many ways to serve this tasty spring pea salad. You can put it in a big glass bowl to show off its colors. Or, serve it in mason jars or lettuce cups for a fun, portable snack.
Creative Presentation Ideas
Make the salad look even better by adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A bit of paprika or lemon juice can add color and zest. Try adding crispy bacon or toasted almonds for extra flavor.
Suggested Serving Temperatures
The cold pea salad tastes best when it’s chilled, between 35-40°F (2-4°C). This keeps the salad fresh and the flavors bright. If you’re eating it outside, put the bowl on ice to keep it cool.
FAQ
What makes pea salad a perfect side dish?
Pea salad is light and healthy, perfect for any occasion. It’s great for casual barbecues or formal dinners. The mix of sweet peas, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing makes it a hit with everyone.
What are the essential ingredients for pea salad?
Pea salad needs peas, bacon, red onion, and cheddar cheese. The dressing is made with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and spices. You can also add celery, peanuts, or cashews for crunch.
Should I use fresh or frozen peas for the best texture?
Use frozen peas or lightly steamed fresh peas for the best texture. Avoid canned peas because they’re too soft. Don’t overcook the peas to keep them vibrant and crunchy.
How do I make the perfect pea salad dressing?
The dressing should have mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire and soy sauce for extra flavor. The dressing should be creamy but not too runny.
Can I customize the pea salad with different add-ins?
Yes, you can add fresh herbs like mint or basil. Try different cheeses like feta or Parmesan. Experiment with spices like cumin or dill for unique flavors.
What are some good main dish pairings for pea salad?
Pea salad goes well with grilled meats, fish, or vegetarian dishes. It’s perfect with barbecue favorites like burgers and hot dogs. Serve it with bread, dinner rolls, or over grains like quinoa or rice.
How far in advance can I make pea salad?
You can make pea salad up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the parts separately and mix them just before serving. Keep bacon crispy by adding it last.
What are the nutritional benefits of peas?
Peas are packed with nutrients. They’re a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron and potassium. The fiber helps with digestion and the antioxidants support health.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making pea salad?
Don’t overcook the peas to keep them crunchy. Use the right dressing to avoid a watery salad. Avoid canned peas and season well to enhance flavors.
How should I serve pea salad?
Serve pea salad in a large glass bowl to show off its colors. Use mason jars or lettuce cups for individual servings. Garnish with herbs, lemon wedges, or paprika. Serve chilled, ideally between 35-40°F (2-4°C), and keep cool with ice for outdoor events.
