This Classic Pea Salad is a light, refreshing, and creamy dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. With sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, and its simple ingredients come together to create a vibrant and flavorful dish.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 0 minutes (since the peas are typically frozen and thawed or cooked)
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Yield: Serves 6
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Cuisine: American, Salad
Full List of Ingredients
For the Salad:
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4 cups frozen peas (thawed or cooked)
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup diced celery
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1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
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1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
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1 tablespoon sugar
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by thawing the frozen peas if you’re using them from the freezer. You can do this by leaving them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or you can quickly thaw them by rinsing them under warm water. If you’re using fresh peas, simply blanch them for a few minutes and cool them in ice water.
Finely chop the red onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook the bacon if you’re using it, and then crumble it into small pieces.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if necessary, adding more vinegar for tang or more sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, and bell pepper. If you’re adding bacon, toss that in as well.
4. Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir everything together gently until well combined. The creamy dressing should coat all of the vegetables and peas evenly.
5. Chill and Serve
For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 250
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Fat: 20g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Cholesterol: 20mg
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Sodium: 250mg
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugars: 5g
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Protein: 7g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Pea salad is a classic American side dish, often served at potlucks, barbecues, and holiday gatherings. The dish typically combines peas with creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables like celery and bell peppers. This simple salad has been enjoyed for generations, and variations of it can be found in many family recipe books across the U.S.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and no cooking required (unless you’re adding bacon), this salad is incredibly simple to make.
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Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein (like chicken or ham) to make it your own.
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Great for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeks or gatherings.
Health Benefits
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Peas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which help support digestion and heart health.
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Celery is low in calories and provides antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to this dish.
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Cheese provides calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
Serving Suggestions
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With Grilled Meat: Pair this salad with grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a complete meal.
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As a Side Dish: Serve alongside other side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a delicious BBQ spread.
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For Picnics: This salad is the perfect addition to any picnic or potluck, and it travels well when chilled.
Cooking Tips
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Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers, radishes, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color.
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Make It Lighter: Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the dressing.
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Add a Protein: To make this a more filling meal, add some cooked chicken, ham, or bacon bits.
Variations to Try
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Vegan Version: For a vegan pea salad, use a dairy-free dressing made from cashew cream or tahini, and omit the cheese and bacon.
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Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick in the dressing.
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Herb Version: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the salad for added flavor.
Conclusion
Classic Pea Salad is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite main course. With its creamy texture, crunchy vegetables, and the option to add protein, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Make it ahead of time for a convenient, make-ahead side dish that everyone will love.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
2. Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work just as well and are easy to use. Just thaw them before adding them to the salad.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots for added crunch and flavor.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar is the most common, but mozzarella, feta, or Swiss cheese would work well too.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap out the cheese for a dairy-free version, and use a vegan mayonnaise or a cashew-based dressing.
6. How long can I store this salad?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. Can I add bacon to the salad?
Yes, bacon adds a nice smoky flavor and crispy texture. You can either add it to the salad or sprinkle it on top for garnish.
8. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Classic Pea Salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the mayonnaise you use is also gluten-free.
9. Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
10. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas work well too. Just blanch them for a couple of minutes and let them cool before adding them to the salad.