Broccoli And Pea Salad
A fresh, creamy salad combining tender broccoli and peas with crunchy celery and onion, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw broccoli, drain well, and squeeze out all water.
- Thaw peas on paper towels.
- Put vegetables in a bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Mix mayonnaise and sour cream together and toss with the vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding diced bell peppers or sunflower seeds. If you're short on time, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen, but remember to blanch it briefly. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option. Adjust the lemon juice to taste; a bit of zest can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Orange Blossom Cooler. For added flavor, consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or as part of a picnic spread. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating; serve cold or at room temperature. If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare the salad without the dressing and add it just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Pea Salad contains roughly 318 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 817mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just blanch it briefly in boiling water, then cool it in ice water. This will help maintain its vibrant color and crunch. Make sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture in the salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian option while keeping it plant-based.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding chickpeas or diced grilled chicken. Cooked quinoa or diced tofu can also work well if you're looking for vegetarian options. These additions will not only enhance the nutritional value but also make the salad more filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).