Chicken, Peas, Nut Salad
A flavorful chicken and pea salad with crunchy cashews, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, perfect for light meals, picnics, or potlucks. Fresh, savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the cooked chicken breast by dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside.
- Thaw the frozen peas and drain any excess water.
- Chop the celery and onion into small pieces.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas, cashews, bacon, celery, onion, pineapple, and diced chicken.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, and salt to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, roast the cashews before adding them to the salad. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or mayonnaise. You can also add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. This salad is versatile, so feel free to include other ingredients like grapes or apples for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken, Peas, Nut Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a picnic dish. Pair it with crusty bread or serve over a bed of greens for added freshness. It complements well with a side of Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup for a comforting meal or can be enjoyed as a filling side dish at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a microwave or skillet, but keep the salad components separate until serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Peas, Nut Salad contains roughly 806 calories, with 20g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2528mg per serving (110% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. If you want to make it the night before, store the dressing separately and combine everything just before serving.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the bacon flavor. You can also use crispy fried onions for crunch without meat. Alternatively, turkey bacon or pancetta can be used for a different taste while keeping it similar.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store the ingredients in separate containers and mix them together with the dressing when you're ready to eat to keep everything fresh and delicious.
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).