Chinese Oriental Pea Salad
Fresh green peas tossed with creamy lemon dressing, crunchy cashews, and crisp celery, finished with silky Chinese noodles for a bright, satisfying salad perfect for quick lunch or party side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the noodles and stir until well blended.
- Top the salad with Chinese noodles before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you're looking to add some crunch, consider including toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds in addition to the cashews. Adjust the garlic based on your preference for intensity. This salad can also be made vegetarian by ensuring the mayonnaise is egg-free. Serve this delightful dish alongside Fried Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks. Serve it chilled as a side dish, or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with Irish Dumplings or can be complemented by a bowl of soup for a heartier meal. Garnish with additional green onions for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve overnight, but be mindful that the noodles may become soggy. If you prefer your noodles crispy, add them fresh just before serving. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a microwave, but avoid heating the noodles.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Oriental Pea Salad contains roughly 508 calories, with 8g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1606mg per serving (70% 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 frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work well in this recipe, and they are often sweeter than fresh ones. Just ensure they are fully thawed before mixing with the other ingredients to maintain the right texture.
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cashews with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Both will add a nice crunch without overpowering the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time for meal prep! Just remember to store the Chinese noodles separately and add them just before serving to keep them crispy.
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).