Christmas Pea Salad
A light and refreshing holiday salad that combines sweet peas, chopped pimentos, and diced white cheese, all coated in a tangy salad dressing. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to both casual and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine peas, pimentos, and cheese in a bowl; mix lightly.
- Add salad dressing, salt, and pepper; mix lightly.
- Chill for 1 hour or longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting the salad dressing with Greek yogurt or sour cream. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers. You can also swap the white cheese for a sharper cheese like cheddar for a different flavor profile. This salad easily adapts to your tastes, so feel free to experiment with fresh herbs or different dressings.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Pea Salad is a perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, pairing nicely with roasted meats or as part of a festive buffet. It complements dishes like Easy Cheesy Corn or Olvera Street Chili Quiche(Microwave) beautifully. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light soup or sandwich for a refreshing lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may meld together over time, making the salad taste even better. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Pea Salad contains roughly 85 calories, with 4g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% 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, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop fully. Just be sure to store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for pimentos?
If you can't find chopped pimentos, roasted red peppers or diced bell peppers can work well as substitutes. They will provide a similar sweet flavor and a pop of color to the salad.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Christmas Pea Salad is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for gatherings with vegetarian guests. It's also a simple and delightful addition to your vegetarian recipes collection.
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).