Cool Summer Peas
Cool Summer Peas is a refreshing, creamy side dish perfect for warm days. Combining sweet frozen peas with tangy sour cream and mayonnaise, topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures suited for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen baby peas, drain them well.
- In a large bowl, toss the peas with sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, and salt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use light mayonnaise. Fresh peas can also be used if in season, just blanch them briefly before mixing. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavor. This dish can be served cold, making it perfect for potlucks or barbecues, similar to Grandma's Baked Beans.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a great side for grilled meats or barbecued chicken, and pairs beautifully with Quick Pizza Casserole. Serve it chilled as a refreshing salad at summer gatherings or picnics. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as the peas may become mushy. When reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until heated through to avoid overcooking the peas.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Summer Peas contains roughly 625 calories, with 6g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 737mg per serving (32% 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 peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used for this recipe. Simply blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then cool them in ice water before mixing. This will preserve their vibrant color and crunchiness.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and add some diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. You might also consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to mimic that savory flavor, keeping it deliciously vegetarian.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead of time. Just mix everything together and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully, but be sure to give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
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).