Country Garden Pea Salad
A fresh, vibrant pea salad with dill pickle, millet cheese, and tofu, perfect for light lunches or picnics, offering a blend of tangy, creamy, and herbal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen green peas for 5 minutes, then drain and cool.
- Add chopped dill pickle, ground celery seed, minced onion, diced millet cheese, and salt to the peas, and toss gently.
- Blend soft tofu with some distilled water until smooth, then pour over the salad.
- Serve the salad chilled.
- Garnish with celery leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding some chopped celery or bell peppers. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute the soft tofu with a vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Fresh peas can also be used instead of frozen; just blanch them for 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially if you are using salted tofu. This salad is a delightful addition to summer picnics, and pairs beautifully with Summer Trifle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a light lunch or side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread alongside dishes like Frankfurter And Corn Casserole. Garnish with fresh celery leaves for an appealing presentation. For a complete meal, consider serving it with slices of crusty bread or alongside Grandma'S Buttermilk Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, but the salad may lose some crunch. To refresh it, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more seasoning before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the peas and tofu may change after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Garden Pea Salad contains roughly 81 calories, with 6g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% 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, you can use fresh peas for this recipe! Just blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes until tender, then cool them in ice water before adding to the salad. Fresh peas will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, making the salad even more vibrant.
Is there a substitute for millet cheese?
If you can't find millet cheese, you can substitute it with any other cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative. For a different flavor profile, try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding cooked grains such as quinoa or farro, or even some chickpeas for added protein. You can also toss in some diced avocado for creaminess. These additions will enhance the nutrition and make it a more substantial meal.
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).