Creamy Pea Salad(Makes 24 Servings)
Creamy Pea Salad offers a refreshing blend of green peas, crispy bacon, and crunchy cashews, perfect for gatherings and casual get-togethers, with a flavorful, savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the green peas, chopped onion, chopped celery, salt, pepper, and whole basil leaves in a large bowl, stirring gently.
- Chill the mixture for 3 to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon and coarsely chopped cashews.
- Serve the salad on lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular. Make sure to adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if using flavored bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy pea salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with Roasted Ham or can be a delightful addition to a brunch spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a light pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover creamy pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad's texture, avoid freezing it. If you need to reheat, gently warm it in the microwave, but it's best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Pea Salad(Makes 24 Servings) contains roughly 278 calories, with 7g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% 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, but they should be blanched first to soften them and enhance their color. This ensures that they blend well with the other ingredients and maintain their vibrant green color.
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the cashews. They will add a nice crunch without the nutty taste.
Is this salad suitable for make-ahead meals?
Absolutely! This creamy pea salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
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).