Crisp Frozen Pea Salad
A crisp, creamy frozen pea salad with fresh vegetables, cheese, bacon, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 head lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 boxes frozen peas, uncooked, salted
- 2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 6 chopped boiled eggs ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces or bacon bits
- tomato wedges for decoration ⓘ
Instructions
- Layer in a 9 x 12-inch dish: shredded lettuce, chopped celery, chopped onion, sliced water chestnuts, and uncooked frozen peas.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle sugar on top of the mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sugar, followed by chopped boiled eggs and bacon pieces.
- Decorate with tomato wedges.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you prefer a lighter dressing, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Ensure the peas are fully frozen when layering; this keeps the salad crisp. If you want to enhance flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder over the layers. This recipe pairs beautifully with Tuna Cobb Salad Pockets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks, or enjoy it as a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches such as Delicious Sandwiches. For an extra touch, consider serving it alongside a chilled soup like Leslie's Soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat any of the components, gently microwave the bacon pieces and serve them warm on top of the salad for added crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crisp Frozen Pea Salad contains roughly 372 calories, with 9g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and potassium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1495mg per serving (65% 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?
While frozen peas are recommended for their crispness and convenience, you can use fresh peas if you blanch them briefly to soften slightly. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad without losing its refreshing quality.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
It's best to refrigerate the salad overnight to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you're short on time, aim for at least four hours to ensure the ingredients are well chilled and the salad is at its best when served.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the tomato wedges right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
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).