Crunchy Green Pea Salad
A crunchy green pea salad bursting with fresh vegetables, nuts, bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and picnics with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse peas in hot water to steam if fresh or drain if frozen.
- Combine peas, sliced celery, chopped cauliflower, diced green onions, roasted cashews or peanuts, and crumbled bacon in a large bowl.
- Mix sour cream, ranch dressing, and mustard together to prepare the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the cashews or peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If you prefer a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. Ensure the peas are cooked just right; overcooking can make them mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This Crunchy Green Pea Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It can also be served as a side at barbecues or picnics, complementing dishes like Burger 'N Beans or served alongside a light pasta dish. Garnish with additional bacon or nuts for extra flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat it, gently warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Green Pea Salad contains roughly 550 calories, with 18g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% 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, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy. The prepared salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo, and omit the bacon or use a vegan bacon alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
What can I use instead of Hidden Valley Ranch?
If you don't have Hidden Valley Ranch, you can use any other ranch dressing or make your own by mixing mayonnaise, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning. Alternatively, a lemon vinaigrette can also provide a delicious tangy flavor.
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).