Crunchy Pea Salad
Crunchy Pea Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish combining sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, nuts, and smoky bacon, all coated in creamy dressing with a hint of Dijon mustard. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light lunches, it offers a satisfying crunch and balanced flavors that appeal to a variety of palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the peas in hot water and drain.
- Combine the peas, diced celery, diced green onion, chopped cashews, and crumbled bacon in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mix sour cream, Ranch dressing, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can be made the day ahead and refrigerated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding fresh snap peas or radishes. If you prefer a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream. To enhance flavor, fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be mixed in. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds instead of cashews. This salad is reminiscent of American recipes that celebrate fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crunchy pea salad as a refreshing side for grilled meats or it can be a light lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with Baked Beans-Beef Style for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside sandwiches or wraps for a picnic or potluck gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld over time, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid freezing, as the peas and dressing may separate. Simply give the salad a gentle stir before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Pea Salad contains roughly 236 calories, with 9g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), protein (18% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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. However, you will need to blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften before adding them to the salad. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the crumbled bacon. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the bacon flavor, or substitute with crispy chickpeas for added crunch and protein.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop nicely overnight, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or gatherings.
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).