Festive Green Pea Salad
A vibrant and creamy green pea salad with bacon, cheese, and red onion, perfect for potlucks and make-ahead gatherings with a delightful blend of savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the green peas.
- Add crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the peas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, mayonnaise, sugar, and wine vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture.
- Gently stir until well combined.
- Garnish with pimento slices.
- Serve and enjoy or refrigerate to make ahead.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or celery for a crunch. If you're looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. You can also substitute any type of cheese you prefer, such as feta or mozzarella, to customize the taste. Make sure to drain the peas well to prevent the salad from being too watery.
Serving Suggestions
This Festive Green Pea Salad is a delightful side for any gathering and pairs beautifully with Pork Chops & Potato Bake or Ham Sandwiches Au Gratin. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a buffet. It also makes a refreshing dish for picnics or potlucks, adding a pop of color and flavor to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the texture, avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to serve. If you need to reheat the salad, do so gently in the microwave, but it's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Green Pea Salad contains roughly 63 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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 frozen peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen peas can be a great substitute. Just thaw them and blanch briefly in hot water for a bright color and tender texture. This will enhance the freshness of your salad without compromising flavor.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add a smoky flavor by incorporating smoked paprika or using liquid smoke. Additionally, consider adding nuts or seeds for crunch and protein.
What can I do if I don’t have wine vinegar?
If you don't have wine vinegar, feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. Both options will complement the other ingredients nicely while still keeping the salad vibrant and tasty.
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).