Frozen Pea Salad - Layered
A vibrant layered salad featuring crisp lettuce, crunchy celery, sweet peas, and savory eggs, all topped with a creamy mayonnaise and sugar dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, it offers a refreshing and flavorful combination that's sure to impress guests and satisfy appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a large bowl in layers as listed: lettuce, diced celery, diced purple onion, drained sliced water chestnuts, sliced hard-boiled eggs, frozen English peas, and grated cheese.
- Spread over this mixture the mayonnaise mixed with 3 tablespoons sugar, sealing the edges as you spread.
- Cover with an airtight seal and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the layers. If you're out of frozen peas, fresh peas can work as a substitute, but adjust the layering order to ensure they stay crisp. You can also swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version. This salad is versatile; feel free to add in diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can complement a hearty main dish like Sweet Potato - Corn Chowder. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like rotisserie chicken on the side, or enjoy it alongside Teresa'S Cabbage Salad for a colorful, nutritious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Frozen Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If you find the layers have become a bit soggy, give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frozen Pea Salad - Layered contains roughly 482 calories, with 11g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 815mg per serving (35% 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 a day in advance. Just layer the ingredients and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, but be sure to add the mayonnaise mixture just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Frozen Pea Salad is a great option for vegetarian recipes, as it consists of vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Just ensure the mayonnaise used is also vegetarian-friendly, and you can enjoy this dish without any concerns about meat ingredients.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute them with sliced almonds or even jicama for a similar crunch. Both alternatives will give your salad a nice texture, ensuring it remains satisfying while still being delicious.
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).