Gourmet Pea Salad
A vibrant and creamy pea salad with crunchy cashews and smoky bacon, perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish for spring and summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw and drain the frozen baby peas.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and sour cream to the peas.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, add fried, crumbled bacon and chopped cashews.
- Mix well and serve, optionally on a bed of lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the sour cream. If you want a crunchier salad, try substituting the cashews with sunflower seeds. When using fresh peas, blanch them briefly instead of using frozen. This pea salad also complements dishes like Stuffed Baked Flounder beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gourmet pea salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs excellently with grilled meats or seafood, making it a great complement to dishes like Spicy Barbecues. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or serving it alongside a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best not to mix in the bacon and cashews until just before serving to maintain their crunch. If you need to reheat, gently warm in the microwave, but it's typically enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gourmet Pea Salad contains roughly 568 calories, with 18g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1069mg per serving (46% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! Blanch them briefly in boiling water for a few minutes, then cool them in ice water to preserve their color and crunch. This will enhance the freshness of your salad.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will add a nice tang. You could also use a dairy-free yogurt if you need a non-dairy option.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this pea salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor that bacon adds, or include additional nuts for crunch and protein.
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).