Granny'S Pea Salad
A vibrant, creamy pea salad with fresh tomatoes, pickles, and eggs, perfect for picnics or casual gatherings, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Hard-boil eggs and cook shell noodles for 10 minutes.
- Chop the tomato, eggs, and dill pickles.
- In a large bowl, combine drained peas, chopped tomato, chopped eggs, chopped pickles, lemon pepper salt, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Mix well and chill for 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise or mixing in some sour cream. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the eggs or substitute with a plant-based egg alternative. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. Adjust the lemon pepper salt based on your taste preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This pea salad is a great side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch option. Pair it with crusty bread or serve alongside dishes like the Favorite Fruit Cobbler for a delightful meal. It also complements a fresh green salad beautifully, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Consider presenting it in a decorative bowl for an appealing display.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day. To refresh the salad before serving, you might want to add a dollop of mayonnaise or yogurt to retain moisture. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Pea Salad contains roughly 330 calories, with 7g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g 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 canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used, but make sure to blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften them before adding to the salad. This brings out their sweetness and enhances the texture. Just remember to let them cool before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for the shell noodles?
If you want to replace shell noodles, consider using small pasta shapes like orzo or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Alternatively, you can skip the pasta altogether and bulk up the salad with additional vegetables like diced cucumbers or bell peppers.
How can I make this salad more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for acidity. You can also mix in some crumbled feta cheese or a handful of chopped nuts for added complexity. Spicing it up with a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños can also bring a delightful kick.
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).