Iowa Pea Salad
A creamy, flavorful pea salad with cheddar cheese, crisp celery, and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with a fresh, savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine peas, cheese, celery, and onion in a large bowl.
- Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce in another bowl until smooth.
- Add the dressing to the pea mixture; toss to coat.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or a sprinkle of herbs like dill or parsley. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat mayonnaise. If you're in a hurry, you can use canned peas instead of frozen, but ensure they're well-drained to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Iowa Pea Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a side dish for picnics. It's also great alongside sandwiches or as part of a buffet spread. For a colorful presentation, garnish with additional chopped celery or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. If you find the salad has thickened too much after refrigeration, simply stir in a splash of milk before serving to refresh the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Iowa Pea Salad contains roughly 118 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% 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, but be sure to blanch them first to soften their texture and enhance their color. Fresh peas will provide a different, crunchier texture compared to frozen ones.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While it's recommended to refrigerate overnight for the best flavor, if you're short on time, letting it chill for at least 2 hours can still enhance the taste. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
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).