Lettuce And Pea Salad
A creamy, cheesy lettuce and pea salad with bacon bits, perfect for casual gatherings or as a refreshing side dish. Combines fresh greens, peas, and savory toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sour cream, salad dressing, and sugar or sugar substitute together and refrigerate overnight.
- Cook frozen green peas until tender, then drain and cool completely.
- Toss lettuce, chopped onion (if using), cooled peas, and the prepared dressing together in a large bowl.
- Layer bacon bits and shredded cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also use a light salad dressing to reduce calories. If fresh peas are available, they can be blanched instead of using frozen. Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. This salad is versatile, allowing you to incorporate ingredients from your pantry or fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it a perfect side for summer barbecues. It also complements dishes such as Saucy Potato Bake or Layered Garden Salad. For a complete meal, consider adding protein like grilled shrimp or chickpeas to the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may make the salad soggy over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until serving if you plan to have leftovers. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lettuce And Pea Salad contains roughly 370 calories, with 9g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 914mg per serving (40% 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 dressing and cook the peas a day in advance. Just combine the ingredients right before serving to maintain the freshness of the lettuce. However, it's best to layer the bacon and cheese just before serving to keep them crispy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon bits or substitute with crunchy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added texture. Ensure the salad dressing is vegetarian as well. This way, you'll have a delicious vegetarian salad that still offers plenty of flavor.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can enhance this salad by adding diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch. Avocado also makes a creamy addition. Feel free to get creative with seasonal vegetables to keep the salad fresh and exciting.
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).