Marinated Green Pea Salad
A refreshing marinated green pea salad combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a cool side dish for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring sugar, vinegar, water, salt, and white pepper to a boil and boil for one minute.
- Cool the mixture completely.
- Combine drained vegetables and pour the cooled marinade over the mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, let the salad sit for a full 24 hours before serving. For a twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or fresh herbs like parsley or dill. If you're short on time, you can substitute the canned peas with frozen peas, simply thawed. This recipe is also great as a base for a pasta salad. Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Marinated Green Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at your summer barbecues or picnics. It complements grilled meats beautifully, especially with dishes like Roast With Gravy. For a complete meal, pair it with a light sandwich or a hearty grain salad. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time. If you prefer a fresher taste, consider eating it within 48 hours. This salad does not freeze well due to the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Green Pea Salad contains roughly 284 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2322mg per serving (101% 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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! Just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then cool them in ice water before adding to the salad. This will give the salad a vibrant color and fresh taste, but the texture will be different than canned peas.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This Marinated Green Pea Salad is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a great dish to serve at gatherings where you want to accommodate various dietary preferences, and it can be easily customized with additional vegetables or legumes.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. Just be careful to balance the flavors so it doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the salad.
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).