Pea And Peanut Salad
A savory and crunchy salad combining crispy bacon, sweet peas, crunchy celery, and salted peanuts, all coated in creamy mayonnaise. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages and are ideal for picnics or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Cool the salad and then chill in the refrigerator.
- At serving time, add quartered cherry tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of peanuts for a different flavor. If fresh peas are available, they can be used instead of frozen for a sweeter taste. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. This salad pairs well with American recipes like Virginia Baked Beans.
Serving Suggestions
This Pea and Peanut Salad is great as a side dish for barbecues or picnics, complementing grilled meats or sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside Ham Potato Scallop or Party Sandwiches for a festive meal. For a complete dinner, pair it with a light soup or a fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes too watery from the peas, you can drain some excess liquid before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea And Peanut Salad contains roughly 627 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 941mg per serving (41% 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, this salad can be made a day in advance. Prepare the salad without the cherry tomatoes, store it in the refrigerator, and add the tomatoes just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon entirely or use a plant-based bacon substitute. Smoked paprika can also provide a similar smoky flavor without the meat.
How can I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the salad after mixing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor, depending on your preference.
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).