Pea, Cheese And Dill Salad
A vibrant, creamy pea salad with cheddar, dill, and bacon, perfect for potlucks and gatherings, offering fresh, tangy, and smoky flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse frozen peas in cold water to separate and drain.
- Toss all ingredients together in a bowl: peas, diced cheddar, chopped celery, chopped dill pickle, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill weed, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Line a serving bowl with lettuce leaves and fill with the pea salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for a tangy feta if desired. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative. Adding chopped bell peppers can enhance the crunch, and a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This pea salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a side dish for a picnic. Serve it alongside sandwiches or wraps for a light lunch. For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked quinoa or serve it as a topping for leafy greens. It also complements BBQ dishes perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the peas and creamy ingredients may change. Serve chilled or let it come to room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea, Cheese And Dill Salad contains roughly 292 calories, with 15g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 965mg per serving (42% 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?
Absolutely! If you have fresh peas, you can blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften before adding them to the salad. This will enhance the flavor and texture, making it a delightful alternative to frozen peas.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make the salad healthier, try using low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more chopped celery or incorporating other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, which add crunch and freshness.
What can I substitute for dill pickle?
If you don’t have dill pickle on hand, you can use chopped sweet pickles for a different flavor profile or even capers for a briny kick. Both options will still provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the mayo and sour cream.
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).