Pea, Cheese And Meat Salad
A fresh and creamy salad combining peas, cheese, and meat, perfect for light lunches or picnics, with a savory mayonnaise dressing and colorful garnishes.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, cut in 1/2-inch squares ⓘ
- 1/2 cup turkey ham, cut in 1/2-inch squares ⓘ
- 8 oz frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 hard-boiled egg ⓘ
- 1 large dill or sweet pickle, diced ⓘ
- Green lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, blend mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and minced onion.
- Add thawed peas, cheese, meat, olives, and mushrooms to the bowl.
- Mix well. If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of mayonnaise.
- Place a lettuce leaf on each salad plate.
- Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
- Garnish the top with sliced hard-boiled egg and diced pickle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the turkey ham with chicken or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors. If you want a crunchy element, try incorporating some chopped celery or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Gary'S Tomato Salad for a refreshing side. For a more filling option, complement it with Oven Bologna or Baked Pork Chops With Potatoes to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious the next day. If you prefer to enjoy it warm, gently reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea, Cheese And Meat Salad contains roughly 461 calories, with 15g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1334mg per serving (58% 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 salad a day in advance. However, it's best to add the hard-boiled eggs and pickles just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor. Store the salad mixture separately from the garnishes in the refrigerator.
What other ingredients can I add to the salad?
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients. Chopped bell peppers, diced apples, or even cooked bacon can add great flavor. If you're looking for a different cheese, feta or mozzarella would also work well.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely! This salad is portable and can be easily packed for a picnic. Just ensure it's kept cool with ice packs to maintain freshness. It makes a great addition to any outdoor gathering or barbecue.
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).