Pea-Nut Salad
A crunchy, savory pea and bacon salad with walnuts and creamy dressing, perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish, appealing to those who enjoy savory, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Serve the mixture inside hollowed-out tomatoes if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or substituting the walnuts with pecans for a different flavor profile. To enhance the dish, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon entirely or replace it with smoked tempeh for a similar smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Pea-Nut Salad is excellent as a side dish for grilled meats or can be served atop a bed of greens for a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with Roast Pork And Sauerkraut for a hearty meal. Consider hollowing out tomatoes or cucumbers for a fun presentation, making it ideal for summer picnics or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after storage, you can add a little extra sour cream or yogurt when serving. It's best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat; just give it a good stir before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea-Nut Salad contains roughly 610 calories, with 18g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 672mg per serving (29% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated, and it's ready to serve when you need it. However, it's best to add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking to make this salad vegetarian, smoked tempeh or coconut bacon can be great substitutes for bacon, providing a similar smoky flavor without the meat.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even cheese like feta or goat cheese, which can complement the flavors nicely.
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).