Peas Salad
A crisp, refreshing peas salad combining sweet peas, crunchy celery, toasted cashews, and savory bacon, perfect for a light appetizer or side dish for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen peas; do not cook them.
- Combine the thawed peas with grated onion and chopped celery in a large bowl.
- Fold in sour cream until evenly coated.
- Add crumbled fried bacon and chopped cashews to the mixture.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the sour cream. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option. If you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor. Fresh peas can also be used instead of frozen, just blanch them briefly.
Serving Suggestions
This Peas Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a refreshing side dish at picnics. Consider serving it alongside 'Mom'S' Boston Baked Beans for a delightful contrast. For a complete meal, it can also be a great topping for baked potatoes or a bed for poached eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, but the salad may lose some crunch. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peas Salad contains roughly 386 calories, with 11g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, fresh peas can be used instead of frozen. Just blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool them in ice water before adding to the salad to maintain their vibrant color and crispness.
How can I adjust the flavor of the salad?
You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A dash of vinegar or a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning blend can also elevate the taste. Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! This Peas Salad is perfect for potlucks as it can be made ahead of time and served cold. The flavors improve after chilling, making it a great make-ahead dish that will impress your friends and family.
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).