Ranch Style Pea Salad
A vibrant, crunchy pea salad with creamy ranch dressing, smoky bacon, and cashews, perfect as a side dish for casual gatherings or summer barbecues.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss peas, chopped cauliflower, diced celery, and chopped green onion together in a large bowl.
- Mix sour cream, Ranch style dressing, and bacon pieces in a separate bowl until combined.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the vegetable mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Stir in cashew nuts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch. Toasted sunflower seeds can replace cashew nuts if you have nut allergies. Ensure the peas are thawed but still firm for the best texture in the salad. This dish is also great as a side for Ham-Broccoli Roll-Ups.
Serving Suggestions
This Ranch Style Pea Salad is perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside Pork And Gravy for a hearty meal. You can also present it on a bed of greens for a colorful and nutritious lunch option. For a complete meal, add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, but the cashews may lose their crunch. If you want to enjoy it later, consider adding fresh cashews just before serving to maintain their texture. Avoid freezing as the ingredients may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch Style Pea Salad contains roughly 505 calories, with 19g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 924mg per serving (40% 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 a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. Mix everything together about an hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of Ranch dressing?
If you don't have Ranch dressing on hand, you can create a similar flavor by mixing mayonnaise with a little buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like dill and parsley. This will give you a creamy dressing that mimics Ranch.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be a great option for meal prep! Just store the dressing and salad separately in the fridge and mix them together when you're ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches.
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).