Sister'S Pea Salad
A light, flavorful pea salad with crunchy pecans, water chestnuts, and a sweet-tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the water chestnuts very well. Cut them into small pieces.
- Marinate the chestnuts overnight or for at least 8 hours in a mixture of salad oil, vinegar, and sugar.
- Drain the marinated chestnuts very well.
- Drain the peas very well.
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, chopped pecans, finely chopped onion, diced water chestnuts, and drained pimiento if using.
- Add mayonnaise, salad oil, vinegar, and sugar to the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly and chill before serving.
- Serve plain as a vegetable, on lettuce as a salad, or in tomato halves, shells, or slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding diced celery or carrots to the salad. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds if you prefer a nut-free option. Make sure to rinse the peas thoroughly to eliminate any excess sodium.
Serving Suggestions
This pea salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a side to a picnic spread. Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce, or inside hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun presentation. It also complements dishes like Midwest Chili Tamale Pie or Caesar Cole Slaw for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together over time, enhancing the taste. Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise and vegetables may separate and become watery upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sister'S Pea Salad contains roughly 429 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 7g 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to develop and intensify, making it even more delicious when served. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! This salad is already vegetarian-friendly. If you want to make it vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and ensure the sugar used is not processed with bone char.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, you can substitute them with diced apples or jicama for a similar crunch. Both options provide a fresh texture while adding a hint of sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
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).