Special Pea Salad
A creamy, tangy pea salad with crispy bacon and water chestnuts, perfect as a side dish for gatherings or casual meals, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the sour cream, red wine vinegar, milk, sugar, and garlic powder in a small bowl and chill.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, sliced water chestnuts, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon.
- Add the chilled dressing to the salad ingredients and toss lightly to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash more red wine vinegar. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of frying your own. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or celery for extra crunch. This salad pairs well with any American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This pea salad is a delightful side dish for barbecues and potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Any Day Meat Loaf or serves as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty soup like Hamburger and Vegetable Soup. Garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color.
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 tastier the next day. However, if you plan to keep it for longer, consider storing the dressing separately to maintain the crispness of the ingredients. To refresh, simply toss gently before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Pea Salad contains roughly 642 calories, with 20g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% 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 use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cool them in ice water before adding to the salad. Fresh peas will give a sweeter and crisper texture compared to frozen ones.
Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?
Absolutely! You can simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy fried shallots or smoked tofu for added flavor. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying without the meat.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and salad components separately a day in advance. Mix the dressing and store it in the fridge. Combine the salad ingredients just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. This way, you can save time on busy days.
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).