Spinach-Pea Salad
A vibrant, creamy salad combining spinach, peas, cheese, and bacon with fresh vegetables and a sweet mayo dressing, perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw and drain the frozen peas and spinach.
- Fry or microwave the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.
- Layer in a bowl the spinach, chopped purple onion, chopped green pepper, peas, shredded mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle the sugar on top of the mayonnaise.
- Refrigerate the salad for 8 hours.
- Mix the salad well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing. If you want a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen, but the texture will differ slightly. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. For a heartier dish, include diced chicken or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach-Pea Salad is perfect as a side dish at summer barbecues or as a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with Cornbread Mix With Cheese And Bacon or grilled meats. Serve it alongside a refreshing beverage for a complete meal. For an added twist, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or as a topping on a baked potato.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time. If you prefer a fresher taste, mix in additional mayonnaise before serving. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold, maintaining its crispness and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Pea Salad contains roughly 292 calories, with 10g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 6g 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 spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but make sure to wash and chop it before adding it to the salad. Keep in mind that the texture will be different, and you'll want to serve it immediately to maintain its freshness.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also add extra vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber to enhance the flavors and texture.
What can I add to make the salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or diced grilled chicken. These additions will not only increase the protein content but also create a more satisfying meal option.
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).