Spring Pea Salad
A vibrant spring pea salad combining fresh peas, crunchy vegetables, nuts, bacon, and creamy dressing for a fresh, flavorful side perfect for gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh or frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh cauliflower florets
- 1/4 chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimiento (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cashews or cashew pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup Ranch Salad Dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 small clove minced garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse peas in hot water or steam if fresh, then drain.
- Combine peas, diced celery, cauliflower florets, chopped green onion, pimiento (if using), chopped cashews, and crumbled bacon in a bowl.
- Mix sour cream with the prepared Ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to make the dressing mixture.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the vegetable and nut mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or replacing some with Greek yogurt. If you want a crunchier salad, try substituting sunflower seeds for cashews. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can brighten the flavor. If using frozen peas, ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spring Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues, especially alongside grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like Pork recipes or can be served as a light lunch on its own. Garnish with extra chopped 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 over time, enhancing the taste. However, if the salad contains bacon, consider adding it fresh when serving to maintain its crispness. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spring Pea Salad contains roughly 558 calories, with 16g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1113mg per serving (48% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Combine the dressing and salad ingredients right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, which will give a similar tang and creaminess. For a dairy-free alternative, try using cashew cream or a plant-based yogurt, ensuring it has a mild flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile, and you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch and color. Just ensure that any added veggies are chopped into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.
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).