Tasty Pea Salad
A refreshing, crunchy pea salad combining sweet peas, crispy bacon, crunchy celery, green onions, and cashews, all coated in creamy sour cream—perfect for picnics and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw peas for about 2 hours.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon, chopped celery, chopped green onions, and chopped cashews to the peas.
- Toss the mixture with sour cream until evenly coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt along with the sour cream. If fresh peas are available, you can substitute for frozen ones for a brighter flavor. To add a zesty twist, a squeeze of lemon juice enhances the salad's freshness. For a nut-free version, omit the cashews or replace them with sunflower seeds, which can provide a similar crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Tasty Pea Salad is a delightful side dish for picnics or potlucks, pairing perfectly with grilled meats or hearty main dishes like Pork recipes. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. For a more substantial meal, consider adding diced cooked chicken or incorporating it into a wrap, making it versatile for lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch of the vegetables, it’s best to keep the salad undressed until serving. If reheating is necessary, do so gently in a microwave, but be mindful that the peas will lose some texture when heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tasty Pea Salad contains roughly 288 calories, with 13g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. 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 peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used in place of frozen for a fresher taste. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding to the salad, then cool them in ice water to stop the cooking process.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness. You can also boost the flavor with additional herbs or spices to enhance the overall taste.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It complements grilled chicken or fish wonderfully, and for a vegetarian option, try serving it alongside a hearty quinoa dish or a fresh Broccoli Salad for a colorful spread.
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).