Texas Pea Salad
A cool, creamy pea salad with crunchy celery, onions, and bacon bits, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish for casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break lettuce into bite-sized pieces and spread in a glass dish.
- Spread chopped celery over the lettuce.
- Sprinkle chopped onions over the celery.
- Add drained frozen peas over the onions.
- Mix sugar into Miracle Whip and spread over the peas.
- Sprinkle imitation bacon bits over the Miracle Whip layer.
- Optional: Spread shredded cheese over all, or add boiled eggs as a layer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip. If you want to add more crunch, try incorporating diced bell peppers or cucumbers. This Texas Pea Salad is versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavor further, making it a perfect side for dishes like Best Ever Quiche.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Texas Pea Salad chilled for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it a great side for summer barbecues. Consider serving it alongside Stove Top Barbecue Beans for a hearty meal. Adding a slice of crusty bread can also complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become watery due to the peas and dressing, so give it a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables may suffer upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Pea Salad contains roughly 204 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1175mg per serving (51% 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, but blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften them before adding them to the salad. This will help enhance their sweetness and maintain their vibrant color.
What can I substitute for imitation bacon bits?
You can use real cooked bacon, crumbled, for a richer flavor. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to mimic the savory taste.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Certainly! You can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute, and swap Miracle Whip for a lighter dressing or plain yogurt. Adding more fresh veggies like bell peppers or carrots can also boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
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).