Pea Salad Recipe with Steak and Shrimp for Dinner Delight

Name: pea salad recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 4 cups frozen petite peas; – 8 slices bacon, diced; – 3/4 to 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese; – 1 small red onion; – 1/2 cup sour cream; – 1/4 to 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise; – 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; – 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad Recipe

Ease of preparation: This pea salad recipe is wonderfully simple and quick to assemble. Using thawed frozen peas and a straightforward creamy dressing means you’ll have a delicious, nutritious salad ready in just 15 minutes perfect for busy days, picnics, or potlucks.
Health benefits: Packed with fresh green peas, crisp bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, this pea salad is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It supports digestive health and provides essential nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin C, making it both tasty and nourishing.
Versatility: This pea salad recipe adapts easily to various dietary preferences. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, replace bacon with plant-based alternatives for a vegan take, or omit cheese to tailor it to your needs all while maintaining a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Distinctive flavor: The combination of sweet peas, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy, balanced dressing creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Each bite offers a pleasing mixture of creamy, crunchy, and savory notes that set this salad apart.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad Recipe
2. Essential Ingredients for Pea Salad Recipe
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Pea Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pea Salad Recipe
5. Mastering Pea Salad Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Pea Salad Recipe: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Salad Recipe
8. pea salad recipe

Essential Ingredients for Pea Salad Recipe

4 cups frozen petite peas, thawed – provide sweetness, bright green color, and tender crunch.
8 slices bacon, diced – adds salty, smoky richness and crunch.
3/4 to 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded – offers creamy texture and sharp flavor that complements peas.
1 small red onion, diced – contributes mild pungency and fresh bite.
1/2 cup sour cream – creates creamy texture and tang; can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
1/4 to 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise – controls creaminess and richness; full-fat recommended for best flavor.
1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar – balances the tanginess of the vinegar and enhances sweetness.
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar – adds tart brightness that cuts through richness.
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – essential seasoning for flavor enhancement.
1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – adds subtle spice and depth.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Use plant-based mayonnaise and alternative yogurts, and omit bacon or use tempeh bacon to keep the savory crunch.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free; just verify that mayonnaise and other processed ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Low-calorie: Substitute some or all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and reduce bacon quantity or opt for turkey bacon.

How to Prepare the Perfect Pea Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Cook and Prepare the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is crisp. This will take approximately 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon onto paper towels to drain excess fat, ensuring the salad has a nice crunchy texture without greasiness.

Second Step: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on how creamy you want your dressing.

Third Step: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Thaw the frozen petite peas and pat them dry to remove excess water. Dice the red onion finely and cube or shred the sharp cheddar cheese to roughly the size of peas for texture harmony.

Fourth Step: Combine Salad and Dressing

Gently fold the thawed peas, diced red onion, cooked bacon, and cheddar cheese into the bowl containing the dressing. Mix carefully to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing without mashing the peas or cheese.

Fifth Step: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pea salad for at least one hour, or overnight if possible. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is thoroughly chilled for a refreshing taste experience.

Final Step: Serve

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Optionally, garnish with a few extra crispy bacon pieces for added texture and presentation. Serve cold as a satisfying side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family dinners.

**Pea Salad Recipe Preparation Timeline**
Step	Action	Approximate Time
1	Cook and drain bacon	6-8 minutes
2	Whisk dressing ingredients	3-5 minutes
3	Prepare peas, onion, and cheese	5 minutes
4	Combine salad ingredients and dressing	3-4 minutes
5	Chill and allow flavors to meld	At least 1 hour

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pea Salad Recipe

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap bacon with plant-based bacon or tempeh bacon for a vegan-friendly protein crunch.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon to reduce fat and calories for a lighter pea salad.
Incorporate hard boiled eggs for an added protein boost and creamy texture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Substitute red onion with shallots or green onions for milder or different pungency.
Experiment with replacing apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different acidic note.
Try adding herbs such as dill or basil to change the flavor profile.
Use Greek yogurt entirely instead of mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing.

Mastering Pea Salad Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Use petite frozen peas and thaw them rather than cooking fresh peas to preserve bright color and subtle crunch.
Flavor variations: Add crumbled feta, toasted almonds, or a drizzle of honey to introduce new textures and taste dimensions.
Presentation tips: Serve in clear bowls with garnishes like chopped fresh mint or extra crispy bacon for a colorful finish.
Make-ahead options: Prepare the dressing and salad ingredients separately and combine before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.

How to Store Pea Salad Recipe: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Store the pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Chilling helps the flavors to blend while preserving freshness and texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as it negatively affects the texture of peas and dairy-based dressings.

Reheating

This pea salad is best served cold. Avoid reheating to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors.

Meal Prep Considerations

For meal prep, store peas and dressing separately and mix before serving to avoid salad sogginess and maintain vibrant taste.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Salad Recipe

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas for pea salad?

Yes, canned peas can be used as a substitute, but frozen peas are preferred. Frozen peas maintain a bright green color and crisp texture that canned peas often lack. If you choose canned peas, rinse and chill them well to reduce mushiness and improve their texture in the salad.

Should peas be cooked before adding them to pea salad?

No, peas should not be cooked before adding to the salad. Use thawed frozen peas or chilled canned peas to keep their slight crunch and vibrant color. Cooking the peas may make them too soft and affect the overall texture of the salad.

Can I prepare pea salad ahead of time?

Yes, pea salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator helps the flavors blend and improves the taste. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh until serving.

What are some good substitutions for mayonnaise in pea salad if I have an egg allergy?

If you have an egg allergy, plain Greek yogurt is a tasty substitute for mayonnaise, offering creaminess with a slight tang. Avocado mayonnaise is another egg-free alternative that provides a similar texture without altering the flavor significantly.

Can I add hard boiled eggs to pea salad?

Yes, adding chopped hard boiled eggs is a popular option that adds protein, flavor, and a creamy texture to pea salad. Simply peel, chop, and gently fold the eggs into the salad just before serving for the best results.

Pea Salad Recipe with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry for a Flavor-Packed Meal