Creamy Southern English Pea Salad Recipe for a Refreshing Side Dish

Benefits and Advantages of Southern Pea Salad

Southern pea salad is a flavorful and versatile dish that stands out for its quick preparation and delightful taste. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this salad offers a nutritious boost by featuring southern peas, which are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to digestive health and sustained energy.

Its creamy texture paired with crunchy fresh ingredients creates a satisfying and refreshing side dish that can replace heavier options. The salad is also highly adaptable, easily fitting into vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets by simple ingredient swaps or omissions. Its visual appeal, with vibrant colors from fresh vegetables and herbs, makes it a crowd-pleaser and an inviting addition to any meal or potluck.

With its blend of nutrition, versatility, and ease, southern pea salad is a go-to dish for those seeking a delicious and healthful side.

Essential Ingredients for Southern Pea Salad

• 1 16-ounce (about 450 grams) package frozen sweet peas, thawed but uncooked (canned peas, drained, can also be used)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
• 4 to 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled, or 1 cup (about 150 grams) ham, cooked and chopped (optional)
• ½ cup chopped green onion (or regular onion, finely diced and optionally rinsed to reduce sharpness)
• 1 cup shredded or small diced cheddar cheese (alternatives like Colby Jack can be used)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can substitute fully or partly for sour cream or mayo)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery seeds or ½ cup chopped celery
• Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Southern Pea Salad

This southern pea salad is easily customizable to accommodate different dietary preferences:

• Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing. Omit bacon and cheese or use plant-based alternatives for a fully vegan dish.
• Gluten-Free: The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just ensure condiments like mustard and vinegar have no hidden gluten. Always check labels.
• Low-Calorie: Use light or reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream or replace with Greek yogurt. Reduce quantity of cheese or omit bacon/ham to lower calories.
• Additional Proteins: Add chickpeas or cooked quinoa to boost protein and add texture.
• Convenience: Use canned or frozen peas if fresh southern peas are unavailable; rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium and adjust texture.

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

1. Prepare the Peas: Thaw 2 cups of frozen sweet peas by placing them in a colander over a bowl in the fridge or leaving them at room temperature. Avoid cooking to maintain a crisp texture. Alternatively, rinse canned peas thoroughly and drain well.
2. Cook and Prepare Add-ins: If using, cook bacon slices until crisp and crumble, or chop cooked ham. Hard boil eggs and chop into small pieces. Finely chop onions and fresh parsley (if using).
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream (or substitute Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. This creates a creamy, tangy dressing that binds the salad.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the thawed peas, chopped eggs, bacon or ham, onion, cheddar cheese, and celery seeds or chopped celery.
5. Add Dressing and Mix: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for several hours or ideally overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and results in a better-tasting salad.
7. Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with additional parsley or diced vegetables for color.

Optional variations could include adding diced tomatoes, sweet pickles, pimentos, or water chestnuts for added flavor and crunch. For a milder onion flavor, rinse diced onions under cold water and pat dry before mixing.

For similar easy-to-make side dishes, explore delicious options like the Cheeseburger Pie which offers a savory and comforting complement to any table.

Advanced Tips and Variations

Enhance your southern pea salad with these advanced tips and variations to suit your taste and occasion:

Herb and Flavor Variations

• Substitute traditional parsley with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a brighter, more aromatic salad.
• Add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the dressing.
• To introduce a smoky element, include diced smoked ham or crispy bacon bits. For vegetarian or vegan guests, omit meat or use smoked paprika as a flavorful alternative.

Texture Enhancers

• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or sweet corn for added texture and sweetness.
• Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds such as pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to add a crunchy contrast and boost nutritional profile.

Storage and Assembly Tips

• When preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to retain the salad’s crispness.
• Use finely diced onion and rinse under cold water to soften sharpness for a smoother flavor.

These variations allow you to personalize your southern pea salad while retaining the classic creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy profile.

How to Store Southern Pea Salad: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to maintain the fresh texture and vibrant flavors of southern pea salad:

Refrigeration

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it remains fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
• If possible, keep the dressing separate and combine it with the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Before serving leftovers, stir gently and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Freezing Recommendations

• Freezing is generally not recommended because fresh vegetables and creamy dressings may soften or separate.
• If freezing is necessary, freeze the peas and dressing separately without fresh vegetables.
• Thaw frozen components in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh vegetables and dressing before serving.

By following these storage techniques, you preserve the salad’s texture and taste for convenient meal prepping and leftovers.

Nutritional Value of Southern Pea Salad

Southern pea salad is a nutrient-rich side dish that offers a balanced profile of macronutrients and micronutrients:

Featuring nutrient-dense southern peas along with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, this salad provides a wholesome and tasty dish ideal for any season. For more insights, see the health benefits of peas.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Pea Salad

Creamy Southern English Pea Salad Recipe for a Refreshing Side Dish

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• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: Several hours including chilling
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🌱 Enjoy a creamy and flavorful Southern English Pea Salad that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
🥗 This refreshing side dish combines tender peas, crispy bacon or ham, and a tangy dressing for a crowd-pleasing treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 16-ounce (about 450 grams) package frozen sweet peas, thawed but uncooked (canned peas can be used, drained)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
4 to 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled, or 1 cup (about 150 grams) ham, cooked and chopped (optional)
1/2 cup chopped green onion (or regular onion, finely diced and optionally rinsed to reduce sharpness)
1 cup shredded or small diced cheddar cheese (Colby Jack can be used as an alternative)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can substitute fully or partially)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds or 1/2 cup chopped celery
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thaw frozen peas in a colander over a bowl in the fridge or at room temperature; do not cook to keep peas crisp.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine peas, chopped eggs (if using), bacon or ham, onion, cheese, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds or celery, and cayenne pepper if desired.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
4. Pour dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss to combine.
5. Refrigerate the salad for several hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

🥗 Prepare the salad a day ahead for enhanced flavor melding.
❄️ Prefer frozen peas over canned for a firmer texture; canned peas offer a softer alternative.
🍅 Customize by adding tomatoes, green peppers, dill, pickles, pimentos, or water chestnuts to suit your taste.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Chill time: several hours to overnight
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 170-220 kcal
• Sugar: 2-4 g
• Sodium: 300-500 mg
• Fat: 12-18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3-6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
• Trans Fat: Not specified
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Protein: 6-9 g
• Cholesterol: 30-55 mg

Keywords: English pea salad, Southern side dish, creamy pea salad, refreshing salad