Classic Pea Salad

Name: Classic Pea Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 16 oz frozen peas (thawed); 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 0.25 cup chopped red onion; 0.5 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 0.25 cup bacon bits

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By: Maria
Posted: 11/20/2024

Classic Pea Salad is a classic side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday gatherings. With its refreshing combination of sweet peas, creamy dressing, and crunchy add-ins like bacon and cheese, this salad is both satisfying and easy to make. Is it a crowd pleaser that requires minimal ingredients and is quick to prepare, making it a great addition to any meal? What is a classic pea salad?

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Ingredients

3 cups (420g) frozen peas., thawed
12 cup (80g) red onion. 12 cup (80g), finely chopped
1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese. 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese.
4 slices cooked bacon. 4 slices cooked bacon., crumbled
12 cup (120ml) mayonnaise.
2 tbsp sour cream
What is white vinegar? 1 tbsp.
1 tbsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste.

Directions

How do I prepare the ingredients?: Thaw frozen peas by running them under cold water or letting them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Drain any excess water.
Make the DressingIn a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the SaladIn a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Set aside.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Substitutions: You can substitute cheddar cheese for mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become even more flavorful as it sits!
Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for a quick and easy addition to your next meal or gathering.

What is a classic pea salad?

What are the Frequently Asked Questions?

Can I make this classic pea salad ahead of time?

Can you make a classic pea salad up to 24 hours in advance? How do you store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and add the crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its texture?

What are some substitutions for ingredients in this recipe?

Can you substitute cheddar cheese for gouda? For a lighter dressing, swap the sour cream or mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, using the same 12 cup (120ml) measurement for either. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar, providing a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I know when the classic pea salad is ready to serve?

The Classic Pea Salad is ready to serve after it has chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to properly coat the ingredients. The salad is ready when the peas are chilled, the dressing has thickened slightly, and the flavors have combined to create a harmonious taste.

Can I double or triple this Classic Pea Salad recipe for a larger crowd?

Can you scale up this recipe? Simply double or triple all the ingredients proportionally. Use a larger mixing bowl to accommodate the increased volume. Be mindful of chilling time; the salad may require a bit longer to chill thoroughly when made in larger batches. Consider preparing the bacon in batches if doubling or tripling.

What are the nutritional highlights of this classic pea salad?

What is a good pea salad? The cheddar cheese provides calcium, and the bacon adds protein. The mayonnaise and sour cream contribute healthy fats, while the red onion adds antioxidants.