Classic Creamy Pea Salad is a delightful side dish that adds a burst of color and flavor to any meal. This refreshing salad is a perfect balance of sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing that will complement your main course beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a family dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll share the Classic Creamy Pea Salad recipe, along with a handy table sheet format for the ingredients. Get ready to savor the goodness of this refreshing side dish!
Classic Creamy Pea Salad Recipe Ingredients
Creating Classic Creamy Pea Salad is a breeze with the right ingredients. Here’s a table sheet format listing all you need:
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Sweet Peas, frozen | 2 cups |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 1/2 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Red Onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Celery, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Sour Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s proceed with the step-by-step instructions to create this Classic Creamy Pea Salad!
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen sweet peas, crumbled bacon, diced cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and celery.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the creamy dressing. Mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pea and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until the peas and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Serving and Storing
Your Classic Creamy Pea Salad is now ready to be served! This refreshing side dish is a fantastic addition to picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a summer spread. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh peas if they are in season. Blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding them to the salad.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon or ham instead of regular bacon? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use turkey bacon or diced ham for a different twist on the salad.
Q: Can I add other vegetables or toppings? A: Yes, you can customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or toppings like sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance and refrigerate it until serving. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss to suit your taste.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? A: Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream for a healthier option.
In conclusion, Classic Creamy Pea Salad is a delightful side dish that adds a burst of freshness to any meal. The combination of sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing creates a harmonious and satisfying salad. Now that you have the recipe and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to elevate your salads with this refreshing side dish. So, gather your ingredients, mix them together, and get ready to enjoy the Classic Creamy Pea Salad at your next gathering. Happy salad-making!