Garden Fresh Pea Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Garden Fresh Pea Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. It's a great way to enjoy the freshness of peas combined with the savory notes of bacon and cheese. Perfect for picnics or as a side dish for your favorite summer meals!

Ingredients for Garden Fresh Pea Salad

The star of our dish, frozen green peas, offer a sweet and tender bite once thawed. They’re the perfect base, adding color and texture. Bacon brings a savory crunch and smoky depth. You can’t go wrong with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese — it adds a creamy, sharp tang that balances the sweetness of the peas. Red onion gives a mild bite and a pop of color. Our dressing is a mix of mayonnaise and sour cream, offering a creamy backdrop with a slight tang from the apple cider vinegar. Season it all with a touch of salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you’re in a rush, use pre-cooked bacon bits to save time.
  • For added crunch, toss in a handful of toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.
  • Adjust the dressing ingredients to your preference. Some like it tangier, while others prefer creamier.

Serving Suggestions

This pea salad shines as a side dish for grilled meats, especially chicken or pork. It also pairs well with barbecue ribs or as part of a brunch spread alongside quiches and fresh bread. Consider serving it in a large, shallow bowl to show off its vibrant colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes and cool them before using.
How long does this salad keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about 3 days.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian bacon alternative.

Garden Fresh Pea Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering a large mixing bowl — this is where all the magic happens. Toss in your thawed peas. Make sure they’re completely thawed to avoid any unwanted wateriness in your salad. Next, sprinkle in the crumbled bacon. If you’ve cooked it fresh, let it cool a bit first. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped red onion. These ingredients come together to create a beautiful, colorful base.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste. The dressing should be creamy and slightly tangy. Pour the dressing over your pea mixture, and gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. You want every bite to have a bit of everything.

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for an even more delicious salad when you’re ready to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal fuss.
  • Combines classic flavors that everyone loves.
  • Perfect for make-ahead meals, as it tastes even better after marinating.
  • Versatile enough to complement a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

4 cups frozen green peas, thawed
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour dressing over pea mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!

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