Vintage Green Pea Salad
This Vintage Green Pea Salad is a delightful throwback to classic flavors that never go out of style. With a creamy dressing and a satisfying crunch, it’s a perfect dish for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients for Vintage Green Pea Salad
Green peas are the star, providing sweetness and a pop of color. Mayonnaise and sour cream create a luscious base for the dressing, while apple cider vinegar adds a hint of tang. Sugar balances the acidity, and salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor. Red onion brings a mild sharpness, and cheddar cheese adds richness. Crispy bacon brings a smoky crunch, and fresh dill and chives add a burst of freshness.
Vintage Green Pea Salad Tips & Tricks
- For best results, ensure the peas are completely thawed and drained to avoid a watery salad.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier and lighter option.
- Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy for maximum crunch.
- Chopping the red onion finely will help distribute its flavor evenly without overpowering the salad.
Serving Ideas for Vintage Green Pea Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well as a side for barbecued dishes or as part of a brunch spread. For a picnic, serve it alongside a crusty baguette and a chilled glass of white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this salad in advance?
- Yes, it actually tastes better when made a few hours ahead as the flavors have time to meld.
- Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
- Absolutely! Just blanch them quickly in boiling water and then cool them down immediately in ice water.
- What can I use instead of bacon?
- For a vegetarian version, you can use smoked almonds or crispy chickpeas for a similar crunch.
Vintage Green Pea Salad Recipe Walkthrough
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. This will be your main workspace. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. This is the foundation of your salad, so make sure it’s well blended.
Next, add the thawed green peas, finely chopped red onion, diced cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon into the bowl. Now, gently fold everything together. You want to make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly without mashing the peas.
Once everything is well combined, stir in the fresh dill and chives. These herbs will add a lovely freshness and a touch of color. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Letting it sit for at least an hour gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
Why This Vintage Green Pea Salad Works
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cooking involved.
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing.
- A great balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
- Perfect for make-ahead meals as it tastes even better when the flavors meld.
- A versatile side dish that complements various main courses.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- 2. Add the thawed green peas, red onion, cheddar cheese, and bacon to the bowl.
- 3. Gently fold the ingredients together until the peas and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- 4. Stir in the fresh dill and chives for added freshness.
- 5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.