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Pea Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Pea salad is a delightful and easy dish perfect for any occasion. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. This salad makes a great side for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more moments enjoying your meal with loved ones. With its creamy dressing and crunchy ingredients, pea salad is sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Pea Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the peas, red onion, and cheese.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss to coat.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

How to Serve Pea Salad

Pea salad can be served chilled as a refreshing side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even on its own as a light lunch. Consider garnishing with some extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store Pea Salad

To store pea salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice the peas losing their crunch or the dressing separating, it’s still safe to eat, but the texture might not be as pleasant.

Tips to Make Pea Salad

  • Use fresh, sweet peas whenever possible for the best flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of red onion depending on your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
  • For a little crunch, consider adding nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.

Variation

You can customize your pea salad by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, crispy bacon, or hard-boiled eggs. Each variation brings its own unique taste to the salad.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly. Just thaw them before mixing with the other ingredients.

How long can I keep leftover pea salad?

Leftover pea salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can I make pea salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a day in advance can help the flavors develop even more. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Colorful pea salad with fresh vegetables and dressing

Pea Salad

A fresh and colorful pea salad with creamy dressing, perfect as a side for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups sweet peas (fresh or frozen) Use fresh peas for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup red onion, chopped Soak in cold water for a milder flavor if desired.
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the peas, red onion, and cheese.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss to coat.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Pea salad can be served chilled as a refreshing side dish, pairs well with grilled meats and sandwiches. For added flavor, consider garnishing with extra cheese or fresh herbs. Store in an airtight container; best when eaten within three days.

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