Let me tell you, this classic pea salad recipe is one of my all-time favorites! It’s so simple yet unbelievably delicious, making it perfect for summer barbecues or just as a quick side dish any time of year. The fresh peas pop with sweetness, and when you mix in the creamy dressing and cheese, it’s a flavor explosion! I love how colorful and vibrant it looks on the table, and it’s a dish that always gets people talking. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delightful salad that’s as easy to whip up as it is to enjoy!
Ingredients for Classic Pea Salad Recipe
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create a delightful classic pea salad that everyone will love:
- 2 cups fresh peas (You can use frozen peas, but fresh ones really make a difference in flavor!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese, like pepper jack for a kick!)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color—just be careful not to slice your fingers!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (For that creamy goodness that brings everything together.)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (This adds a tangy twist that balances the richness of the mayo.)
- Salt to taste (A little sprinkle goes a long way!)
- Pepper to taste (Freshly cracked is always best for that extra kick!)
How to Prepare the Classic Pea Salad Recipe
Cooking the Peas
First things first! Bring a pot of water to a boil and toss in those fresh peas. You only need to cook them for about 2 minutes—just enough to brighten their vibrant green color and soften them slightly. Once the time’s up, drain them quickly and plunge them into an ice bath or rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This way, they stay crisp and fresh!
Combining the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooled peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. I love how the colors pop in this bowl! It’s a feast for the eyes before it even hits the plate.
Making the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until they’re well blended. This dressing is what ties everything together and adds that creamy texture you’ll love. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently fold it in, making sure every pea is coated in that delicious goodness.
Final Touches
Don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper to taste—this really elevates the flavors! Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Trust me, letting it sit allows all those flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more irresistible!
Tips for Success with Classic Pea Salad Recipe
- Use fresh peas: Fresh peas are sweeter and crunchier, enhancing the overall flavor of your salad. If you can get them from a farmer’s market, even better!
- Chill before serving: Letting your salad chill for at least 30 minutes not only helps the flavors blend but also makes it refreshingly cool on a warm day.
- Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the mayo and vinegar ratio to your taste. If you like it creamier, add more mayo; if you want a tangier kick, splash in a bit more vinegar.
- Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to throw in some crispy bacon bits or chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and heartiness. It’s a great way to customize your salad!
- Presentation matters: Serve it in a pretty bowl for a pop of color! Garnishing with some extra peas or a sprinkle of cheese on top can make it look even more tempting.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a serving of this classic pea salad recipe. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
This salad is not only delicious but also packs a good amount of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying side dish! Enjoy guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Pea Salad Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a tasty side dish!
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh peas and crisp vegetables means every bite is bursting with flavor. You can really taste the difference!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients like crispy bacon or different cheeses to make it your own!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and let it chill in the fridge. It’s one less thing to worry about before your gathering!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This salad is always a hit at parties and barbecues. It’s colorful, delicious, and appeals to both kids and adults alike!
Variations of the Classic Pea Salad Recipe
The beauty of this classic pea salad recipe is its versatility! You can easily switch things up with different ingredients to create your own signature salad. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet peas. Trust me, the salty flavor of bacon takes this salad to a whole new level!
- Cheese Galore: Switch out the cheddar for different cheeses like feta, gouda, or pepper jack. Each brings its own unique flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for an extra pop of freshness. It adds a lovely aromatic touch that really brightens the salad!
- Crunchy Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, celery, or even grated carrots for added crunch and color. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle in some toasted nuts like slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch and an earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the peas.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or create your own! The key is to have fun with it and tailor the salad to your taste. Enjoy the creative process—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing this classic pea salad is super easy, and I promise it will keep just as delicious for your next meal! After you’ve enjoyed your first serving, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent it from getting soggy. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing might settle a bit!
Now, as for reheating—this salad is best served cold, so I wouldn’t recommend reheating it. But if you absolutely need to warm it up, just take a small portion and gently microwave it for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as you want to maintain that fresh taste. Honestly, I think it’s at its best when it’s enjoyed straight from the fridge, especially on a hot day!
If you’re planning on making this salad ahead of time, just remember to leave out any crunchy add-ins like bacon or nuts until right before serving. This way, they’ll stay crispy and provide that delightful texture contrast! Enjoy your classic pea salad, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas?
Absolutely! While I highly recommend fresh peas for their sweet crunch, frozen peas can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the salad.
How long can I store the classic pea salad?
You can store your classic pea salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving again to mix everything back together!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a bit, as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully. Just remember to wait to add any crunchy toppings until just before serving.
What can I add to make it more filling?
If you want to turn this classic pea salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding some diced cooked chicken or hard-boiled eggs for added protein. You can also mix in some quinoa for a hearty twist!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this classic pea salad recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure to check any additional ingredients you might add, like bacon or specific cheeses, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Classic Pea Salad Recipe: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Całkowity Czas: 42 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A classic pea salad that combines fresh peas, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Składniki
- 2 cups fresh peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Cook the peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, cheese, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise and vinegar.
- Add the dressing to the pea mixture and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add bacon bits for extra flavor.
- This salad can be made a day ahead.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Mixing
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 4g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: classic pea salad recipe
