Easy Pea Salad: A Quick and Delicious Side Dish

Pea salad is a classic side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or even a simple weeknight meal. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.

## Why You’ll Love This Easy Pea Salad

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues.
* **Delicious:** The perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Frozen Peas:** The star of the show! You can use either petite peas or regular peas. Just make sure they are thawed before using.
* **Mayonnaise:** Provides the creamy base for the salad. You can use regular mayonnaise, light mayonnaise, or even a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
* **Sour Cream:** Adds a tangy flavor and extra creaminess. You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt if desired.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Diced cheddar cheese adds a sharp and savory flavor. You can use any type of cheddar cheese you like, such as mild, medium, or sharp.
* **Red Onion:** Provides a pungent and slightly sweet flavor. You can substitute with green onions for a milder flavor.
* **Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor. You can use bacon bits if you’re short on time.
* **Celery:** Diced celery adds a refreshing crunch.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to enhance the flavors of the salad.
* **Optional: Sugar:** A pinch of sugar can balance the flavors and add a touch of sweetness, but it’s entirely optional.

## Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pea salad in no time!

**Step 1: Thaw the Peas**

* Place the frozen peas in a colander and run them under cold water until they are thawed. You can also thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
* Make sure to drain the peas thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon (if using)**

* If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or in the microwave.
* Once the bacon is cooked, drain off any excess grease and crumble it into small pieces. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience.

**Step 3: Dice the Vegetables and Cheese**

* Dice the red onion and celery into small, uniform pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better they will blend into the salad.
* Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes. Again, uniformity is key for a visually appealing salad.

**Step 4: Combine the Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, red onion, celery, and crumbled bacon (if using).
* Gently stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salad mushy.

**Step 5: Season to Taste**

* Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and then add more as needed.
* If you want to add a touch of sweetness, add a pinch of sugar. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.

**Step 6: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the salad also helps to firm it up.
* Before serving, give the salad a quick stir.
* Serve the pea salad cold as a side dish.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Fresh Peas:** If you have access to fresh peas, you can use them instead of frozen peas. Simply blanch the fresh peas in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp, then shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the peas well before adding them to the salad.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
* **Substitute the Cheese:** You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or Colby Jack cheese.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier salad, add some protein, such as diced ham, cooked chicken, or hard-boiled eggs.
* **Make it Vegan:** To make this salad vegan, use vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, and omit the bacon and cheese. You can add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
* **Add a Zesty Kick:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of Dijon mustard can add a zesty kick to the salad.
* **Experiment with Herbs:** Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the salad. Finely chop the herbs and add them to the salad before serving.
* **Sweetness Adjustment:** If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon or two of sugar or honey. Taste and adjust to your liking.
* **Make it Ahead:** This salad can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits.
* **Adjust the Creaminess:** If you prefer a creamier salad, add more mayonnaise or sour cream. If you prefer a less creamy salad, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream.
* **Presentation Matters:** When serving, consider garnishing the salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, crumbled bacon, or a few extra peas for a pop of color.

## Serving Suggestions

This easy pea salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Barbecues:** Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs.
* **Picnics:** Pack it in a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and other picnic favorites.
* **Potlucks:** Bring it to your next potluck and watch it disappear!
* **Weeknight Meals:** Serve it as a side dish with baked chicken, pork chops, or fish.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
* **Salad Bar:** Add it to your salad bar for a creamy and flavorful option.

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
* Be aware that the salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so you may need to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
* It is not recommended to freeze pea salad, as the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and become grainy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 250-350 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Protein: 8-12g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

(Note: This is an approximate estimate. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?**
A: While you can use canned peas, frozen peas generally have a better texture and flavor. If you do use canned peas, make sure to drain them well and rinse them before adding them to the salad.

**Q: Can I make this salad without bacon?**
A: Yes, you can definitely make this salad without bacon. It will still be delicious! You can add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture to replace the bacon.

**Q: Can I use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise and sour cream?**
A: Yes, you can use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content of the salad. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

**Q: How long does pea salad last in the refrigerator?**
A: Pea salad will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I freeze pea salad?**
A: It is not recommended to freeze pea salad, as the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and become grainy.

**Q: What can I add to pea salad to make it more flavorful?**
A: You can add a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, or a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavor of the salad.

**Q: Can I make pea salad ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make pea salad a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

## Conclusion

This easy pea salad is a delightful and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation time, and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy this creamy, crunchy, and flavorful salad! It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, and a wonderful way to add a touch of freshness to any meal. Enjoy!