Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dishes—this classic pea salad recipe! It’s a delightful mix of fresh peas, creamy dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a fantastic side dish or even a light lunch. What I love most about this salad is its simplicity. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s just bursting with bright, fresh flavors! Whenever I make it, I’m transported back to summer picnics with my family, where we’d gather around and dig into this vibrant dish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can toss in some crispy bacon or swap out the cheese for something different. Yum!
Ingredients for Classic Pea Salad Recipe
To make this classic pea salad recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together for a fresh, delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas: Fresh peas are ideal for the best flavor, but frozen works perfectly too—just make sure to thaw them first!
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to use mild or even a different cheese like gouda or pepper jack if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1/2 cup diced red onion: This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. If red onion’s a bit too strong for you, try using green onions instead!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This is the base for your creamy dressing. If you want to lighten it up, Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity really brightens up the flavors, but if you don’t have it, white vinegar will do in a pinch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip this! A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the dish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to whip up a salad that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Prepare the Classic Pea Salad Recipe
Preparing this classic pea salad recipe is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cooking the peas. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the peas and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re tender and vibrant green. Don’t overcook them; we want that fresh crunch!
- Once they’re done, drain the peas and let them cool completely. You can spread them out on a plate to speed up the cooling process if you’re in a hurry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled peas, diced cheddar cheese, and red onion. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy dressing is what ties everything together!
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir until all the ingredients are nicely coated. Make sure every pea is dressed—it makes a world of difference!
- Finally, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once it’s chilled, you’re ready to dig in!
And there you have it—simple steps to a fantastic dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Pea Salad Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can have this salad ready in under an hour!
- Fresh ingredients: The combination of peas, cheese, and onion creates a bright and flavorful dish.
- Great for gatherings: This salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks or picnics.
- Customizable: Toss in some crispy bacon or your favorite herbs for a personal touch!
- Versatile: It serves beautifully as a side dish or a light lunch option.
Tips for Success with Classic Pea Salad Recipe
To make sure your classic pea salad recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you’re short on time, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it’ll be even tastier as the flavors meld overnight!
If you want to switch things up, consider adding cooked bacon for a smoky flavor or some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for crumbled feta or even a creamy goat cheese to change the profile entirely.
And don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning! Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of extra vinegar makes all the difference. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information for Classic Pea Salad Recipe
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this classic pea salad recipe, perfect for keeping track of what you’re munching on! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this tasty salad guilt-free!
FAQ About Classic Pea Salad Recipe
Got questions about this classic pea salad recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common ones I get:
Can I use frozen peas?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work just fine and save you some prep time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing.
How long can I store the salad?
You can keep this salad in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. It’s great for meal prep!
Can I add other ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to add cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or even nuts for a little crunch. This salad is super flexible!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this classic pea salad recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gatherings!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! Making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully—just give it a good stir before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Classic Pea Salad Recipe
Storing your classic pea salad recipe is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. I actually think it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
As for reheating, you don’t need to! This salad is best served cold, right out of the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to make sure everything is nicely combined again. Enjoy your delicious salad!
Serving Suggestions for Classic Pea Salad Recipe
This classic pea salad recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meals! It’s fantastic alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak, adding a refreshing crunch to your plate. You can also serve it with sandwiches or wraps for a delightful lunch. For a picnic or potluck, it complements hearty dishes like barbecue or pasta salads perfectly. And don’t forget: it makes a lovely light lunch on its own, especially when paired with some crusty bread or a fresh baguette. Dig in and enjoy!
Imprimer
Classic Pea Salad Recipe: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic pea salad recipe that combines fresh peas, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled peas, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon for extra taste.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light lunch.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 5 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: classic pea salad recipe
