Okay, friends, let’s talk about this **creamy Pea Salad**. It’s one of those recipes that’s been passed down in my family for generations, and honestly, it’s a total game-changer. If you’re thinking “pea salad? Really?” trust me, you’re in for a treat. It’s kind of like coleslaw’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin. It’s sweet, savory, and creamy, all at the same time. Every time I make it, it’s like a little hug from my grandma, bringing back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. Plus, it takes, like, ten minutes to throw together – seriously, ten minutes! And the best part? Everyone always raves about it. My kids actually cheer when they see me pulling out the ingredients. It is a delicious salad, my version is the best!
What is Creamy Pea Salad?
So, what exactly *is* **creamy Pea Salad**? Well, think of it as a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s essentially a mix of sweet green peas (I prefer the frozen kind, but we’ll get to that later!), crispy bacon, crunchy celery and onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings it all together. The name itself gives it away! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a statement. A statement that says, “Hey, I’m delicious, easy to make, and everyone loves me!” It’s comfort food in salad form, and it’s always a hit, no matter where I take it. I’ve even had people who *swear* they hate peas ask for seconds!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me tell you why I’m so obsessed with this **creamy pea salad**. First of all, the flavor is just out of this world. You’ve got the sweetness from the peas, the saltiness from the bacon (oh, the bacon!), the crunch from the celery and onion, and the tangy zip from the dressing. It’s a party in your mouth! Secondly, this recipe is ridiculously easy. I’m talking dump-and-stir easy. Even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect when you need something fast and delicious. Third, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably have everything you need already! And finally, it’s SO versatile. I serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or even sandwiches. It’s also fantastic as a potluck dish or a light lunch. I even sneak it into my kids’ lunchboxes sometimes! What I love most about this **pea salad** is how it manages to be both comforting and refreshing at the same time. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your own kitchen too. It beats any store-bought version, trust me!
How do you make a creamy pea salad?
Quick Overview
Making this **creamy pea salad** is seriously a breeze. You’re basically just combining cooked bacon, chopped veggies, thawed peas, and a simple creamy dressing. The key is to not overcook the peas – you want them to still have a little bite. And don’t skimp on the bacon! It adds so much flavor. The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so special. It’s a no-fuss, no-muss kind of dish that delivers big on flavor every single time.
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Creamy Pea Salad?
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed (I always go for the petite peas – they’re sweeter!)
* 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (use a good quality bacon, it makes all the difference)
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for the best flavor, but light mayo works too)
* 1/4 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you’re trying to lighten things up)
* 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (yellow onion works in a pinch, but the red adds a nice pop of color and flavor)
* 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (adds a crucial crunch!)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (this is my secret ingredient – it adds a touch of tanginess that balances everything out)
* 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey, if you prefer a more natural sweetener)
* Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be afraid to season generously!)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
First things first, let’s get that bacon cooking! I like to cook mine in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain it on paper towels and then crumble it up. Don’t throw away that bacon grease! Save it for cooking other things – it adds amazing flavor to everything.
Step 2: Thaw the Peas
While bacon is cooking, thaw your peas. I usually just run them under cold water for a few minutes until they’re no longer frozen. Make sure to drain them well, otherwise your salad will be watery.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
Now, chop your red onion and celery into small, even pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better, as it will help the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sour Cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper. What is the best dressing for a salad?
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and celery to the bowl with the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Gently stir everything together until it’s well combined. What is the best way to crush peas?
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. The longer it chills, the better it tastes! Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to serve this creamy pea salad with anything you like?
For a BBQ:What are some great side dishes to serve with a burger, hot dog, or grilled chicken? What is the best way to add smoke to a recipe?
For a Picnic: Pack it in a container and take it to the park! It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.
For a light lunch:Serve it alongside a sandwich or wrap for quick and satisfying lunch.
For a Potluck:What is a good salad to make for potlucks?
My family loves it with grilled salmon and roasted potatoes. What are some great side dishes to serve with a ham sandwich? Is it good with anything that’s a little heavier, as the pea salad cuts through the meat. The richness perfectly.
How do I make a creamy pea salad?
I’ve been making this **creamy pea salad** for years, and have learned a few tricks along the way. Okay, so so I made this for my daughter’s birthday. How do I make it perfect every time?
Pea Selection:I always use frozen petite peas. They’re sweeter and more tender than regular peaches. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain them well to prevent a watery salad.
Bacon Perfection:Don’t skimp on bacon! Use a good quality bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. How does bacon add flavor to salad?
Intensity ofIf you’re not a fan of strong onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes. How do I add it to a salad? How do you melt out the flavor?
Vinegar Variety:I use APPLE CIDER vinegar for dressing, but you can also use white vinegar or even lemon. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
Sweetness Control: WhatI like to add a touch of honey to the dressing to balance out the tanginess, but you can also use coconut oil for this. How much do you pay for a song? If you prefer a more savory salad, you can omit the sugar altogether.
Texture balance: WhatWhat makes a great pea salad? You want the peas to be tender but not mushy, the bacon crispy, and the celery and onion crispy. Don’t overmix the salad, as this can cause the peas to break down and become mushy.
What is Taste and Adjust?Always taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Is it necessary to add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or sugar to a recipe to achieve the perfect flavor balance? What is the best way to make your diet healthier?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What is the best way to serve this creamy pea salad cold? What are some tips for storing it properly?
Refrigerator Storage: HowStore salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods.
Bacon Freshness: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, you can store the cooked bacon separately and add it to the salad just before serving. This will help keep the bacon crispy.
Dressing Adjustment: The dressing may thicken up a bit as it sits in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin it out.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the peas and mayonnaise can become watery and the texture will change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite **creamy pea salad** recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try and see why we love it so much. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and creamy, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more delicious inspiration. And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know. Happy cooking!
Creamy Pea Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas If using frozen peas, thaw completely before using.
- 1 ripe avocado ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine peas, avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Mash the avocado slightly with a fork to create a creamy texture.
- Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
