Here’s a detailed and engaging recipe for Crunchy Pea and Cheese Salad, perfect for your “Love With Recipes” site. This refreshing dish is an ideal choice for brunch or any hot day, bringing together a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy your palate.
Crunchy Pea and Cheese Salad
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description:
This delightful Crunchy Pea and Cheese Salad is not just a recipe; it’s a burst of freshness and texture, perfect for a hot day or a laid-back brunch gathering. While it may not suit everyone’s tastes—especially with the inclusion of dijon mustard—I assure you that the combination of crisp vegetables and creamy dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests wanting more. For those who share my aversion to dijon, feel free to substitute it with regular prepared mustard for a more familiar taste. The salad’s vibrant colors and crunch make it not only appetizing but also visually appealing.
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Brunch, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10 | Frozen peas |
| 1 | Celery, diced |
| 8 | Sliced water chestnuts |
| 1/4 | Sweet onion, finely chopped |
| 1/2 | Green pepper, diced |
| 8 | Ounces of cheddar cheese, cubed |
| 1/2 | Cup sour cream |
| 1 | Tablespoon Dijon mustard |
| 1 | Cup ranch dressing |
| 2 | Tablespoons sunflower seeds |
| Optional: bacon bits for garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 651.1 |
| Total Fat | 54.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 28.5 mg |
| Sodium | 696.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g |
| Sugars | 9.8 g |
| Protein | 14.6 g |
Instructions
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Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the frozen peas, diced celery, sliced water chestnuts, finely chopped sweet onion, diced green pepper, and cubed cheddar cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful crunch and freshness that defines this salad.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing, sour cream, and your choice of mustard. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for regular prepared mustard instead of dijon. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
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Mix the Dressing with Vegetables: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
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Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the bacon bits and sunflower seeds over the salad. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also provide an appealing crunch. Gently fold them into the salad, mixing carefully to avoid breaking the sunflower seeds.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for serving cold. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This Crunchy Pea and Cheese Salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes, making it an excellent addition to your brunch spread. Consider serving it alongside a classic quiche or a light frittata for a delightful meal that your guests will love. The vibrant colors and textures of this salad will surely impress, making it a highlight of any gathering.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the fresh, crisp flavors of this Crunchy Pea and Cheese Salad. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, particularly during the warm summer months. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or personalize it to suit your taste, this salad is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
By following this recipe, you’ll create a refreshing dish that embodies the spirit of summer and satisfies the cravings of everyone at your brunch table. Whether it’s for a casual family gathering or a more formal event, this salad is sure to be a hit!
