Green Pea Salad Recipe – Love With Recipes
Description:
This Green Pea Salad is the perfect addition to any gathering, whether it’s a picnic, a family meal, or a fun weekend getaway. It’s an effortless, refreshing, and crunchy salad that holds up well even when made in advance. The flavors of crisp lettuce, tender peas, creamy sour cream, and mayonnaise blend harmoniously, while Parmesan cheese and bacon bits provide a savory finishing touch. With no cooking required, this make-ahead salad can rest in your refrigerator for a couple of hours or even overnight, making it a convenient and delicious choice for any occasion.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (per serving) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce (shredded or torn) | 3 cups | 15 | 0.2 | 2.9 | 1.1 | 5 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 0 | 0 |
| Frozen Green Peas (thawed) | 1 cup | 118 | 0.6 | 21.6 | 8.2 | 7 | 6.7 | 8.2 | 0.1 | 0 |
| Light Sour Cream | 1 cup | 193 | 14.6 | 7.8 | 4.6 | 56 | 0.3 | 4.1 | 7.6 | 40 |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | 680 | 75 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 676 | 0 | 1.0 | 11.4 | 42 |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1 tbsp | 22 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 85 | 0 | 0 | 0.9 | 3 |
| Bacon Bits (cooked and crumbled) | 1 tbsp | 55 | 4.5 | 0.2 | 2.8 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 1.5 | 17 |
Nutritional Summary (per serving):
Calories: 343.1 kcal
Fat: 23.4 g
Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
Cholesterol: 39.3 mg
Sodium: 725.4 mg
Carbohydrates: 23.1 g
Fiber: 3.4 g
Sugar: 6.8 g
Protein: 11.2 g
Servings:
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Lettuce:
Begin by prepping the lettuce. Whether you’re using iceberg, romaine, or another variety, make sure to thoroughly wash it and then allow it to dry. A great method is to place the washed lettuce between paper towels to absorb any moisture. Once dry, tear or cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large dish with an airtight seal. A Tupperware bread box works well for this purpose as it keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. -
Prepare the Peas:
Take the frozen green peas and run cold water over them to thaw slightly. Let the peas sit for a few minutes to drain any excess water, then evenly pour the peas over the top of the lettuce in your dish. Make sure the peas are spread around the edges and corners for even distribution. -
Mix the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, combine the light sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir them together until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. This blend of sour cream and mayo creates a velvety dressing with just the right balance of tanginess and richness. -
Spread the Dressing:
Once the dressing is mixed, gently spread it over the peas in your dish. Be sure to cover the peas completely, and seal the dressing around the edges of the dish to lock in the freshness. The dressing will not only add flavor but also act as a barrier to keep the salad crunchy. -
Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dressing. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the creamy dressing. Follow this by scattering the bacon bits evenly across the salad. These bacon bits will give a delightful crunch and a savory punch, taking the salad to the next level. -
Chill and Serve:
Once you’ve assembled the salad, cover the dish and refrigerate it. While the salad can be ready to eat after just two hours, it’s even better if left to chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the lettuce and peas stay crisp and the toppings remain fresh. Serve straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing, cool salad.
Additional Tips:
-
Choosing the Lettuce:
For extra crunch, iceberg lettuce is a classic choice, but if you’re looking for a more nutrient-rich option, try romaine or a mix of greens. -
Customizing the Salad:
Feel free to add your own twists to the salad. Diced red onions, shredded carrots, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs can bring in additional flavors and textures. -
Bacon Bits:
While store-bought bacon bits are convenient, freshly cooked and crumbled bacon will give a richer and smokier flavor. Fry up a few slices of bacon, crumble them once cooled, and sprinkle them over the salad. -
Make Ahead:
This salad is perfect for meal prep! Make it the night before your event or gathering, and it’ll be ready to go when you are. -
Lightened Version:
To reduce the calorie and fat content further, you can substitute the full-fat mayonnaise with a light version, or use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream for a tangy, high-protein alternative.
Green Pea Salad is a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that fits into any occasion. With its creamy dressing, crispy lettuce, and vibrant peas, it delivers a satisfying crunch and delightful flavors in every bite. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic or serving it as part of a dinner spread, this easy salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins for a dish that’s uniquely yours!
Keywords:
Green pea salad, vegetable salad, summer salad, make-ahead salad, side dish, easy salad recipe, bacon pea salad, cold salad recipe
