Certainly! Let’s dive into making Mom’s Pea Salad, a delightful dish brimming with flavor and nostalgia. This recipe is a perfect addition to any gathering, from picnics to potlucks, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, Mom’s Pea Salad brings a touch of homemade goodness to your table.
Mom’s Pea Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 3/4 – 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of frozen baby peas, thawed
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Bacon bits, for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Wash the lettuce thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Similarly, chop the celery and onion finely.
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Layer the Salad: In a 9×13-inch pan or a large serving dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Begin by placing the chopped lettuce evenly at the bottom of the pan.
- Next, sprinkle the chopped celery over the lettuce, creating a vibrant green layer.
- Follow this with the finely chopped onion, distributing it evenly across the salad.
- Now, add the thawed baby peas on top, spreading them out to cover the entire surface.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sugar, stirring until well mixed. This creamy dressing adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
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Cover with Dressing: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the layered salad, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring every bite is coated with deliciousness.
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Sprinkle with Cheese: Once the salad is covered with the mayo mixture, sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheese adds a savory kick and a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness of the dressing.
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Chill Overnight: Cover the salad dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it overnight. Allowing the salad to chill overnight enhances the flavors and textures, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dish.
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Garnish with Bacon: Just before serving, sprinkle liberally with bacon bits. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch and a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Mom’s Pea Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite main course, or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack or light meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 135.1 per serving
- Fat Content: 9.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.6mg
- Sodium Content: 223.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 11.8g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 5.2g
- Protein Content: 1g
Tips and Variations:
- Add Crunch: Enhance the texture of the salad by adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Go Green: Substitute part or all of the iceberg lettuce with your favorite leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce or spinach, for added nutrition.
- Make It Ahead: Mom’s Pea Salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it a convenient option for busy days or entertaining.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Add more or less sugar to the dressing, or incorporate additional herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Mom’s Pea Salad is a timeless classic that brings back cherished memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. With its simple yet satisfying combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and savory toppings, this salad is sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. So gather your ingredients, layer them with love, and enjoy the deliciousness of Mom’s Pea Salad! 🥗🥓
