Pea Salad
This creamy Pea Salad may sound weird but trust me, it’s so good! Sweet peas, peanuts, crispy bacon, celery…all for a refreshing side salad. This classic pea salad is a potluck favorite!
PEA SALAD RECIPE
Growing up my mother’s closet was always this living organism that had a life of its own. It was either clean as a whistle or so packed with stuff you could hardly get your foot in the door.
Clothes, gifts, food,…you name it, it was in there.
The closet was always on her back burner so if she had time (which having 10 kids hardly allows), she would get to organizing it.
It was her Mount Everest, both symbolically and literally when the piles got out of control.
We all knew she hid chocolate in there so we would often take on the quest to find it but would never come out victorious.
It must be inherited because I have the same struggle with my closet. I just can’t get a handle on it.
And yes, I also have chocolate in mine. I purge it every couple of months so I’m not sure how there’s anything left in there.
Last week I was having a “Does it spark joy?” episode and donated about 30 skirts to Goodwill.
I know that makes me sound like a clothes hoarder…because I am. I still have clothes from high school.
So I know this Crunchy Pea Salad sounds totally crazy and weird but it’s a great recipe.
Peas…I don’t hate them, but I can definitely leave them. The saltiness of the bacon, the crunch of the celery and nuts, the freshness of the peas, and the bite of the onion all work together.
INGREDIENTS
- FROZEN PEAS – cold crunchy peas make this amazing with the perfect amount of slight crunch but you could use fresh peas as well.
- BACON – the salty bacon with the sweet peas is the best flavor. You could even use leftover ham as your salty substitute.
- PEANUTS – cashews would be a great substitution here for the nutty flavor.
- CELERY – bell peppers would also give a fresh crunch to this classic side dish.
- RED ONION – you could use green onions for a more mild flavor.
- MAYONNAISE – this is the base to the creamy dressing on the green pea salad. You could use Miracle Whip if you are a fan of it.
- ZESTY ITALIAN DRESSING – of course you could make a homemade dressing but this simple mixture of mayonnaise and the Italian dressing make a creamy sauce that is perfect for this simple side dish.
It’s a pleasant surprise. Take my word on this Crunchy Pea Salad! Believe it or not this is best when you toss it together with the frozen peas. Let them thaw slightly before serving but extra cold makes it extra good! If you’re not a fan of peas, this delicious pea salad might change your mind.
HOW TO MAKE PEA SALAD
- In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and salad dressing and toss with salad. Refrigerate until serving.
HOW FAR AHEAD CAN YOU MAKE THIS
You can make this up to three days ahead of time and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To keep the bacon crispy, store separately and toss in before serving.
EASY SALAD RECIPES
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Frito Corn Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Ramen Noodle Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- BLT Pasta Salads
- Red Potato Salad
- Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
- Avocado Cucumber Salad
- Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 cups frozen peas, (about 13 ounces)
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 6 bacon strips, , cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup prepared zesty Italian salad dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and salad dressing and toss with salad. Refrigerate until serving. If making ahead of time, don't add the bacon. Store separately and toss in before serving to keep crispy.
Video
Notes
Source: Taste of Home
Do you cook the peas??
Nope! They actually go in frozen.
Peasalad. Looks good
Thank yoU!
How many days will this keep. I need a make ahead dish for Easter. Thanks!!
I have make ahead tips above. You are good to store for up to 3 days but I would store the bacon separately to keep it crispy.
Could you substitute fresh peas for frozen?
Absolutely!
Has anyone tried substituting the mayo for non-fat greek yogurt? My mother in law in on a stick renal diet and mayo is a big no-no! TIA
For the dressing we use mayo, paprika, fresh lemon squeezed. Add some orange and lemon zest.
Best pea salad ever. I add shredded Colby Jack cheese as well.
Thank you!
Is there any other nut to sub for the peanuts. Roasted pecans, pistashios etc etc?
Yes, any of those could be substituted.
Have to comment on the closet. My aunt would always take us to “Auntie’s closet”. There was always be chocolate or candies in there. It was a treat to be asked to go there.
Haha must be a thing.
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Sure would be helpful to have the nutritional information on your recipe’s. I have to be careful so having this information let’s me know if I can and how often I can enjoy some of your amazing and tempting dishes. Thank you
Good Blog And Nice
Good Blog And Nice
Nice And Good