English Pea Salad is an easy and delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of peas with creamy dressing, making it a favorite at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Its vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress your guests, while its simple preparation ensures that you can whip it up in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and bacon bits creates a creamy and savory taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Side Dish: This easy English Pea Salad pairs well with various main courses, making it a great addition to any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 8 servings in one batch, it’s ideal for parties or potlucks.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from peas and cheese, this salad is as wholesome as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this easy English Pea Salad.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Colander
- Measuring Cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling anything.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps achieve a smooth and creamy dressing that blends all flavors perfectly.
- Colander: Essential for thawing the peas efficiently by draining excess water after rinsing.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– ¾ cup Mayonnaise
– ¼ cup Sour Cream
– 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Sugar
– Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
– 13 oz. – 16 oz. Frozen Peas (thawed, drained)
– 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
– ½ cup Purple/Red Onion (chopped)
– ¼ cup Real Bacon Bits
How to Make Easy English Pea Salad
Step 1: Thaw the Peas
Thaw the peas in a colander by running cold water over them or let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Mayonnaise
2. Sour Cream
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Sugar
5. Salt
6. Black Pepper
Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In the same large bowl:
1. Add the thawed peas.
2. Stir in Cheddar Cheese, Purple/Red Onion, and Real Bacon Bits.
3. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy your Easy English Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish that’s sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Easy English Pea Salad
Easy English Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a snack. The creamy texture and crunch from the vegetables make it satisfying on its own.
With Grilled Meats
- Pairing this salad with grilled chicken or steak adds a delicious contrast of flavors. The freshness of the peas balances the smoky taste of grilled meats.
On a Buffet Table
- Easy English Pea Salad makes an excellent addition to any buffet. Its vibrant color and creamy consistency will attract guests’ attention and enhance the spread.
In Wraps or Sandwiches
- Use this salad as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. It adds creaminess and flavor, making your meal more enjoyable.
As Part of a Picnic Spread
- This dish is ideal for outdoor gatherings. It’s simple to transport, and its refreshing taste is perfect for warm weather.
How to Perfect Easy English Pea Salad
To ensure your Easy English Pea Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality mayonnaise and fresh onions for the best flavor.
- Thaw Peas Properly: Make sure peas are thawed completely before mixing to maintain texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or herbs for extra variety.
- Serve Cold: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so keep it refrigerated until serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy English Pea Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Easy English Pea Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Lightly seasoned and grilled chicken pairs well with the creamy pea salad.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter complement the richness of the salad.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that matches nicely with peas.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables brings earthy flavors that balance this dish’s creaminess.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber, enhancing overall nutrition without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a great vehicle for scooping up this delightful pea salad while adding a savory touch.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast that complements the savory elements of the meal.
- Potato Chips: For a crunchy side, serve classic potato chips to add texture alongside your easy English pea salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy English Pea Salad, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Incorrectly thawing peas: Thawing peas in hot water can make them mushy. Always use cold water or let them thaw naturally.
- Not mixing ingredients well: Failing to combine the dressing and other ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven flavor. Mix everything until well combined for a balanced taste.
- Over-seasoning: Adding too much salt or pepper can overpower the dish. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your preference.
- Skipping refrigeration: Serving the salad immediately without chilling can affect its taste. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar mayonnaise or cheese can diminish the flavor of your salad. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
Freezing Easy English Pea Salad
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Consider portioning it into smaller containers for easier thawing.
Reheating Easy English Pea Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy English Pea Salad:
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! Just blanch them briefly before adding them to the salad.
How can I customize my Easy English Pea Salad?
Feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers, chopped herbs, or different cheese varieties for extra flavor and texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Easy English Pea Salad is great for meal prep and lasts well in the fridge.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until serving.
Final Thoughts
Easy English Pea Salad is not only quick and simple but also versatile and delicious. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Easy English Pea Salad
Easy English Pea Salad is a refreshing and delightful dish that combines the sweetness of peas with a creamy dressing, making it an ideal addition to any meal. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is sure to impress at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. The best part? It only takes 10 minutes to prepare! Packed with protein and fiber from peas and cheese, this crowd-pleaser serves up to eight people, making it perfect for parties or potlucks. Enjoy this simple yet delicious salad as a standalone dish or as a complementary side to grilled meats and more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 13 oz. – 16 oz. frozen peas (thawed, drained)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup purple/red onion (chopped)
- ¼ cup real bacon bits
Instructions
- Thaw the peas by running cold water over them in a colander.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the thawed peas, cheddar cheese, purple/red onion, and bacon bits into the bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
