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From My Kitchen To Yours
WORLD CUISINE

Classic Pea Salad

 

Introduction

A very simple and delicious old fashioned side dish, Classic Pea Salad is an ideal accompaniment to picnics, potlucks or family gatherings. With sweet peas, crunchy bacon, cheese and a creamy dressing, this salad is both tasty and refreshing.

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup red onions (chopped)

4 cups of peas (frozen), defrosted & drained

1 cup of cheese (cubed)

1/2 cup celery (diced)

1/2 cup of mayonnaise

Two tablespoons sugar

Two tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper as you like it.

Eight strips of bacon- cooked & crumbled

1/2 cup sour cream

 

Directions:

In a large bowl, add the peas that have been thawed out, the cheddar cheese which is cubed like a dice, chopped red onion and diced celery.

Combine in another bowl the mayonnaise with sour cream, apple cider vinegar with sugar until it gets smooth.

Afterwards pour over the green pea mixture followed by gentle tossing to combine them together.

Taste saltiness or spiciness at this stage if necessary.

Flake in the bacon pieces.

Keep this covered for at least one hour before serving so that flavors can mingle.

 

Serving and Storage Tips:

You should serve the Classic Pea Salad cold as a side dish.It is well suited to grilled meats, sandwiches, and barbecued dishes.

Storage: Any leftover food should be put in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it stay before serving as the dressing will separate slightly.

 

Tips for Success:

Thawing Peas: If you’re aiming at a moist-free salad, ensure that your peas are completely thawed and drained.

Crispy Bacon: For the best-textured bacon, cook it until crispy.

Cheese Size: Uniform small cheese cubes are essential for even distribution of flavor among others.

 

Health Benefits:

Peas: It has numerous vitamins such as A,C,K and several B vitamins including proteins and fiber.

Bacon: However, since bacon is fatty, its consumption should be moderate despite being rich in protein.

Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives us calcium and protein but also fats or calories hence we must take care to even this with other components.

 

Variations and Substitutions:

Cheese: flavor the cheese differently by exchanging cheddar with Colby Jack, mozzarella or a sharp white cheddar.

Dressing: It is healthier to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Add-ins: These could include dill, sliced spring onions, diced bell peppers in order to enhance its taste.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 cup):

Calories – 250

Protein – 9g

Carbohydrates – 12 g

Fat – 18 g

Fiber – 3 g

Sugar – 5 g

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? A: Yes. Use fresh peas. You may blanch them briefly in boiling water, cool and drain before they can be added into the salad mix.

Q: Is there a low-fat version? A: To make it low fat you can substitute with light mayonnaise and sour cream or go the Greek yogurt way for lower fat content.

Q: Can this salad be made ahead of time? A: Of course, it can be made one day earlier. Stir well before serving.

 

Conclusion:

Classic Pea Salad is a versatile dish that brings freshness and taste into any meal occasion. Its simplicity in terms of ingredients and preparation makes it an all-time recipe for both gatherings and everyday meals. Try out different variations as you make yours!

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