Paula's Pea Salad

Paula's Pea Salad Recipe - Delicious Pea Salad with Cheddar, Green Onions, and Bacon

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Paula's Pea Salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. This refreshing salad is made with frozen peas, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, and crispy bacon pieces. It is a simple and delicious recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Paula's Pea Salad are unclear, but it is a popular dish in the Southern United States. This salad is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

2 bags of frozen peas
1 block of cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded)
0.5 cup of mayonnaise
1 bunch of green onions
1 package of bacon, cut into small pieces and fried

How to prepare

Keep the peas frozen until you are ready to use them.
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
Chill the mixture and serve.

Variations

You can add diced ham or turkey to the salad for extra protein.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add in some roasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to keep the peas frozen until you are ready to use them to maintain their crisp texture.

- You can use either cubed or shredded cheddar cheese in this recipe, depending on your preference.

- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices to the salad mixture.

- Make sure to chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Paula's Pea Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone salad. It pairs well with barbecue dishes, fried chicken, or sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fry the bacon until it is crispy before adding it to the salad.

- You can blanch the frozen peas in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad if you prefer a softer texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese in place of cheddar cheese, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or feta.

- If you don't have green onions, you can use diced red onions or chives instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Paula's Pea Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish Paula's Pea Salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Paula's Pea Salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side dish with barbecue dishes. It also goes well with cornbread, biscuits, or rolls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Paula's Pea Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Paula's Pea Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Paula's Pea Salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Paula's Pea Salad contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Paula's Pea Salad contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Paula's Pea Salad is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs (mayonnaise), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Paula's Pea Salad is a nutritious side dish that is rich in protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Paula's Pea Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of sweet peas, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Paula's Pea Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Paula for our weekly tea party. Paula was always the hostess with the mostess, and she had prepared a delicious spread of sandwiches, pastries, and salads for us to enjoy.

As we sat in her sun-drenched kitchen, sipping on our tea and chatting about life, Paula suddenly brought out a bowl of vibrant green pea salad. The colors and textures were so inviting, I couldn't wait to dig in.

I took my first bite and was immediately transported to pea salad heaven. The peas were perfectly cooked and still had a bit of bite to them. The creamy dressing was tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of crunch from the celery and onions. I knew I had to have the recipe.

"Paula, this pea salad is absolutely divine! Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Paula smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten recipe card. "Of course, dear! I'm so glad you love it. This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, and I'm happy to share it with you."

I was overjoyed as I carefully transcribed the recipe onto a card of my own. I thanked Paula profusely and promised to make the pea salad for my family soon.

When I got home, I immediately set to work in my own kitchen, following Paula's instructions to a tee. As I chopped, mixed, and stirred, the familiar scents of peas, onions, and mayonnaise filled the air, bringing back memories of that lovely afternoon tea with Paula.

When the salad was finally ready, I couldn't resist taking a bite right then and there. It tasted just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire.

Over the years, I made Paula's Pea Salad for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always made sure to credit Paula for introducing me to this culinary gem, and I loved sharing the story of how I came to learn the recipe.

As I continued to hone my cooking skills and expand my recipe collection, Paula's Pea Salad remained a constant favorite. I experimented with different variations, adding crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh herbs to give it a unique twist. But no matter how I altered the recipe, the essence of Paula's original creation always shone through.

Sadly, Paula passed away last year, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and delicious recipes. I will always cherish the memories of our tea parties and the special bond we shared over our mutual love of good food.

I still make Paula's Pea Salad regularly, and every time I do, I remember her fondly and feel grateful for the friendship we shared. Her recipe continues to bring joy and comfort to my family and friends, just as it did on that fateful day when I first tasted it.

In a world full of fleeting trends and fad diets, Paula's Pea Salad remains a timeless classic, a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking that brings people together and warms the heart. And for that, I will always be grateful to my dear friend Paula.