Pea Salad

Introduction

History

Pea salad has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in the Southern United States, where fresh peas are abundant during the spring and summer months. The combination of peas, cheese, and creamy dressing has become a staple in many households and is often served at family gatherings and cookouts.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thaw the frozen peas before using them in the salad to ensure they are tender and ready to eat.

- You can add additional ingredients to the salad, such as bacon, red onion, or hard-boiled eggs, to customize it to your taste.

- For a lighter version of the salad, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pea salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious pea salad is to ensure that the peas are tender but still have a slight crunch. Be sure not to overcook them when thawing, as they can become mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cheddar cheese on hand, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Swiss or Monterey Jack. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

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 ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pea salad in a decorative bowl or on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pea salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also goes well with other side dishes, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pea salad 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 straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Pea salad is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and may contain gluten (depending on the sour cream used).

Summary

Pea salad is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Pea salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and fresh flavors, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy this classic recipe as a side dish or a light meal for a taste of Southern comfort.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a vivid painting. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my kitchen as I rummaged through an old recipe box that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded scraps of paper, one particular recipe caught my eye - Pea Salad.

I remembered the first time I had ever tasted Pea Salad. It was at a family potluck many years ago, where my Aunt Ruth had brought a big bowl of it to share. I had never seen anything like it before - bright green peas, crunchy bits of celery and red onion, all coated in a creamy dressing that was both tangy and sweet. It was love at first bite.

I begged Aunt Ruth for the recipe, but she simply smiled and said it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. I was determined to crack the code and recreate that delicious salad in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I tried countless variations of Pea Salad, each one a little different from the last. I experimented with different dressings, added in new ingredients, and even tried cooking the peas in various ways. But none of them ever quite captured the magic of Aunt Ruth's original recipe.

Then one day, as I was flipping through my grandmother's recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Pea Salad" scrawled across it in elegant script. My heart skipped a beat as I read through the ingredients and instructions, realizing that this might be the missing piece of the puzzle I had been searching for.

The recipe called for simple ingredients - frozen peas, diced celery, minced red onion, and a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. It seemed almost too easy, but I knew that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious.

I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. As I mixed everything together in a large bowl, the familiar sweet and tangy aroma filled the air, transporting me back to that family potluck so many years ago.

When I took my first bite of the finished Pea Salad, it was like a symphony of flavors exploding in my mouth. The peas were crisp and fresh, the celery added a satisfying crunch, and the creamy dressing tied everything together perfectly. It was exactly how I remembered it from Aunt Ruth's potluck.

I knew that I had finally cracked the code and discovered the secret to the perfect Pea Salad. As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had unlocked a piece of my family's culinary history and preserved it for future generations to enjoy.

From that day on, Pea Salad became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its delicious simplicity. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone always requested whenever there was a gathering or celebration.

As I look back on that fateful day when I found the recipe for Pea Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that led me to that moment. It was a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that come from the heart, passed down through generations with love and care.

And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that I will always cherish the memories and flavors that make up my family's culinary heritage. Because in the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the stories and traditions that are woven into every dish we create. And for me, Pea Salad will always be a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.

Categories

| Amish Recipes | Amish Vegetarian | Cheddar Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Lettuce Recipes | Lettuce Salad Recipes | Pea Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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