Chilled Garden Pea Delight
This Chilled Garden Pea Delight is a vibrant and refreshing salad that's sure to capture your taste buds! Inspired by the beloved Luby's pea salad, this dish combines sweet, thawed baby peas with chunks of sharp cheddar, juicy grape tomatoes, and tangy gherkins for a delightful crunch. With the added freshness of green onions and tender green beans, it's a well-rounded side dish perfect for family barbecues, picnics, or even a simple weekday dinner. Serve chilled or at room temperature; this salad gains flavor the longer it sits, making it ideal for make-ahead meals. Whether you're gathering with family or impressing friends, this salad is a delightful addition to any table.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen baby peas
10 ounces (thawed in a colander and dried on a towel)
Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (cut into pea-size chunks)
Grape tomatoes
10-12 (cut in half)
Gherkins
4 small (cut into pea-size chunks)
Green onions
3 (chopped (using white part and a little of the green))
Fresh green beans
6 (broken into pieces and microwaved for about 3 minutes)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
Prepared yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (can substitute with 1 pkg Splenda)
Salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the thawed baby peas thoroughly in a colander. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby peas, cheddar cheese cubes, halved grape tomatoes, chopped gherkins, chopped green onions, and broken pieces of microwaved green beans. Mix gently.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4
Carefully fold the dressing mixture into the pea and vegetable mixture until everything is evenly coated.
5
Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
6
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. However, it's also delicious if served immediately.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Garden Pea Delight?
Chilled Garden Pea Delight is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines baby peas, sharp cheddar, grape tomatoes, and tangy gherkins.
How many calories are in a serving of this pea salad?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead meal as the flavor gains depth the longer it sits.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of peas are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of frozen baby peas that have been thawed and dried.
Do I need to cook the frozen baby peas?
No, the peas only need to be thawed in a colander and patted dry with a kitchen towel.
Can I substitute the sugar in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of sugar with one package of Splenda if desired.
What type of cheese is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using sharp cheddar cheese cut into pea-sized chunks.
How should I prepare the green beans?
Break the fresh green beans into pieces and microwave them for about 3 minutes until tender.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are approximately 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Chilled Garden Pea Delight?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
What makes the dressing for this pea salad?
The dressing is a smooth mixture of mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
How many grape tomatoes are needed?
You will need 10 to 12 grape tomatoes, which should be cut in half.
What kind of pickles are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 small gherkins, chopped into pea-sized chunks.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 1 gram of fiber.
What part of the green onion should be used?
Use the white part and a small portion of the green part of 3 chopped green onions.
What was the inspiration for this dish?
This dish was inspired by the popular pea salad served at Luby's.
Is it necessary to dry the peas before mixing?
Yes, patting them dry helps remove excess moisture so the dressing adheres better.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
Yes, this salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients, including the salt and pepper.
What is the best way to mix the dressing into the salad?
Carefully fold the dressing into the vegetable mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Can I use different types of mustard?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard for a classic tang.
Is this a good recipe for a barbecue?
Absolutely, it is perfect for family barbecues, picnics, or outdoor gatherings.
How should the cheese be prepared?
The 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese should be cut into small, pea-sized chunks.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the salad after mixing and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of mayonnaise for the base of the dressing.
Is this recipe considered quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it great for simple weekday dinners.
Should the dressing be made in the same bowl as the vegetables?
It is recommended to whisk the dressing in a separate small bowl first to ensure it is smooth before adding it to the vegetables.