Crunchy Pea and Cauliflower Ranch Salad
This Crunchy Pea and Cauliflower Ranch Salad is a delightful and colorful dish that takes a traditional picnic favorite to a whole new level. Combining sweet baby peas, crisp celery, and fresh cauliflower, this salad bursts with flavor and texture. Enhanced by the creamy richness of ranch dressing and topped with crunchy bacon and cashew nuts, it’s sure to be a hit at gatherings, barbecues, or as a refreshing side for any meal. Perfect for those who love a little crunch in their salads and a flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen baby peas
10 ounces (thawed)
Celery
1 cup (diced)
Cauliflower
1 cup (chopped, optional)
Green onion
1/4 cup (diced)
Cashew nuts
1 cup (chopped)
Ranch dressing
1 cup (prepared)
Bacon
3-5 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed baby peas, diced celery, chopped cauliflower (if using), and diced green onion. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2
Add the chopped cashew nuts and ranch dressing to the bowl, and gently toss until all ingredients are coated in the dressing.
3
Cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top for an added crunch and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Pea and Cauliflower Ranch Salad?
This is a colorful and flavorful side dish that combines sweet baby peas, crisp celery, and fresh cauliflower with a creamy ranch dressing, topped with crunchy bacon and cashews.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include frozen baby peas, celery, cauliflower, green onions, cashew nuts, ranch dressing, and cooked bacon.
How many servings does this salad make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas?
No, the peas should only be thawed before mixing; cooking them would result in a texture that is too soft for this crunchy salad.
Is the cauliflower in this salad raw or cooked?
The cauliflower is used fresh and raw, chopped into small pieces to provide a crisp texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the salad for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
When should I add the bacon?
For the best texture, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top just before serving to ensure it stays crunchy.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
The recipe contains bacon, but it can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon or using a plant-based substitute.
Can I substitute the cashew nuts?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or pecans if preferred.
What type of ranch dressing should I use?
You can use any brand of prepared ranch dressing or a homemade version for this recipe.
Is the cauliflower mandatory?
The cauliflower is listed as optional, so you can omit it if you prefer a more traditional pea salad.
How long does this salad need to chill?
It should be refrigerated for at least several hours before you plan to serve it.
How should I prepare the celery?
The celery should be diced into small, uniform pieces to distribute its crunch throughout the salad.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh baby peas can be used, though they may require a very brief blanching if they are too firm.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is a perfect picnic or barbecue side dish as it is served chilled and holds up well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the leftovers last?
The salad will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge, though the bacon and nuts may soften over time.
Can I freeze Crunchy Pea and Cauliflower Ranch Salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the ranch dressing and fresh vegetables will lose their texture upon thawing.
What size should I chop the cauliflower?
Chop the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets so it mixes easily with the peas and celery.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Shredded carrots or chopped broccoli florets would make great additions to this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label of your ranch dressing and bacon to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, use a vegan ranch dressing and omit the bacon or use a vegan bacon alternative.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for diced green onions (scallions) for a mild onion flavor.
Should I use salted or unsalted cashews?
Roasted and salted cashews are generally preferred for the extra flavor they provide to the salad.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a fine substitute if you prefer it over traditional pork bacon.
How much ranch dressing is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of prepared ranch dressing.
Is this a low-carb recipe?
While it contains vegetables, peas have some carbohydrates. To lower the carb count, you can increase the cauliflower and decrease the peas.
How do I ensure the salad isn't too watery?
Make sure the thawed peas are well-drained and the vegetables are patted dry before mixing.
What can I serve this salad with?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or any classic barbecue fare.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, adding shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese is a popular variation for this type of salad.