Deluxe Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Deluxe Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad, a delightful blend of sweet peas, tangy cheddar, and creamy mozzarella. This refreshing dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecue gatherings, or casual family dinners. With crispy bacon bits adding a savory crunch and a rich mayonnaise dressing, this salad is not just a side—it's a showstopper that's sure to please everyone at the table!
6-8 servings
Servings
140
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen peas
32 ounces (thawed)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (diced)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (diced)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 cup
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
bacon
4 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced cheddar cheese, diced mozzarella cheese, and chopped onion.
2
In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise (or salad dressing) with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
3
Pour the dressing over the pea and cheese mixture, and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
Fold in the crumbled bacon until well distributed throughout the salad.
5
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve cold and enjoy your delightful creamy pea salad!
Nutrition Information
9.8g
Fat
6g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deluxe Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad?
The Deluxe Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that combines sweet peas, tangy cheddar, mozzarella, and crispy bacon in a rich mayonnaise dressing.
What ingredients are needed for this pea salad?
You will need 32 ounces of thawed frozen peas, 1/2 cup each of diced cheddar and mozzarella cheese, one medium chopped onion, 1 cup of mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, but they should be blanched briefly in boiling water and then cooled in an ice bath before being added to the salad.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas for this recipe?
No, you do not need to cook them. Simply ensure they are completely thawed and drained of any excess moisture before mixing.
What kind of cheese is best for this salad?
This recipe uses a combination of cheddar for tanginess and mozzarella for a mild, creamy texture, but you can use your favorite semi-hard cheeses.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack, provolone, or even Swiss cheese would make excellent substitutes for mozzarella in this salad.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a tangier flavor or a lighter dressing.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, use plant-based mayonnaise, vegan cheese alternatives, and omit the bacon or use a vegan bacon substitute.
Is this pea salad recipe healthy?
While it contains nutrient-rich peas, it is a richer salad due to the mayo and cheese; however, at 140 calories per serving, it can fit into a balanced diet.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Diced celery, water chestnuts, or red bell peppers would add great crunch and flavor to this dish.
What is the best way to prepare the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked until it is very crispy so that it maintains its texture once folded into the creamy dressing.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a fine substitute if you are looking to reduce the fat content of the salad.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The active preparation time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, followed by at least one hour of refrigeration.
Why must the salad be refrigerated before serving?
Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors of the dressing, peas, and cheeses to meld together properly.
How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze the Deluxe Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the texture of the peas will become mushy upon thawing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your mayonnaise and bacon to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 140 calories per serving of this pea salad.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings depending on the portion size.
Can I make this recipe a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have more time to marinate together.
What should I serve with this salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, hamburgers, or as a side for a holiday ham.
Can I use red onion instead of white onion?
Yes, red onion provides a beautiful color contrast and a slightly sharper bite that works well in this salad.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a classic potluck dish because it is easy to transport and can be made in large batches.
How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
The most important step is to ensure the peas are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before adding the dressing.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds would be a great addition for added texture.
What can I use if I don't have mayonnaise?
Salad dressing (like Miracle Whip) can be used, though it will result in a sweeter flavor profile.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of sweet peas, cheese, and bacon is generally very popular with children.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Fresh dill or chopped parsley are excellent herbs to stir in to add a layer of freshness to the salad.
What if I want to reduce the sodium?
You can use low-sodium bacon and reduce the amount of added salt in the dressing.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe scales very easily. Just ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl to combine everything evenly.