Pea salad with mayonnaise is a delectable and traditional side dish that adds color and flavor to any main course. It’s a favorite at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings due to its vibrant green peas, crunchy vegetables, and creamy vinaigrette. This article, will explain how to make pea salad with mayonnaise.
Ingredients
- 2 cups thawed frozen peas
- 1/2 cup red onion minced
- 1/4 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup minced red bell pepper for color and flavor (optional)
- 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
- 1 ounce of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream (optional for texture)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
- Black pepper and salt to flavor
- 1/4 cup crisp bacon pieces (optional for flavor enhancement)
- 2 diced hard-boiled eggs (optional).
How To Make Pea Salad With Mayonnaise
Instruction
1. Thaw the Frozen Peas
If you want to use leftover peas, take them out of the freezer first. You can let them thaw at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, or you can cook them to do it faster.
To blanch frozen peas, bring a pot of water to a heat and add the peas. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes, or until it turns a bright green color. Put them right away in a bowl with ice water to stop the cooking. They should be rinsed and dried with a paper towel.
2. Prepare the Dressing
You will create a creamy, tangy dressing in a small basin that enhances the salad’s flavor. Mayonnaise imparts a creamy texture, while sour cream imparts a mildly tart flavor.
Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper with a whisk. Taste the sauce and change the salt, pepper, and sweetness to your liking. You can change how sweet or sour it is to suit your taste.
3.Mix the Ingredients
Mix the thawed peas, diced red onion, diced celery, and diced red bell pepper (for color and texture) in a big bowl. At this point, you can also add cheddar cheese for a buttery taste.
4. Toss With Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the prepared vegetables. The salad will be coated with a creamy, tart vinaigrette.
Using a spatula or large utensil, gently combine the ingredients. Take care not to overmix, as you want to maintain the integrity of the peas and other elements.
5. Chill
Use either plastic wrap or a lid to secure the bowl. The pea salad must be refrigerated for at least one hour. This chilling period combines the flavors, making the salad even more delicious.
If you have the time, chilling the salad for several hours or overnight will intensify the flavors.
6. Serve
Add optional garnishes such as bacon pieces and chopped hard-boiled eggs before serving.
The bacon adds a delectable, smoky crunch to the salad, while the eggs add a creamy texture and additional protein.
7. Enjoy
As a side dish, serve your pea salad chilled on various occasions. It is a beautiful addition to barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and grilled meats and sandwiches.
Feel free to customize your pea salad by adding diced ham, minced dill pickles, or fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. These additions can provide flavor and texture variations to suit your preferences.
Tips For Pea Salad With Mayonnaise
Here are some tips for making the ideal pea salad with mayonnaise:
- Use Fresh or Frozen Peas: When in season, fresh peas are excellent, but frozen peas work just as well. Because tinned peas can become too soft and lose their freshness, you should avoid using them.
- Thaw Peas Properly: If using frozen peas, they must be thoroughly defrosted. You can let them sit briefly at room temperature or blanch them rapidly. This ensures that the peas in your salad retain their firm texture.
- Customize the Vegetables: While the traditional recipe calls for red onion, celery, and bell pepper, add other vegetables you appreciate. Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and even sliced spinach are alternatives.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar cheese lends a nice bite to the salad, but you can also use Swiss, Monterey Jack, or feta cheese, depending on your preference.
- Creaminess Factor: The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream (if employed) produces a creamy condiment. Adjust the quantity to your taste for a thicker or thinner consistency.
- Adding a Touch of Sweetness: The sugar in the vinaigrette helps to balance the sweetness. Start with the suggested quantity and adjust it to your preference. Some prefer a milder salad, whereas others prefer a tangier one.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to put salt and pepper on your salad. As you cook, change the seasonings to your taste. You can also add garlic powder or pepper to improve the taste.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing your pea salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or longer, if feasible) before serving allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
- Garnish Creatively: Add bacon bits, chopped hard-boiled eggs, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even a dash of paprika to your salad to make it look and taste better.
- Serve in Style: Present your pea salad in an attractive serving dish or platter. Before serving, sprinkling the dish with fresh herbs can make it appear more appetizing.
- Make Ahead: This salad is excellent for preparing ahead of time. You can prepare it one day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
- Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients and vinaigrette, be careful not to crush the peas or cause the salad to become too mushy.
In just a few easy steps, you can make a pea salad with mayonnaise that will please your taste buds. The mix of fresh, crisp vegetables, fragrant peas, and a creamy dressing has always been a winner. Enjoy the taste and crispness of this simple salad.
Thanks for reading.
