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Classic Pea Salad: A Simple, Delicious, and Refreshing Dish
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic pea salad—its simplicity, refreshing crunch, and creamy dressing make it a timeless side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a picnic in the park, or a weeknight dinner, this versatile recipe is sure to please. A delightful mix of garden peas, crisp vegetables, and a rich, creamy dressing, classic pea salad is an easy dish that never goes out of style.
What Makes Classic Pea Salad Special?
Pea salad is a comforting dish that often evokes memories of potlucks and barbecues. It strikes the perfect balance between fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, making it the ideal side for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone light lunch. What makes it truly classic, however, is its simplicity—this recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complex techniques, just a handful of staples that come together to create a satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Classic Pea Salad
The beauty of pea salad lies in its ease of preparation and versatility. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic pea salad:
- 2 cups of frozen peas (thawed, or you can use fresh peas if you prefer)
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded)
- ½ cup of red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup of celery (diced)
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- ¼ cup of sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar (for a little tang)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional add-ins: Cooked bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Classic Pea Salad
Making pea salad is incredibly simple and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s a basic guide to creating this crowd-pleasing dish:
- Prepare the Peas: If you’re using frozen peas, make sure to thaw them by placing them in a colander under cold water. You can also let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Fresh peas are a great option too, though they may require a bit more time to prepare (and shelling!).
- Chop the Vegetables and Cheese: Dice the red onion and celery into small pieces for a crunchy texture. If you’re adding cheese, cut it into small cubes or shred it—cheddar is the classic choice for a mild, sharp flavor that complements the peas beautifully.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), sugar, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a creamy, tangy dressing to coat the peas and vegetables.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, chopped celery, red onion, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: For the best results, cover the pea salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the salad cool down, making it a refreshing dish to serve on a hot day.
