Old-School Creamy Pea Salad, a classic side dish that’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped Â
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions:
- Thaw the Peas: If using frozen peas, ensure they are fully thawed. You can run them under cool water to speed up the process. Drain well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, mayonnaise, sour cream, red onion, celery, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir gently until everything is well combined.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pea salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the Old-School Creamy Pea Salad chilled as a side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Peas: If you have access to fresh peas, you can blanch them for a minute or two in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their bright green color. Drain well before using. Â
- Bacon Bits: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add some cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Cheese Variations: Instead of cheddar, you can use other cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack.
- Vinegar Kick: A splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can add a nice tang to the salad.
- Celery Seed: A pinch of celery seed can enhance the classic flavor.
- Make Ahead: Pea salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Enjoy this classic and comforting Old-School Creamy Pea Salad!
