Pioneer Woman Pea Salad by Ree Drummond is made with green peas, bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. This delightful Pioneer Woman Pea Salad recipe creates a side dish that takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to prepare (including chilling time) and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen green peas, almost totally thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, halved and sliced very thin
- 6 oz cheddar or American cheese cut into small cubes
- 3 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pea Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and taste to ensure the seasoning is just right.
- Coat the Peas: Place the peas in a large mixing bowl and drizzle two-thirds of the dressing over them. Stir gently until the peas are evenly coated.
- Add the Goodies: To the peas, add the crispy bacon, sliced red onion, cheese cubes, and most of the parsley. Fold everything together carefully to distribute the ingredients without mashing the peas.
- Chill Out: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let it sit for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finishing Touches: Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing if the salad seems a bit dry. Sprinkle the remaining parsley on top for a fresh touch.
Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon to add a robust flavor and satisfying crunch to your pea salad.
- Thaw Peas Properly: Allow the frozen peas to sit at room temperature just until they’re almost thawed to maintain their best texture.
- Onion Adjustment: If you find the flavor of raw onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar for more bite or Monterey Jack for a milder taste in your pea salad.
- Dressing Prep: Make the dressing in advance to let the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your pea salad.
What To Serve With Peas Salad
Pea Salad pairs well with barbecue chicken, grilled salmon, roast turkey, and steak. It also can be served alongside a quinoa pilaf, couscous with herbs, sweet potato fries, and garlic roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Leftover Peas Salad
Refrigerate: Cool the Pea Salad completely. Then, either cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the Pea Salad. First, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag or use a freezer-safe container. The salad can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Pea Salad Calories and Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Peas Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use canned peas, but they tend to be softer and less crisp compared to frozen peas. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the salad to avoid a mushy texture and to reduce the sodium content.
Can I Make Pea Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, pea salad can be made a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. This is especially helpful for meal prep or planning for gatherings, ensuring flavors are well-blended when served.
What Are Some Alternative Dressing Options?
For a lighter option, you can replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette. Adding a touch of mustard or honey can also vary the flavor profile, catering to different tastes.
Try More Pioneer Woman Salad Recipes:
- Roasted Broccoli Salad
- Pioneer Woman Frog Eye Salad
- Loaded Baked Potato Salad
- Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad
- Wedge Salad
- Orzo Salad
Pioneer Woman Pea Salad
Description
Pioneer Woman Pea Salad by Ree Drummond is made with green peas, bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. This delightful Pioneer Woman Pea Salad recipe creates a side dish that takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to prepare (including chilling time) and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pea Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and taste to ensure the seasoning is just right.
- Coat the Peas: Place the peas in a large mixing bowl and drizzle two-thirds of the dressing over them. Stir gently until the peas are evenly coated.
- Add the Goodies: To the peas, add the crispy bacon, sliced red onion, cheese cubes, and most of the parsley. Fold everything together carefully to distribute the ingredients without mashing the peas.
- Chill Out: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let it sit for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finishing Touches: Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing if the salad seems a bit dry. Sprinkle the remaining parsley on top for a fresh touch.