Pioneer Woman’s Pea Salad is a classic salad that is perfect for potlucks and barbecues. It’s a simple mixture of sweet peas, celery, onions, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of sugar. The salad is best when served chilled, and it makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, and poultry.
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Why You Will Love This Salad
- Combination of peas, cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise creates a delicious and satisfying taste.
- The peas add a nice crunch.
- Cheese and bacon add a rich and salty flavor.
- Mayonnaise gives it a creamy texture and brings all the ingredients together.
- Easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for parties or potlucks.
- Comforting and delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion.
Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Ingredients
- Peas
- Cheese (cheddar, Colby, or Colby-Jack)
- Bacon
- Red onion
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pea Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced cheese, diced bacon, diced red onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined and the peas are evenly coated in the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and check for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Garnish with additional diced bacon and cheese, if desired.
- Serve the salad chilled as a side dish or use it as a topping for sandwiches or burgers.
How To Store Pea Salad
In The Fridge:
- Pea salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when properly stored in an airtight container.
- Before storing, make sure that the salad has cooled to room temperature and that any excess moisture has been removed.
- Place the salad in an airtight container and seal it tightly.
- Store the container in the refrigerator.
In The Freezer:
- Pea salad can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months when properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Before storing, make sure that the salad has cooled to room temperature and that any excess moisture has been removed.
- Place the salad in an airtight container or freezer bag and seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and store it in the freezer.
Note: Pea salad may lose some of its texture and flavor when frozen. It is best consumed within 2 months of freezing.
How To Thaw Frozen The Peas
In The Refrigerator:
- Place the frozen peas in a colander or strainer.
- Place the colander or strainer in a bowl or in the sink.
- Cover the peas with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Place the bowl or colander in the refrigerator and allow the peas to thaw overnight or for at least 8 hours.
In The Microwave:
In Cold Water:
- Place the frozen peas in a colander or strainer.
- Place the colander or strainer in a large bowl or in the sink.
- Cover the peas with cold water.
- Let the peas sit in the cold water for 10-15 minutes or until thawed.
- Drain the peas before using them in your recipe.
Can I Make Pea Salad Ahead Of Time
Yes, Pea Salad can be made ahead of time. It is actually recommended to make it in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. You can make it up to 3 days before serving and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How To Reheat Pea Salad
In The Oven:
In The Microwave:
- Place the pea salad in a microwave-safe dish.
- Heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Be careful not to overheat, as it may dry out the salad.
In The Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the pea salad in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-8 minutes or until heated through, shaking the basket occasionally for even heating.
- check your salad for desired temperature and crispiness.
In The Stove:
What To Serve With Pea Salad
Pea Salad is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few suggestions on what to serve with Pea Salad:
- Grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, steak, or pork.
- Fish or seafood such as salmon, shrimp, or crab.
- Burgers or sandwiches, it can be used as a topping.
- Barbecue dishes such as ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.
- Potatoes dishes like roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or au gratin potatoes.
- Casseroles such as macaroni and cheese or chicken pot pie.
- Pasta dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna.
- Soups such as chicken noodle or minestrone.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Herb Pea Salad: Add some fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill or basil to the salad for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
- Pea Salad with Bacon and Egg: Add some hard-boiled eggs to the salad, diced and mixed with the peas, cheese, bacon, mayonnaise and sour cream for a nice texture and flavor
- Pea Salad with Avocado: Add some diced avocado to the salad for a creamy and healthy twist.
- Pea Salad with Jalapenos: Add some diced jalapenos to the salad for a spicy kick.
- Pea Salad with Feta: Substitute the cheddar cheese with Feta cheese for a tangy and salty flavor.
- Pea Salad with Tuna: Add some drained and flaked tuna to the salad for a protein boost.
- Pea Salad with Blue Cheese: Substitute the cheddar cheese with Blue Cheese for a strong, pungent and tangy flavor.
Vegan, keto, and gluten-free version of Pea Salad
- Vegan Pea Salad: To make a vegan version of Pea Salad, substitute the cheese and bacon with vegan alternatives, and use a vegan mayo. You can also add some vegan sour cream or cashew cream to make it creamy.
- Keto Pea Salad: To make a keto version of Pea Salad, substitute the peas with a low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli and use a keto-friendly mayo. You can also add some diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Gluten-free Pea Salad: To make a gluten-free version of Pea Salad, make sure to use gluten-free bacon, gluten-free mayo and gluten-free sour cream. It is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t have any gluten-containing ingredient.
Recipe Substitutes
- Peas: You can use fresh or thawed frozen peas, you can also use edamame for a different flavor and texture.
- Cheese: You can use any type of cheese that you prefer or have on hand, such as cheddar, Colby, Colby-Jack, feta or blue cheese.
- Bacon: You can use cooked bacon, pancetta or prosciutto. You can also use turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian option.
- Mayonnaise: You can use regular or low-fat mayonnaise, or you can use yogurt, sour cream or a mixture of both for a lighter option.
- Red Onion: You can use green onion, shallots, or chives instead of red onion.
- Sour Cream: You can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or cashew cream for a vegan option.
- Dijon Mustard: You can use regular yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon.
Other Dressings To Use
- Ranch Dressing: Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley for a classic and creamy ranch dressing.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: Mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper for a tangy and flavorful vinaigrette.
- Lemon Vinaigrette: Mix together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper for a light and zesty dressing.
- Thousand Island Dressing: Mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, and a dash of hot sauce for a tangy and sweet dressing.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Mix together blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and salt and pepper for a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Caesar Dressing: Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese for a classic Caesar dressing.
Can You Use Canned Peas
Yes, you can use canned peas in the Pea Salad recipe. Canned peas are already cooked and can be used straight from the can.
Can You Eat Raw Peas
Yes, you can eat raw peas, they are safe to eat, and they have a sweet, fresh taste. They can be eaten as a snack or added to salads or sandwiches. However, they are easier to digest when they are cooked. It’s best to avoid eating raw peas if you have a sensitive stomach or digestion issues.
Do You Need to Cook the Frozen Peas
No, you do not need to cook frozen peas before using them in a salad or recipe, they are already cooked and are safe to eat straight from the freezer. Just make sure to thaw them before using them in the recipe.
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Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 240mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
