Description
Creamy Southern Pea Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender green peas, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese with a tangy, smooth dressing. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a refreshing side, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and colors that brighten any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed or lightly steamed
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas: Thaw or lightly steam the frozen green peas until tender yet vibrant green. Drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery salad.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Finely dice the celery and red onion to balance textures and flavors. Also chop the fresh dill finely.
- Make the Tangy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Chill: Gently fold peas, crispy turkey bacon, diced vegetables, plant-based cheese, and fresh dill into the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Use the freshest peas and herbs available for optimal flavor.
- Add dressing gradually and taste to maintain balance without overpowering the peas.
- Chill the salad well for the best flavor development.
- Add celery and bacon just before serving if preparing in advance to keep crispness.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar amount in the dressing to suit your tang preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking method specified; includes stovetop cooking for bacon and pea steaming
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pea salad, southern salad, creamy salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, tangy dressing, gluten free, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
