Description
Creamy Southern Pea Salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish combining sweet green peas, smoky plant-based bacon, crisp vegetables, and a rich plant-based creamy dressing. Perfectly balanced with tangy notes and a delightful texture contrast, this salad is quick to prepare and ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
- 4 oz smoked plant-based bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Creamy Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (plant-based)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp mustard (natural)
- 1 tsp natural sweetener
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas and Veggies: Thaw the frozen green peas under cold running water and drain well. Chop the red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and fresh parsley into small, even pieces to ensure a balanced mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Cook the Plant-Based Bacon: In a skillet, cook the smoked plant-based bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces to add smoky crunch throughout the salad.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), mustard (natural), natural sweetener, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This dressing provides a tangy richness that evenly coats the ingredients.
- Combine and Chill: Gently toss together the peas, chopped vegetables, bacon pieces, and creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh peas if available; blanch briefly to keep color and tenderness.
- Chilling the salad improves flavor absorption and texture.
- Cook the plant-based bacon until crisp for best texture contrast.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar quantity to control tanginess.
- Toss gently to preserve the shape of peas and crunch of veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pea salad, creamy pea salad, southern side dish, plant-based salad, smoky bacon salad, gluten free side
