Description
Creamy Southern Pea Salad is a delicious and vibrant side dish combining tender green peas, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and a creamy dressing made with plant-based mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a natural gelling agent. This salad is perfect for any gathering, offering a rich and creamy texture with smoky, tangy, and fresh herbal notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen green peas
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas and Bacon: Blanch the frozen green peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender yet crisp. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking. Meanwhile, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, natural gelling agent, and apple cider vinegar until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Gently fold in the blanched peas, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, shredded plant-based cheese, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir carefully to coat all ingredients without breaking the peas.
- Incorporate the Bacon and Season: Add the crispy chopped smoked turkey bacon to the bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to distribute the smoky flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Chill and Set: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the natural gelling agent set the texture before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh frozen peas for best texture and sweetness.
- Do not skip chilling to allow flavors to blend and texture to firm up.
- Cook bacon thoroughly for a perfect contrast of crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid oversalting, especially due to the bacon and cheese.
- Fresh herbs enhance brightness and elevate the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Southern pea salad, creamy salad, plant-based salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, side dish, picnic salad
