Classic Creamy Pea Salad

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Author: Olivia
Published:
Classic Creamy Pea Salad in a clear bowl with fresh ingredients

why make this recipe

This salad is simple, creamy, and quick. It uses few ingredients and tastes fresh. You can make it ahead and take it to a potluck or eat it with a main dish. For another easy side recipe, try baked pears with goat cheese and cranberries.

introduction

Classic Creamy Pea Salad is a cool, creamy side made with peas, mayo, and a bit of sour cream. It keeps well and fits summer picnics, family dinners, or quick meals. The salad is gentle in flavor and easy for cooks of any skill.

how to make Classic Creamy Pea Salad

  1. Thaw and drain the peas if you use frozen.
  2. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Add peas, red onion, celery, and chopped hard-boiled eggs if you like.
  4. Stir until the peas and vegetables are coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
  6. Serve cold.

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: hard-boiled eggs, diced

Directions :

  1. If using frozen peas, thaw them and drain well.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir in the peas, red onion, celery, and hard-boiled eggs (if using).
  4. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve cold as a side dish.

how to serve Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Serve it cold from the fridge. It goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread. Spoon it into a bowl and place it next to other sides like potato salad or coleslaw. Garnish with a little extra chopped egg or a sprinkle of black pepper.

how to store Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Put the salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again. Do not freeze the salad — the dressing can break and the texture will change.

tips to make Classic Creamy Pea Salad

  • If peas are too wet after thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Taste the dressing and adjust salt and pepper before mixing with peas.
  • Chop the onion fine so its flavor spreads without being sharp.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors marry well.
  • Use low-fat mayo or yogurt for a lighter version, but the texture will be thinner.

variation (if any)

  • Add diced cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
  • Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for tang and protein.
  • Mix in chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for brightness.
  • Use sweet peas and add small diced carrots for color.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen peas?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain frozen peas well before using.

Q: How long does the salad last?
A: It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours or a day ahead and chill. Stir before serving.

Q: Can I leave out the onion?
A: Yes. You can leave it out or replace it with green onion for milder taste.

Q: Is this recipe good warm?
A: No. This salad is best served cold or chilled.

Print
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Classic Creamy Pea Salad

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple, creamy salad made with peas, mayo, and sour cream, perfect for picnics and potlucks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: hard-boiled eggs, diced

Instructions

  1. Thaw and drain the peas if using frozen.
  2. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Add peas, red onion, celery, and chopped hard-boiled eggs if you like.
  4. Stir until the peas and vegetables are coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
  6. Serve cold.

Notes

Taste the dressing and adjust salt and pepper before mixing with peas. Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to marry well.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

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