Description
Creamy Southern Pea Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish featuring fresh peas, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese tossed in a tangy, zesty dressing. Perfect for warm weather meals, picnics, and backyard barbecues, this easy-to-prepare recipe balances earthiness, creaminess, and smoky flavors for a delightful Southern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peas
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas: Cook fresh peas until tender but still crisp by blanching them briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer to ice water to preserve their bright green color and sweet flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Dice the celery and thinly slice the green onions to add crunch and fresh notes to the salad.
- Make the Tangy Dressing: Whisk together the natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), black pepper, salt, and natural gelling agent until smooth to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently fold the peas, crumbled turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, celery, and green onions with the dressing. Cover and chill for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Notes
- Use fresh or well-thawed frozen peas to keep the salad vibrant and sweet.
- Do not overcook peas; blanch briefly and cool immediately to preserve crunch and color.
- Choose crisp celery for a satisfying texture contrast with creamy ingredients.
- Chill salad before serving to enhance flavor blending and texture.
- Adjust acidity by adding more apple cider vinegar (natural) if a tangier flavor is desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pea salad, creamy salad, Southern side dish, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, picnic recipe, summer salad
