Description
Creamy Southern Pea Salad is a vibrant and comforting dish combining sweet peas, smoked turkey bacon, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a luscious plant-based creamy dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this colorful salad balances fresh and smoky flavors with a subtle tang, delivering a satisfying and customizable recipe that is both hearty and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, parsley, or basil (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thaw the green peas until tender but still crisp. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Dice the red bell pepper, celery, and green onions, and chop any fresh herbs you are using.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), mustard (natural), salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy for the perfect consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the peas, smoked turkey bacon, diced veggies, and fresh herbs if using. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss carefully to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to blend and the dressing to set. Serve chilled for a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking peas; they should remain tender but crisp.
- Adjust the amount of smoked turkey bacon based on your preferred smoky flavor intensity.
- Mix ingredients gently to keep veggies crisp and maintain a light texture.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly for ideal creaminess without losing smoothness.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor blending and texture harmony.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pea salad, creamy southern salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, plant-based mayonnaise, side dish, potluck recipe, vegan options
