As a home cook, I cherish recipes that evoke nostalgia and warmth, and Paula Deen Green Pea Salad is one of those delightful dishes that takes me back to family gatherings. The vibrant green peas, creamy dressing, and crunchy pecans create a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. I remember the first time I made this salad; the aroma of fresh ingredients filled my kitchen, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. This Paula Deen Green Pea Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of togetherness, perfect for any occasion.
What is Paula Deen Green Pea Salad?
Paula Deen Green Pea Salad is a classic American dish that embodies the spirit of Southern cooking. Originating from the heart of Georgia, this salad combines simple ingredients to create a refreshing and creamy side that complements any meal. The vibrant green peas are the star, bringing a pop of color and sweetness, while the creamy dressing binds everything together. This dish is often served at potlucks, family reunions, and holiday gatherings, making it a beloved staple in many households. With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, it’s no wonder this salad has become a favorite among food lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Green Pea Salad
- Convenient: Quick to prepare, this salad takes just 15 minutes of active time.
- Delicious: The combination of creamy dressing and crunchy pecans creates a delightful contrast.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber and protein, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors.
Who It’s For
This salad is perfect for busy families looking for a quick and nutritious side dish. It appeals to health-conscious cooks who want to incorporate more vegetables into their meals without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, food lovers who appreciate classic recipes with a twist will find this dish irresistible.
When to Cook It
Paula Deen Green Pea Salad is versatile enough for various occasions. Serve it at weeknight dinners for a refreshing side, bring it to potlucks and barbecues, or enjoy it during holiday celebrations. It’s also a great make-ahead option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its flavors even on the busiest days.
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed: The star of the salad, providing sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess and a sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the peas.
- 1/2 cup diced red onion: Offers a crunchy texture and a mild bite that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The base of the dressing, creating a creamy consistency.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the salad; can be adjusted based on your taste preference.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the salad.
- Optional: Diced bell peppers or bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, diced cheddar cheese, and red onion. The vibrant colors will make your salad visually appealing.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar until smooth. The creamy dressing should be well-blended and luscious.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir until everything is well combined. The aroma of the creamy dressing will be irresistible!
- Add the chopped pecans and season with salt and pepper to taste. The pecans will add a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
- Monk fruit: Another natural option that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood sugar.
- Note: Avoid using honey or maple syrup as substitutes, as they can significantly raise blood sugar levels.
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Refrigerator for chilling
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Chef Ina Garten emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavors of any dish, including salads.
- Chill Before Serving: Renowned chef Thomas Keller suggests chilling salads for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
- Experiment with Textures: Chef Gordon Ramsay advises adding a variety of textures, such as crispy bacon or crunchy croutons, to make your salad more interesting.
- Balance Flavors: Chef Julia Child always reminded us to balance sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in salads for a well-rounded dish.
- Presentation Matters: Chef Wolfgang Puck believes that a beautifully presented salad can make a simple dish feel gourmet, so take the time to arrange your ingredients thoughtfully.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Paula Deen Green Pea Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the peas and dressing may change upon thawing.
- Reheating: If you prefer to serve it warm, gently heat in a microwave for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. However, this salad is best enjoyed chilled.
- Freshness Tip: For optimal flavor, add fresh pecans just before serving if you plan to store leftovers.
- Using Frozen Peas Without Thawing: Always thaw your peas before mixing; otherwise, the salad will be watery and lose its creamy texture.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Don’t rush to serve! Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Overdoing the Dressing: Be cautious with the amount of dressing; too much can overpower the delicate flavors of the peas and cheese.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper; it enhances the overall taste and brings out the sweetness of the peas.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients; they make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make Paula Deen Green Pea Salad a day in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Q: Is Paula Deen Green Pea Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for meatless meals.
Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for Paula Deen Green Pea Salad?
It depends; while fresh peas can be used, frozen peas are recommended for their sweetness and convenience.
Q: Does Paula Deen Green Pea Salad contain gluten?
No, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to Paula Deen Green Pea Salad?
Yes, feel free to customize with ingredients like diced bell peppers or bacon bits for added flavor.
In conclusion, Paula Deen Green Pea Salad is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing together flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a quick weeknight side, this salad is sure to impress. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this dish, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!
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Paula Deen Green Pea Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy green pea salad recipe by Paula Deen, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add the chopped pecans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or bacon bits.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Paula Deen Green Pea Salad