Description
This Creamy Southern Pea Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfyingly rich side dish combining tender fresh green peas with smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a tangy apple cider vinegar-based dressing. Enhanced with natural gelling agent for perfect creaminess, this salad offers a comforting blend of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors perfect for picnics, holiday feasts, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh green peas
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the peas: Blanch the fresh green peas in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to preserve their bright color and crisp texture.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy but not burnt. Let cool, then roughly chop to distribute throughout the salad.
- Mix the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise (natural), apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold together the cooled peas, chopped celery, diced red onion, chopped smoked turkey bacon, and shredded plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the natural gelling agent to set, ensuring a creamy texture.
Notes
- Use fresh peas for best sweetness and texture.
- Do not skip the ice bath to keep peas vibrant and crisp.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar to preference for desired tanginess.
- Mince red onion finely to avoid overly sharp bites.
- Chill well to enhance flavor and achieve ideal creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No baking - stovetop and refrigeration
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Creamy Southern Pea Salad, plant-based salad, pea salad, southern side dish, smoky turkey bacon salad, creamy pea salad, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent salad