layered pea salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best layered pea salad recipe

I’ve been making this layered pea salad recipe for years, and it’s still a crowd-pleaser in my household. My kids love helping me prepare it, and I appreciate the fact that it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of guests.

The dish has its roots in classic Greek cuisine, where peas were often used in salads to add protein and texture. The combination of crunchy peas, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves is a match made in heaven.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a satisfying main course, this layered pea salad is sure to please.

As an added bonus, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate until serving. I’ve found that this recipe works beautifully for both casual weeknight meals and special occasion gatherings alike.

It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of veggies without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various ingredients and techniques to perfect this recipe, but at its core, it remains a simple yet elegant celebration of the humble pea.

Classic Layered Pea Salad

4.8 from 1671 votes

This layered pea salad is a vibrant and creamy side dish perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Crisp lettuce, sweet peas, and crunchy bacon are layered with a tangy dressing and topped with cheese.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
4 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 cup red onion, finely diced
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is crispy and browned.
2Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, then crumble it into small pieces once cool.
3In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4Set the dressing aside.
5In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer half of the chopped lettuce evenly across the bottom.
6Spread half of the thawed peas over the lettuce, followed by half of the diced red onion.
7Spread half of the dressing over the onion layer, using a spatula to cover it evenly.
8Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dressing.
9Repeat the layers with the remaining lettuce, peas, red onion, dressing, bacon, and cheese, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
10Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large trifle dish or glass bowl
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Frying pan
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Letting the salad sit overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Watch Video Of How Classic Layered Pea Salad Works

This layered pea salad is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to store and reheat: simply refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw and reassemble the salad – it’s as simple as that! My family loves serving it at potlucks and picnics because it’s easy to transport and always impresses our guests.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Layered Pea Salad

Q: What type of peas should I use in this recipe?

The best type of peas to use in this layered pea salad are fresh garden peas or frozen peas that have been thawed.

Q: Can I substitute other types of cheese for the feta?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as crumbled goat cheese or ricotta cheese as a substitute for feta.

Q: How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time by preparing all the ingredients and storing them separately until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Q: What are some good variations on this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs such as parsley or dill, or using different types of cheese such as parmesan or cheddar.

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