If you’ve been to a potluck in the south, you’ve likely had pea salad at some point. Loaded with tender green peas, shredded cheese, pimentos, and a creamy dressing, this chilled dish is a classic staple in the spring and summer. Today we are sharing with you a slightly lighter and healthier English Pea Salad Recipe. It’s made with a low-fat dressing and is vegetarian-friendly, but still includes lots of flavorful salad goodies you love!
Perky and Healthy English Pea Salad
Along with peas, pimentos, and cheese, a standard Pea Salad also tends to include a rich mayo-based dressing and chopped bacon. For this healthier version we’ve cut out the bacon, cut back on the cheese, and used a low-fat mayo to make the dressing. The salad still includes peas and pimentos, of course, plus lots of fresh and crunchy veggies (and apples) for great texture and taste. Our vegetarian Green Pea Salad is great to make-ahead for spring and summer gatherings. Give it a try for your next potluck, picnic, or barbecue – it’s sure to be a big hit!
Ingredients You Need
For the base of this Pea Salad recipe you need:
Frozen English peas – thawedDiced pimentos – drainedPepper jack cheese – shredded (can also use Colby cheese)Carrots – shreddedFirm apple – dicedRed onion – diced
To make the creamy, tangy dressing you need:
Mayonnaise – low fat for a healthier green pea saladApple cider vinegar – healthy and tasty!Honey – or agaveGarlic powder – for a great earthy flavorSalt and pepper – to taste
Although we chose to make this a vegetarian dish, feel free to add crumbled cooked bacon or chopped cooked ham if you like!
How to Make This Healthy Pea Salad Recipe
This no-cook dish is super easy to prepare in just about 15 minutes. You can serve it right away or chill in the fridge for a refreshing make-ahead dish! To make the salad, first set out a large salad bowl. Pour in the frozen peas (make sure there are no chunk of ice) and allow them to thaw as you prep the rest of the ingredients: Shred the cheese and carrots. Dice the apples and red onion. Then add the pimentos, shredded cheese, and all of the fresh produce into the mixing bowl. Now make the salad dressing in a separate bowl or measuring cup. Add the mayo, vinegar, honey, and garlic powder, and whisk until smooth. Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. I personally like my Peas Salad recipe with about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Then pour the dressing into the salad bowl. Use a spoon to gently toss and coat the salad in the dressing. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This Healthy Pea Salad recipe is great for making ahead, and tastes even better as it sits and gets chilled. Keep stored in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days if vegetarian. However, if you do decide to include cooked bacon or ham I suggest you enjoy the salad within 3 days.
What to Serve with Healthy Green Pea Salad
Refreshing, tender and crunchy Pea Salad is perfect to serve at potlucks and picnics alongside any number of your favorite southern-inspired dishes. We love to enjoy scoops of salad with Famous Corn Pudding, Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs, Southern Tomato Pie, or Jalapeno Hushpuppies for some spicy pep. Or pair with just about any vegetarian or non-vegetarian main dish for a complete meal! It’s delicious with Grilled Vegetables, Coca-Cola Baked Ham, Fried Chicken, or Slow Cooker Smoked Pulled Pork!
Looking for More Satisfying Salad Recipes?
The Best Macaroni Salad RecipeEdamame Salad with White Beans and BaconHow to Make the Best Potato Salad RecipeThe Best Broccoli Salad RecipeMarket Bean Salad Recipe
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