This delightful Peanutty Pea Salad Recipe delivers a mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. It's an easy-to-make salad that's perfect for occasions ranging from simple family dinners to grand holiday feasts. The combination of green peas, dried cranberries, peanuts, and a creamy dressing makes this salad stand out among its peers.
Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are pantry staples. You may need to purchase sweetened dried cranberries and unsalted peanuts if they aren't ordinarily found in your kitchen. Frozen green peas might also not be readily available and a trip to the supermarket might be necessary. Remember to pick unsalted peanuts over salted ones to maintain the balanced flavor.
Ingredients for Peanutty Pea Salad Recipe
Mayonnaise: This creamy dressing forms the base of the salad. It lends a delicious tanginess that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Sour cream: Sour cream adds a lush creaminess and slight acidity, which cuts through the richness of the dressing.
White sugar: A small addition of sugar gives a subtle sweetness to the salad.
Green peas: Frozen green peas are the star of the salad. Their bright color and sweet flavor contrast beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Red onion: Red onion provides a sharp, tangy burst of flavor to counterbalance the sweetness of the peas and cranberries.
Sweetened dried cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness and chewy texture to the salad.
Unsalted peanuts: Peanuts lend a contrasting crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
One reader, Adriano Augustine says:
This peanutty pea salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy peanuts, and creamy dressing is simply divine. It's the perfect blend of flavors and textures. I highly recommend trying it out for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Peanutty Pea Salad
How to prepare the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and white sugar in a large bowl until well combined.
How to thaw frozen green peas: Place the frozen green peas in a colander and run under cold water for a few minutes until they are thawed.
How to chop the red onion: Finely chop the red onion into small pieces for the salad.
How to chill the salad: After mixing all the ingredients, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to serve: Portion the peanutty pea salad into individual serving dishes and enjoy!
How To Make Peanutty Pea Salad
The crispness of peas and the crunch of peanuts give this summery pea salad an exciting and flavorful bite! Whip up a rich serving in just under one hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupmayonnaise
- ½cupsour cream
- ¼cupwhite sugar
- 16ozfrozen green peas,(1 package), thawed
- ½red onion,diced
- ½cupsweetened dried cranberries
- 1cupunsalted peanuts
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream and white sugar.
-
Add the peas, onion, cranberries and peanuts and stir until evenly coated.
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Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 327.70kcal
- Fat: 23.28g
- Saturated Fat: 4.51g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.79g
- Carbohydrates: 24.77g
- Fiber: 5.01g
- Sugar: 15.98g
- Protein: 8.17g
- Cholesterol: 13.11mg
- Sodium: 96.78mg
- Calcium: 49.39mg
- Potassium: 301.84mg
- Iron: 1.75mg
- Vitamin A: 46.85µg
- Vitamin C: 23.40mg
Helpful Technique for Enhancing Peanutty Pea Salad
To ensure your peas retain their vibrant green color and don't become mushy, you can blanch them before adding to the salad. To do this, boil the peas for about 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This will also help to enhance their natural sweetness, making them a perfect addition to your peanutty pea salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Peanutty Pea Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up prep work.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes to have leftovers for future meals.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to efficiently multitask and save time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Peanutty Pea Salad Recipe
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy and creamy texture similar to mayonnaise, but with less fat and more protein.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to sour cream, and it's a healthier alternative with less fat.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor, and it also provides additional nutrients compared to white sugar.
frozen green peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame has a similar texture and color to green peas, and it adds a nutty flavor and extra protein to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions, and they add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the salad.
sweetened dried cranberries - Substitute with golden raisins: Golden raisins provide a similar chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor to the salad, and they add a touch of natural sweetness.
unsalted peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews offer a creamy texture and nutty flavor similar to peanuts, and they can add a delicious crunch to the salad.
Presentation Tips for Peanutty Pea Salad
Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the salad on a large, elegant platter, ensuring that each ingredient is visible and well-distributed. Use the vibrant colors of the peas, cranberries, and peanuts to create an eye-catching display.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the salad with finely chopped fresh parsley or mint to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish. The green herbs will complement the vibrant hues of the peas and cranberries.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by delicately placing edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, around the salad. These floral accents will add a sophisticated and visually appealing element to the presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated serving ware, such as a sleek white porcelain platter or a decorative glass bowl, to showcase the salad. The right serving ware can elevate the overall presentation and create a lasting impression.
Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Before serving, delicately drizzle a balsamic reduction in a decorative pattern over the salad. The rich, dark syrup will not only enhance the flavor but also add a touch of gourmet elegance to the dish.
Incorporate texture with a crispy element: Consider adding a crispy element, such as delicate fried shallots or thinly sliced toasted almonds, to provide a textural contrast and elevate the overall dining experience.
Consider individual plating: For a more refined presentation, consider serving the salad in individual portions using elegant, small plates. This approach adds a touch of sophistication and allows for a more personalized dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Peanutty Pea Salad
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to quickly and efficiently process the peanuts for the salad.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar, as well as for tossing the salad ingredients together. It is a staple tool for any kitchen.
Storing and Freezing Peanutty Pea Salad
- To store leftover peanutty pea salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day!
- If you want to prepare this salad ahead of time, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar in a bowl, then store it separately from the other ingredients. When you're ready to serve, simply combine the dressing with the peas, onion, cranberries, and peanuts for a fresh and vibrant salad.
- While it's not recommended to freeze this salad due to the high moisture content of the peas and the dairy-based dressing, you can freeze the individual components separately. Blanch the peas before freezing to maintain their color and texture, and store the peanuts and cranberries in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw and combine the ingredients with freshly made dressing when you're ready to enjoy the salad.
- If you find yourself with an abundance of peanuts or cranberries, consider storing them in the freezer for future use in this salad or other recipes. They'll keep well for several months, allowing you to whip up this delightful dish whenever the craving strikes!
How to Reheat Peanutty Pea Salad Leftovers
Reheat the leftover peanutty pea salad in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick and easy, but may cause the peas to become slightly mushy.
For a better texture, reheat the salad in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent the salad from drying out. Stir occasionally until the salad is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
If you prefer a cold salad, allow the leftover peanutty pea salad to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and create a more enjoyable experience.
To freshen up the leftover salad, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint. This will brighten the flavors and make the salad taste more vibrant.
If the salad seems dry after being stored in the refrigerator, add a dollop of mayonnaise or sour cream and mix well to restore the creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Interesting Trivia About Peanutty Pea Salad
Peanutty pea salad is a great source of plant-based protein, as both peanuts and peas are rich in protein. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a good amount of essential nutrients. Peanuts are also a good source of healthy fats and fiber, making this salad a satisfying and filling dish.
Is Making Peanutty Pea Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This peanutty pea salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as frozen green peas and unsalted peanuts, are affordable and readily available. The addition of sweetened dried cranberries and mayonnaise may slightly increase the cost, but they can be used in various other recipes. Overall, this recipe is budget-friendly and offers a refreshing and flavorful dish. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12.
Is This Peanutty Pea Salad Healthy?
The peanutty pea salad recipe, while tasty, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of mayonnaise and sour cream, which are high in saturated fats and calories.
- The addition of white sugar increases the overall sugar content of the dish.
- Sweetened dried cranberries also contribute to the sugar content.
- Peanuts, although a good source of protein and healthy fats, are calorie-dense.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as green peas, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and red onions, which contain antioxidants and have potential health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
- Reduce the amount of sour cream or use a low-fat version.
- Decrease the amount of white sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Opt for unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce the sugar content further.
- Use a mix of peanuts and other nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to vary the nutrient profile.
- Add more vegetables, such as diced carrots or celery, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the salad.
Editor's Opinion on This Peanutty Pea Salad Recipe
This peanutty pea salad recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. The creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream perfectly coats the tender green peas, while the addition of red onion and sweetened dried cranberries provides a pleasant contrast in both texture and taste. The unsalted peanuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the overall dish. The balance of flavors and textures makes this salad a refreshing and satisfying addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Peanutty Pea Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Peanutty Pea Salad Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of creativity to their salad game. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and sour cream creates a luscious base, while the addition of sweetened dried cranberries brings a delightful burst of sweetness. The use of unsalted peanuts adds a satisfying crunch, and the frozen green peas provide a refreshing and nutritious element. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this peanutty pea salad is a trustworthy choice for a delightful and satisfying dish.
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