Old Fashioned Pea Salad Recipe

Frozen Pea Salad

This refreshing pea salad combines the creamy richness of mayonnaise with the freshness of peas and the bite of hard-cooked eggs. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or as a light snack.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• cup mayonnaise
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, chopped onion, hard-cooked eggs, and mayonnaise.
2. Stir the ingredients well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook's Note

If you prefer a creamier salad, feel free to add more mayonnaise to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 222
• Total Fat: 17g (21% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (14% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 78mg (26% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 209mg (9% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 6g (13% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 15mg (16% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 30mg (2% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 161mg (3% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutritional information is based on available data for the listed ingredients. For more specific dietary needs, consult a healthcare professional.

This simple and hearty Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a beloved dish that has been a staple at summer gatherings for generations. With its refreshing combination of peas, eggs, onions, and mayonnaise, it's a delightful side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, cold sandwiches, or fried chicken. While it may seem straightforward, this salad has a rich history and a place in many regional traditions.

History of Old Fashioned Pea Salad

The origins of the Old Fashioned Pea Salad can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time when salads were becoming an essential part of American cuisine, especially at picnics, barbecues, and church gatherings. The dish is rooted in American home cooking, influenced by a time when fresh and simple ingredients were used to create satisfying meals. It's a reflection of the post-war era when convenience foods like frozen peas were becoming popular, allowing families to enjoy dishes like this year-round. The use of hard-boiled eggs and creamy mayonnaise ties this dish to a long tradition of American salads that combine simple, nutritious ingredients with a comforting, creamy texture.

Regional Variations of the Salad

Although the base of the salad remains the samepeas, eggs, mayonnaise, and onionsregional variations are common. In the South, for example, its not unusual to see the addition of shredded cheese or bacon bits. Some families also include a bit of sugar or vinegar to enhance the flavor, creating a balance of sweet and tangy. In other parts of the country, peas might be mixed with other vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers, for added crunch and flavor. In the Midwest, its often served as a side dish at potlucks and barbecues, while in the Southwest, it might be spiced up with jalapeos or chili powder.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While pea salad may seem like a simple dish, it has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from other similar salads, such as potato salad or coleslaw. Unlike potato salad, which is usually made with boiled potatoes and a heavier mayonnaise dressing, pea salads main ingredientpeasgives it a lighter, fresher texture. Additionally, it lacks the hearty ingredients often found in potato salad, such as mustard or pickles, making it a milder, more delicate choice. Compared to coleslaw, which typically features cabbage and a tangy dressing, pea salad offers a more creamy, comforting flavor, especially when paired with the richness of hard-boiled eggs.

Where It Is Typically Served

The Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a popular dish in many American households, especially in the South and Midwest. It is often served at picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and church socials. Its a favorite accompaniment to grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, or fried chicken. Additionally, it's a great side dish for holiday meals, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. The versatility of this salad makes it suitable for almost any occasion, from casual backyard cookouts to more formal gatherings.

Interesting Facts About Pea Salad

1. Frozen peas became popular in the 1950s and were a game changer for busy families. They allowed for the preparation of dishes like pea salad without the need to wait for fresh peas to be in season.

2. The inclusion of hard-boiled eggs in pea salad is often a personal choice, with some people preferring to omit them or add extra eggs for more protein and flavor.

3. The dish is a perfect example of how American cuisine evolved during the 20th century, as convenience and simplicity in cooking became key trends. Many similar salads, such as macaroni salad or tuna salad, follow the same principle of combining a few basic ingredients with mayonnaise.

4. While the Old Fashioned Pea Salad is often seen as a side dish, some variations of it are substantial enough to be eaten as a light main course, especially when paired with a protein such as grilled chicken or seafood.

Whether you are enjoying it at a summer picnic or preparing it for a family dinner, the Old Fashioned Pea Salad remains a timeless favorite that continues to bring comfort and flavor to tables across the country.

FAQ about Old Fashioned Pea Salad Recipe

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