Description
Savor the irresistibly smooth and vibrant flavors of Creamy Southern Pea Salad featuring tender southern peas, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a luscious dressing with natural gelling agent. Perfect for family gatherings or casual meals, this salad combines classic southern comfort with a fresh, healthy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh southern peas
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., agar), dissolved as per instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the southern peas: Rinse the fresh southern peas thoroughly. Boil gently until tender but not mushy. Drain and let them cool completely to keep their shape and texture in the salad.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: Cook smoked turkey bacon in a hot skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces for a smoky crunch.
- Sauté the onion and celery: Lightly sauté finely chopped red onion and celery to soften slightly while retaining crispness. Allow them to cool to enhance sweetness and balance.
- Make the creamy dressing: In a bowl, mix natural mayonnaise, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir in dissolved natural gelling agent to create a silky dressing texture.
- Combine everything: Gently fold together the cooled peas, turkey bacon, sautéed onion and celery, and creamy dressing in a large bowl. Add plant-based cheese cubes and fresh parsley last for creaminess and color. Chill before serving to meld flavors.
Notes
- Cook peas gently to avoid overcooking and keep them intact in the salad.
- Cool all hot ingredients before mixing to retain the dressing’s creamy consistency.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and dressing to set.
- Use fresh herbs such as parsley or your preferred herb to brighten the dish and add aroma.
- Adjust creaminess by varying the amount of natural mayonnaise and plant-based cheese to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Creamy Southern Pea Salad, Southern Salad, Plant-Based Cheese Salad, Turkey Bacon Salad, Healthy Southern Recipes
