Green Pea Salad with Bacon and Feta

How about a fresh new side dish brimming with summer bounty and the savory-salty flavors of bacon and creamy Feta cheese in a simple creamy sauce?

THIS is the side dish you want to show up with. It’s as pretty as it is scrumptious. This is a recipe that originated in my head for months until I decided on these perfect elements. My Green Pea Salad just had to have the chew of bacon, the creamy saltiness of Feta and the perfect, creamy dressing. I tested it several time knowing I have family members sure they wouldn’t like it (peas and onions not being high on their list of yum). They have since requested it over THE Cheesy Potatoes!!!!!! What you can’t see in this picture very well is the creamy sauce that blankets the whole green beauteousness when you give a stir before serving. That’s the additional yum. :o)

This is how you do it.

For a side dish to share with 6-8 people, use the amounts I give, but this is just as easy to cut in half and serve 2-4. Also, please note that I used frozen peas and blanched them. If you can get fresh peas and don’t want to cook them, this would be delightful with raw, fresh produce. From frozen, add 6 cups of green peas and 1 cup of water to a medium pot over high heat. When the liquid boils, cook for 3-4 minutes and immediately remove to a bowl of ice water to retain the beautiful green color and cool the peas quickly. After a few minutes, strain the water.

Fry 4-6 slices of bacon and drain on paper towel. In my picture, you’ll see thick-cut bacon made from beef brisket that we purchase from Country Dairy in New Era whenever we pass through, but any thick-cut bacon will hold up well.

Thinly slice 1/2 of a red onion and place it in a bowl with cold water to soak and help calm the bite of the raw onion.

In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:

• 1 c. mayonnaise (I love an avocado oil-based mayo)
• 2 T. white wine vinegar
• 1/2 T. sugar (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Add the cold peas to the dressing as well as the chopped bacon, red onions, and 6 oz. crumbled Feta cheese. Stir to combine and then refrigerate for a couple hours to let all of the flavors happily marry. Before serving, stir to bring the dressing to the top, check for the need for any more salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh mint or parsley.

That’s it! You just won the side dish game! I can’t wait to hear how much you love it so share and comment as you do!

Green Pea Salad with Bacon and Feta

 

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Prep time

15 mins

Total time

15 mins

 

Fresh and rich in flavor, this simple dish is both nourishing and decadent! A perfect side dish for all your grilled, summer food!

Alison: That Which Nourishes

Serves: 6-8 servings

Grocery List

• 6 c. peas (fresh or frozen)
• 4-6 slices thick cut bacon
• ½ red onion
• 6 oz. Feta cheese
• 1 c. mayonnaise
• 2 T. white wine vinegar
• 1-2 T. sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Here's how...

1. From frozen, add 6 cups of green peas and 1 cup of water to a medium pot over high heat. When the liquid boils, cook for 3-4 minutes and immediately remove to a bowl of ice water to retain the beautiful green color and cool the peas quickly. After a few minutes, strain the water.
2. Fry 4-6 slices of bacon and drain on paper towel.
3. Thinly slice ½ of a red onion and place it in a bowl with cold water to soak and help calm the bite of the raw onion.
4. Whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
5. Add the cold peas to the dressing as well as the chopped bacon, red onions, and 6 oz. crumbled Feta cheese. Stir gently to combine and then refrigerate for a couple hours to let all of the flavors happily marry.
6. Before serving, stir to bring the dressing to the top, check for the need for any more salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh mint or parsley.

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