Description
Creamy Southern Pea Salad combines tender southern peas with crispy smoked turkey bacon and a luscious plant-based creamy dressing, enhanced by fresh herbs for brightness and vibrant color. This flavorful and easy-to-make salad balances tangy, creamy, and smoky notes, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups southern peas, rinsed and cooked
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Creamy Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plant-based Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Southern Peas: Rinse the southern peas thoroughly. Cook them in boiling water until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool completely for the best texture.
- Cook Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Fry until crispy and golden brown to add smoky crunch.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, plant-based Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, black pepper, and natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chop Fresh Herbs and Veggies: Finely chop green onions, fresh dill, and parsley. This adds freshness and vibrant color to the salad.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gently fold the cooled peas, crispy turkey bacon, and chopped herbs into the creamy dressing. Mix carefully to coat everything evenly while preserving the peas’ shape.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to blend perfectly.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking southern peas to maintain a slightly firm texture.
- Cook turkey bacon just before mixing to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Adjust acidity by adding more apple cider vinegar (natural) for a tangier dressing if desired.
- Chop fresh herbs right before combining to maximize their aromatic impact.
- Mix ingredients gently to preserve the peas’ texture and appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: southern pea salad, creamy pea salad, plant-based dressing, smoked turkey bacon salad, potluck salad, southern salad recipe
