Crunchy & Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad

This crunchy and creamy pea and peanut salad is destined to be the belle of the ball at potlucks and cookouts this summer! It’s a totally easy side dish filled with sweet peas, crispy bacon, roasted peanuts, chopped celery, and diced red onion, all dressed in a sweet and tangy sour cream/mayo dressing.

This recipe was created in partnership with The Peanut Institute. Thanks for supporting me and the brands I love!

Pea and Peanut Salad

Were there veggies that you just would NOT eat when you were little? For me, peas were right up there with asparagus and tomato soup. At least until I realized that it was really just canned peas, in all their bland, mushy glory, that I did not like…

But fresh peas? Yes, please! And frozen, as well. I can’t get enough of their gorgeous bright green color and crunchy texture, all with a hint of sweetness. Once I discovered how tasty they are, they became my favorite part of my grandma’s 7-layer salad — well, along with the bacon, of course.

Which is probably why I fell in love with this pea and peanut salad immediately. I mean, frozen sweet green peas + plenty of crispy, crumbled bacon? Give me more! Add in some diced red onion for a little bite and chopped celery and roasted peanuts for even more crunch, and then toss it all in a simple creamy sour cream/mayo dressing… It’s just SO perfect for summer!

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Pea Salad With Peanuts?

Okay, so I agree that peas and peanuts together in a salad sounds a little weird. But it’s one of those recipes that just WORKS! Kind of like these cream cheese pickle wraps — unusual but totally delicious.

AND, as I’ve mentioned previously, peanuts are a superfood powerhouse that provide all kinds of amazing health benefits. So this unique pea salad recipe is a delicious way to squeeze more of them into your diet.

Some new research on the omega-6 fat found in peanuts, peanut butter, and peanut oil was recently released, and the effects of this linoleic acid on cardiovascular health are pretty amazing. In fact, researchers associated this compound with a 22% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and 12% reduced risk of stroke!

Just one single serving of peanuts (approx. 35) or peanut butter (2 Tbsp.) packs a serious nutritional punch:

• Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease
• Helps keep blood vessels healthy
• Reduces high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Makes you want to grab a handful right now, doesn’t it?!

How To Make Pea Salad

This pea salad is seriously so easy to make. It can be thrown together in no time at all, making it ideal for last-minute summer gatherings!

While the sweet peas and peanuts are the star of this easy pea salad, the creamy sweet and tangy dressing is what really brings it all together. I like to mix it up first, so it’s ready to go after I chop and assemble the rest of the ingredients. It’s just a simple mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar — much like the dressing in that seven-layer salad my grandma always made that I mentioned earlier.

Cold Pea Salad With Bacon And Peanuts

After mixing up the dressing, I combine the still frozen peas (I like my cold pea salad really cold), celery, and onion. Then I pour the dressing over the top, toss to combine, and pop the bowl in the refrigerator while I cook the bacon — using my oven baked bacon method, of course.

Finally, I stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon and roasted peanuts when I’m ready to serve this green pea salad. This keeps them both extra crunchy, just the way I like them!

Potluck Perfect Creamy Pea Salad

This creamy pea and peanut salad is sure to be the star at your next potluck or cookout this summer! Cold green pea salad is such a fun and refreshing change of pace from the usual side dishes of potato salads and macaroni salads. Oh, and be sure to take a copy of the recipe with you — I get asked for it EVERY time. Enjoy!

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Can I Use Canned Peas In This Pea Salad Recipe?

Technically, yes, you can use canned peas in this recipe. But you’d be missing out on loads of texture and flavor by using them, so I would advise against it.

Can I Use Fresh Peas In This Green Pea Salad?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh peas in this recipe. But you’ll need to blanch them first, which means you simply submerge them in boiling water for about 2 minutes and then dunk them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well before mixing with the dressing.

Can I Make This Pea Salad Ahead?

Yes! Cold pea salad is one of those fabulous recipes that only gets better as it sits. But if you want the maximum crunch factor, I recommend refrigerating it for just 1-2 hours before serving.

How Long Does Creamy Pea Salad Last?

Properly refrigerated in an airtight container, this cold pea salad will keep for about 3 days. BUT I doubt that it will sit around that long. My kids totally chow down on this stuff!

More Ways To Get Your Daily Serving Of Peanuts Or Peanut Butter:

This yummy pea and peanut salad isn’t the only way to incorporate more peanuts into your diet. Here are a few more tasty ideas that highlight this amazing superfood!

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Muffins — healthy (but delish) peanut butter banana muffins are soon to be on repeat in your home… With minimal prep, the simple ingredients go from your blender, to a muffin tin, into your oven, and to your mouth in just about 30 minutes!
• Peanut Butter Chicken — This peanut sauce chicken features tender, sautéed chicken smothered in a warm and spicy peanut sauce that can be ready to serve in less than 20 minutes!
• Peanut Butter Protein Balls — Made with just 5 ingredients, these quick & easy no bake peanut butter protein balls are packed with protein and healthy fats. A perfect healthy snack idea that adults and kids alike will LOVE!
• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars — these peanut butter oatmeal bars are an oldie but goodie. Just 3 simple ingredients, plus choose your favorite mix-ins to make them your own!

I’d love to see how your pea and peanut salad turns out… Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!