This green pea and ham salad is a delightful combination of fresh and savory flavors, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. It combines the sweetness of peas with the richness of ham and cheddar cheese. The mayonnaise and mustard dressing adds a creamy and tangy element, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Photos of Green Pea and Ham Salad Recipe
Frozen peas are a convenient ingredient that many might not have on hand but can easily be found in the frozen section of any supermarket. Fully cooked ham can be bought pre-packaged or from the deli. Make sure to select a sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor. The mayonnaise and mustard are common pantry staples, while the onion can be substituted with shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
Ingredients For Green Pea And Ham Salad
peas: Frozen peas bring a burst of sweetness and a tender texture to the salad.
ham: Fully cooked ham adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor.
cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust and creamy note.
mayonnaise: Mayonnaise acts as the creamy base for the dressing.
onion: Finely chopped onion gives a bit of sharpness and crunch.
mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
One reader, Flint Aviles says:
This green pea and ham salad is a delightful mix of flavors! The sweetness of the peas, the savory ham, and the creamy dressing blend perfectly. It's easy to make and a hit at gatherings. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Making Green Pea and Ham Salad
How to thaw peas: Place the frozen peas in a colander and run cold water over them until they are thawed. Alternatively, you can leave them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
How to dice ham: Cut the fully cooked ham into small, bite-sized cubes using a sharp knife.
How to grate cheese: Use a box grater or a food processor to grate the cheddar cheese into fine shreds.
How to chop onion: Peel the onion and chop it finely using a sharp knife or a food processor.
How to mix ingredients: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and stir until they are evenly distributed.
How to refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
How To Make Green Pea and Ham Salad
This green pea and ham salad is a light yet flavorful dish that’s easy to make and customize. The cheese, mayo, and mustard all add a creamy finish to this.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 10ozfrozen peas,thawed and drained
- 2cupsfully cooked ham,cubed
- 1cupcheddar cheese,shredded
- ¾cupmayonnaise
- 2tbsponion,chopped
- 1½tspmustard
Instructions
-
Mix peas, ham, Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, onion, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl.
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 463.68kcal
- Fat: 37.70g
- Saturated Fat: 10.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.26g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.17g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.70g
- Carbohydrates: 10.29g
- Fiber: 2.23g
- Sugar: 2.58g
- Protein: 20.31g
- Cholesterol: 78.31mg
- Sodium: 1158.74mg
- Calcium: 165.74mg
- Potassium: 336.94mg
- Iron: 1.41mg
- Vitamin A: 106.59µg
- Vitamin C: 8.76mg
Expert Technique for Elevating Your Green Pea and Ham Salad
For a burst of extra flavor, lightly sauté the onion before adding it to the salad. This will mellow out its sharpness and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad
Use pre-diced ham: Save time by purchasing fully cooked ham that is already diced, eliminating the need for extra chopping.
Shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.
Frozen peas: No need to thaw frozen peas beforehand; they will thaw perfectly while the salad chills in the refrigerator.
Pre-chopped onion: Buy pre-chopped onion from the store to avoid the hassle of chopping it yourself.
Mixing bowl: Use a large mixing bowl to combine all ingredients at once, making the process quicker and easier.
Substitute Ingredients For Green Pea and Ham Salad Recipe
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and a slightly different but complementary flavor.
fully cooked ham - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon offers a similar savory taste with a lower fat content.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a more refined and slightly spicier flavor.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Salad
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the green pea and ham salad in elegant, small portions using a ring mold to create a neat, cylindrical shape. This adds a refined touch and ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure the ham is finely diced and the cheddar cheese is freshly grated. Opt for a sharp cheddar to add a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peas.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the salad. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Serve on a chilled plate: Keep the presentation crisp and refreshing by serving the salad on a chilled plate. This helps maintain the integrity of the mayonnaise-based dressing and keeps the salad cool.
Add a textural element: Include a few toasted pine nuts or croutons on the side for an added crunch. This contrast in texture will elevate the dining experience.
Drizzle with a light vinaigrette: Just before serving, lightly drizzle a lemon vinaigrette around the plate. This adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and cheddar cheese.
Use a minimalist approach: Keep the plate clean and uncluttered. Allow the vibrant colors of the peas, ham, and cheddar cheese to stand out against a simple, white background.
Incorporate microgreens: Top the salad with a small handful of microgreens. These delicate greens add a sophisticated touch and a slight peppery flavor that complements the dish.
Serve with a complementary side: Pair the salad with a small serving of crusty bread or crackers. This provides a vehicle for enjoying the salad and adds a rustic element to the presentation.
Highlight the ingredients: Arrange a few whole peas and small slices of ham around the plate to showcase the key components of the dish. This visual cue helps diners appreciate the quality and thoughtfulness of the ingredients used.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Salad
Mixing bowl: A large container used to combine all the ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the ham, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the mustard and any other small quantity ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the ham and onion.
Knife: Used to finely chop the onion and dice the ham.
Spatula: Helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving bowl: A bowl to present the salad in once it has been chilled.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the mixing bowl while the salad is refrigerating.
Storing and Freezing Green Pea and Ham Salad
This green pea and ham salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the container tightly to prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can mix all the ingredients except for the mayonnaise and store them in the refrigerator. Add the mayonnaise just before serving to keep the salad from becoming too soggy.
To freeze the salad, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen green pea and ham salad can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the peas and ham may change slightly after thawing.
To thaw the frozen salad, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the ingredients and restore its consistency.
If the salad seems a bit dry after thawing, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors and improve the texture.
Fascinating Trivia About Green Pea and Ham Salad
A fun fact about this green pea and ham salad recipe is that it combines the sweetness of peas with the savory flavor of ham, creating a delightful contrast. The addition of cheddar cheese and mayonnaise adds creaminess, while the onion and mustard provide a tangy kick.
Budget-Friendly: Making Green Pea and Ham Salad at Home
This green pea and ham salad is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like frozen peas, fully cooked ham, and cheddar cheese are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in bulk. The mayonnaise and onion are pantry staples, and the small amount of mustard adds minimal cost. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD, making it an affordable and delicious option.
Is This Green Pea and Ham Salad Healthy?
The green pea and ham salad recipe, while tasty, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of mayonnaise, which is high in fat and calories. Mayonnaise is also typically made with refined vegetable oils, which can contribute to inflammation in the body.
- Fully cooked ham is often high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Cheddar cheese adds additional fat and calories to the dish, and depending on the variety, it may also be high in sodium.
On the positive side, the recipe does include green peas, which are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The onion also provides some additional nutrients and flavor.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the mayonnaise with a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or avocado-based dressing. These options provide a creamy texture while reducing the fat and calorie content.
- Opt for a low-sodium or reduced-sodium ham to decrease the overall sodium content of the dish. Alternatively, you could replace the ham with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or turkey.
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or choose a lower-fat variety to decrease the fat and calorie content. You could also experiment with using a smaller amount of a more flavorful cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Parmesan, to maintain the taste while reducing the overall quantity.
- Increase the amount of green peas and onion in the recipe to boost the fiber and nutrient content. You could also consider adding other vegetables, such as diced carrots or bell peppers, for added color, crunch, and nutrients.
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, such as fresh parsley, dill, or garlic, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or fat.
Editor's Take on the Green Pea and Ham Salad Recipe
This green pea and ham salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the peas pairs beautifully with the savory ham and sharp cheddar cheese. The mayonnaise adds a creamy richness, while the onion and mustard provide a subtle tang and depth. It's a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a quick lunch or a side at a summer picnic. Chilling it for at least two hours allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Consider adding a touch of fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
Enhance Your Green Pea and Ham Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Green Pea and Ham Salad
Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Serve with This Salad
Why trust this Green Pea and Ham Salad Recipe:
This green pea and ham salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of peas pairs perfectly with the savory ham, while cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy element. The mayonnaise and mustard dressing brings everything together with a tangy finish. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Trust in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
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