This salad acts as a bridge between seasons. It marries the sweetness of the apple, a fruit we store in the dark for winter eating, with the brightness of green peas. Even when the peas come from the cold storage of the freezer, they carry the memory of the garden.
The texture is the focus here. The snap of the celery and the crunch of the unpeeled apple offer a sharp contrast to the softness of the peas. We dress it lightly with a mixture of yogurt and mayonnaise, sharpened with just a breath of onion and mint.
It is a clean, cold side dish that cuts through the heaviness of roasted meats or stews. It serves as a reminder that freshness can be found even in the depths of the pantry.
The Recipe
Yields: 5 servings | Prep time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen English peas, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/2 cup unpeeled and chopped red apple
- 2 teaspoons diced onion
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
- 3 tablespoons reduced-calorie mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt
- 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables Ensure the frozen peas are fully thawed and well-drained. Excess water will dilute the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peas, sliced celery, chopped red apple, diced onion, and fresh mint (if using). Set this bowl aside.
2. Make the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine and Chill Pour the dressing over the pea and apple mixture. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Chilled Pea & Apple Salad
This salad bridges the seasons, marrying the sweetness of red winter apples with the brightness of green peas. The texture is crisp and refreshing, dressed lightly with yogurt, mayonnaise, and a hint of Parmesan. An ad-free recipe from Willowgold Farms.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
-
Ensure the frozen peas are fully thawed and well-drained. Excess water will dilute the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peas, sliced celery, chopped red apple, diced onion, and fresh mint (if using). Set this bowl aside.
Make the Dressing
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine and Chill
-
Pour the dressing over the pea and apple mixture. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
