Vintage Pea Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vintage pea salad stands out for its unique balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The combination of thawed peas, tender smoked beef brisket, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a refreshing and satisfying dish. It’s also incredibly versatile—whether you serve it at a family gathering or as a side at a barbecue, it’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s a no-fuss recipe that can be prepared in advance and served chilled, making it perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 2 bags frozen peas (10-ounce bags), about 4-6 cups – thawed halfway

• 1 cup cooked smoked beef brisket, chopped

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by removing the frozen peas from the freezer to allow them to partially thaw. This should take around 15 minutes. While waiting for the peas to thaw, cook the smoked beef brisket and dice the red onion and cheddar cheese.

2. In a large salad bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

3. Once the peas have thawed, stir in the peas, chopped smoked beef brisket, cheddar cheese, and finely diced red onion into the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.

4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time of 1 hour)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can boost the vegetable content by adding ingredients like diced celery, bell peppers, or sweet corn.

• Use Greek Yogurt: For a lighter alternative, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.

• Cheese Variations: Try swapping cheddar for other types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to give the salad a new twist.

• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to give the salad a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to improve as the salad chills.

• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Just take it out of the fridge and enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use fresh peas if you prefer, but frozen peas are often easier to work with for this recipe.

2. How long can I store this pea salad?

This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it’s recommended to chill it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

4. Can I add more smoked beef brisket?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of smoked beef brisket, feel free to add more for extra flavor and heartiness.

5. Is there a substitute for sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or more mayonnaise if you prefer a different flavor profile.

6. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While apple cider vinegar works best for the tangy flavor, white wine vinegar or regular white vinegar can also be used as substitutes.

7. How do I prevent the peas from being too soggy?

To avoid soggy peas, make sure they’re only partially thawed and not fully defrosted before mixing them into the salad.

8. Can I freeze pea salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the peas and dressing may change once thawed.

9. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the label on the smoked beef brisket and mayonnaise to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are included.

10. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack to suit your taste.

Conclusion

This vintage pea salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that make it a standout side dish for any gathering. Its simplicity, ease of preparation, and versatility make it an ideal make-ahead recipe. Whether served at a festive holiday meal or a casual barbecue, this pea salad is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.

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