Sweet Pea Salad

If you've ever seen recipes for classic pea salads they often use canned peas.  Although I am a fan of pea salad, I prefer the taste and texture of frozen petite or baby peas, instead of the canned variety when I prepare this classic side salad.

Ingredients:

1 [24] oz package frozen petite or baby peas
1 1/2 cup real mayonnaise or Miracle Whip dressing
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar [or to taste, omit if using Miracle Whip]
2 tsp Mrs Dash Original Blend
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp celery salt
table salt & black pepper to taste
1 [4] oz diced pimentos drained, reserve 1 Tbsp juice
5 green onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
2 large eggs, boiled, peeled & chopped

Directions:

To thaw the peas, blanch in salted boiling water for 2 minutes.  Drain and cool.  In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Mrs Dash, garlic powder, onion powder and celery salt.  Adjust the table salt and black pepper to your taste. Add the pimentos plus 1 Tbsp of reserved juice.  Mix well.

 Add the blanched peas and the remaining ingredients.  Reserve a few bacon crumbles, shredded cheese and sliced onions for garnishing.  Use a large spatula to gently fold together until the ingredients have combined.  Chill for at least 2 hours prior to serving.  Yield: 10-12 servings

Cook's note:

If desired, the peas can be thawed in the microwave.

Source:  melissassouthernstylekitchen.com