Green Pea Salad with Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Green peas: These are the base of the salad, providing a sweet and tender texture.

Vegan cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy flavor, complementing the sweetness of the peas.

Red onion: Offers a mild, tangy bite that balances the other flavors.

Olive oil: Used as a light dressing to bring all the ingredients together.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty note to the salad.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth to the salad.

When preparing this green pea salad, ensure the green peas are fully thawed and drained of any excess water to avoid a watery salad. For a more intense flavor, let the red onion sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will mellow the sharpness of the onion and infuse the salad with a subtle citrusy note.

• frozen, thawed green peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and protein content, making it a great alternative to green peas.

• shredded, vegan cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is rich in B vitamins, making it a good substitute for vegan cheddar cheese.

• finely chopped red onion - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions, which can be preferable for those who find red onions too strong.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice and can be used in equal amounts.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist to the salad.

• To keep your green pea salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain the crispness of the peas and the flavor of the vegan cheddar cheese.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
• If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small jar. Shake well before drizzling over the salad just before serving.
• For freezing, note that green peas freeze well, but the texture of the vegan cheddar cheese and red onion may change. If you still wish to freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Label the container with the date. The salad can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Be aware that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delightful.
• For the best texture and flavor, consider adding fresh red onion and vegan cheddar cheese after thawing. This will give your salad a fresh and vibrant taste, even after freezing.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover green pea salad in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if necessary. Be cautious not to overheat, as the vegan cheddar cheese may become too melty.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Transfer the green pea salad to a non-stick skillet or saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavor.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
  4. Be mindful not to overcook the green peas, as they can become mushy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green pea salad evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crisp top.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the green pea salad in a heatproof bowl that fits inside a steamer basket.
  2. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  3. Place the steamer basket over the simmering water, ensuring the water does not touch the bowl.
  4. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the salad is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Spread the green pea salad in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if necessary.

• Large mixing bowl: To combine the green peas, vegan cheddar cheese, and red onion.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the green peas and shredded vegan cheddar cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Finely chopping knife: To finely chop the red onion.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for chopping the red onion.

• Wooden spoon: To toss and mix all the ingredients together.

• Citrus juicer: To extract freshly squeezed lemon juice.

• Refrigerator: To chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving, if desired.

Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by buying pre-chopped red onions from the store.

Thaw peas quickly: Place frozen peas in a colander and run under cold water to thaw them faster.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded vegan cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Mix in a large bowl: Use a large mixing bowl to combine all ingredients at once, reducing cleanup time.

Chill in advance: Prepare the salad ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge, so it's ready to serve when needed.