Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary taste sensation! This Pea Bacon Pecan Salad is more than just a recipe—it's a symphony of crispy, creamy, and crunchy textures that will revolutionize your perception of what a salad can be. With smoky bacon, sweet peas, toasted pecans, and tangy feta, this dish promises to be the star of your dining table, leaving everyone craving more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peas
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the fresh peas under cold water and set them aside to drain. Dice the red onion finely and crumble the feta cheese. Chop the pecans into small pieces if they are not already chopped.
- In a medium-sized skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Turn the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped pecans. Toast them over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
- While the pecans are toasting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste until well combined.
- Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh peas, diced red onion, crumbled bacon, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. You can also refrigerate it for a short while if you prefer it chilled, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips
- Use fresh peas whenever possible for the brightest flavor and crispest texture.
- Cook bacon until perfectly crispy to add maximum crunch and smoky flavor.
- Toast pecans carefully—they can burn quickly, so stir constantly and watch closely.
- Make the dressing just before serving to maintain its vibrant taste and prevent wilting.
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoky tempeh or coconut bacon bits.
- Serve immediately after mixing to preserve the salad's optimal texture and temperature.
- If preparing in advance, keep dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
