Classic Summer Pea Salad

Perfect side dish for your next cookout.

Whenever we do a cookout, I leave the grilling to my husband. I'd much rather be sipping on a cool drink in the shade than standing over a flaming hot grill under the blazing sun. Besides, he does a better job grilling than me anyway. Even the thought of his burgers start me drooling.

That leaves me to the sides, and one of my go-to favorites is a pea salad. I love how this classic, tasty and cool side dish pairs with a burger or hot dog hot off the grill.

I keep my recipe simple with just a few ingredients. That includes canned peas. You can use fresh or frozen if you wish, but I prefer the ease and simplicity of canned. That's also what my mom used to make hers when I was a kid and I first fell in love with this creamy and tangy dish.

Its also easy to make ahead of time. In fact, I recommend it. I always try to make mine the night before or morning of so that the flavors will have time to come together in the fridge before dinnertime.

While I may mix up the ingredients slightly from time to time, one thing that is non-negotiable for me is the use of sharp cheddar cheese. Mild or medium simply won't do. It also must be cut into small cubes, so leave your cheese grater in the cabinet.

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Classic Summer Pea Salad

Makes 6 side servings

Ingredients

• 2 cans of peas (can substitute frozen or cooked fresh)

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• ½ teaspoon of mustard powder

• 2 scallions (for this recipe I use only the white part)

• ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed small

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain peas and combine them a bowl with mayonnaise and mustard powder. Mix together thoroughly, gently not to the mush peas.

2. Trim the root and green stalks off the scallions. Slice the remaining (white bulb) thinly and add to the pea mixture.

3. Add in the remaining ingredients (cheese, dill, salt and pepper) and combine gently until mixed thoroughly.

4. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Serve alongside your other favorite cookout dishes and enjoy!