Stir with Catherine

Ingredients

• Peas: 3 cups frozen green peas (thawed) or 2 cans peas (drained)
• Cheese: 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded or small cubes
• Onion: ¼ cup finely chopped red or yellow onion
• Crunch: ½ cup chopped celery (optional but great)
• Eggs: 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional but classic)
• Bacon: 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but delicious)

Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (or use all mayo if you prefer)
• 1–2 teaspoons white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prep the peas

1. If using frozen peas:

• Measure: Add 3 cups frozen peas to a colander.
• Thaw: Rinse under cool water for 1–2 minutes until no longer icy.
• Drain: Let them sit in the colander to drain very well (you don’t want extra water in the salad).

1. If using canned peas:

• Drain: Pour peas into a colander and drain completely.
• Rinse: Rinse gently with cool water, then let them drain well.

Step 2: Cook and prep mix-ins

1. Bacon (if using):

• Cook 4 slices of bacon in a pan until crisp.
• Place on paper towels to cool, then crumble into small pieces.

1. Eggs (if using):

• Use already hard-boiled eggs, or boil for about 10–12 minutes.
• Cool in cold water, peel, and chop into small pieces.

1. Chop vegetables:

• Finely chop ¼ cup onion.
• Chop ½ cup celery into small pieces if using.

1. Prep cheese:

• Shred or cube about 1 cup cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Make the dressing

1. In a medium bowl, add:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1–2 teaspoons white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

1. Whisk: Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Taste: Adjust—add a pinch more sugar for sweetness, or a splash more vinegar for tang.

Step 4: Combine the salad

1. In a large bowl, add:

• Thawed/drained peas
• Cheese
• Onion
• Celery (if using)
• Chopped eggs (if using)
• Crumbled bacon

1. Add dressing: Pour the dressing over everything.
2. Fold gently: Use a spatula or large spoon to gently mix until all ingredients are coated, trying not to mash the peas.

Step 5: Chill and serve

1. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1–2 hours is even better).
2. Final taste: Before serving, taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed.
3. Serve: Spoon into a serving bowl. You can sprinkle a little extra bacon or cheese on top if you like.