Cheese and Pea Salad with Eggs

This delightful cheese and pea salad with eggs combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements to create a refreshing dish perfect for any meal. The richness of boiled eggs and cheese is wonderfully complemented by the sweet pop of green peas and the subtle sweetness of carrots. Quick to assemble, this dish is ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings. With a creamy dressing made from sour cream, it's both comforting and satisfying. The use of spices like salt and pepper enhances the other flavors without overpowering them. This dish offers flexibility, allowing for modifications to suit personal preference or dietary needs. It can be enjoyed as a light main course or a flavorful side dish. Best of all, it's simple, requiring minimal preparation time. Discover how a few basic ingredients can deliver a burst of flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 boiled eggs
• 100-150 g cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons green peas
• 1 small boiled carrot, grated
• 5 tablespoons sour cream

Spices

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by boiling your eggs until they are hard-boiled, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, allow them to cool before peeling.
2. While the eggs cool, grate 100-150 grams of your preferred cheese, ensuring you have some texture and flavor.
3. Peel and boil one small carrot until soft. After cooling, grate it finely.
4. In a large mixing bowl, add the boiled green peas. Ensure they are drained and fresh.
5. Gently chop the boiled eggs into small pieces. This will add texture to the salad.
6. Combine the grated cheese into the bowl, followed by the grated carrot.
7. Mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
8. Add the chopped eggs into the mixture and fold them in gently to avoid breaking them.
9. Introduce 5 tablespoons of sour cream, which will act as the creamy base for the salad.
10. Carefully combine the ingredients, ensuring the sour cream coats everything evenly.
11. Taste the mixture to determine the needed amount of salt.
12. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your preference.
13. Stir again to integrate the spices thoroughly into the salad.
14. If desired, add additional seasoning to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
15. Let the salad rest for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
16. Serve the salad fresh or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a colder version.
17. For a fancier presentation, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
18. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a standalone meal or pair with a side of freshly baked bread.
19. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
20. The salad can be enjoyed for up to two days when kept chilled.

Tips

• Substitute yogurt for sour cream if you're looking for a lighter version.
• Add walnuts for a crunchy texture and added nutty flavor.
• Experiment with various cheeses; cheddar, gouda, or feta work well.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Variations

• For a vegan option, use a dairy-free cheese and replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
• Add some cooked quinoa to make it a more filling, protein-rich meal.
• Include a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a crusty loaf of bread or fresh pita.
• Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with a cold white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Best Places

• The Salad Room - Known for its creative and fresh salads. Location: 123 Salad St, New York City, USA.
• Café Green Pea - Offers a variety of pea-based dishes. Location: 45 Greener Avenue, London, UK.
• Eggsquisite Bites - Famous for its egg-centric menu. Location: 88 Boiled Lane, Sydney, Australia.
• Dairy Dreams Bistro - A cheese lover's paradise. Location: 33 Cheese Court, Paris, France.
• Fresh Bites Hub - Specializes in fresh, healthy salads. Location: 10 Leafy Lane, San Francisco, USA.
• The Gourmet Pea - Celebrated for its use of gourmet ingredients. Location: 75 Fine Dining Rd, Rome, Italy.
• Savory Mix Café - Offers diverse salad dishes. Location: 22 Mix Drive, Toronto, Canada.
• Saladly Yours - Cozy place with a variety of salads. Location: 59 Veggie Boulevard, Berlin, Germany.
• Pea Passion Café - Provides an extensive pea-focused menu. Location: 90 Greenway, Tokyo, Japan.
• The Cheese Fork - Renowned for its rich cheese specials. Location: 112 Dairy St, Amsterdam, Netherlands.