PEA & BACON SALAD.- Either plain or fixed up, this one's a keeper...........

PEA & BACON SALAD.- A wonderfully flexible dish that can go from a side all the way to a Main Meal quick, easy and nutritious!

The recipe in it's basic form is a great Spring favorite, here it is:

1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Sour Cream (you can also use Yogurt)
1 Tbl White Wine Vinegar
Kosher Salt and fresh ground Pepper
1 lb or 16 oz Peas (you can use frozen, canned or fresh)
1/2 small red onion, cut in thin feathers
1/4 cup Parsley Leaves, chopped fine (you can use other herbs like Cilantro)
4-6 slices bacon, cooked and drained, cut into small pieces
2 oz cheese, could be White Cheddar / Parmesan or your choice either grated or shaved

Whisk together first 4 ingredients and incorporate well. Then add the rest of the ingredients and refrigerate at least 2-3 hours. Enjoy.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As you can see this is a very simple, basic recipe and great as is. BUT you can change it around depending on your needs or desires by:

* Using Ranch Dressing instead of the Mayo, Sour Cream, Vinegar mix. I personally make my own, for recipe go to http://belinadventures.blogspot.com It is SO much better!
* Make some Caesar Dressing and use instead
* You can use Goat Cheese mixed with milk, water, other types of milk with the vinegar
* You can use Cream Cheese mixed this way too if you must
* Substitute the herbs to deliver a different flavor pattern: use Tarragon for a light anise flavor or you can use Fennel for this type of flavor plus add crunch, you can add Basil either fresh leaves in a chiffonade, Dill leaves, etc. feel free to use your favorite herbs
* If you made a bit more dressing you could also add protein: chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, fish, etc. They should be cooked and chilled. Toss before putting in fridge to cool.
* Other vegetables can also be added like small cubes of cooked  carrots or potatoes or other cooked root vegetables in small cubes, raw celery, jicama, radishes or your choice.
* In short, it can be customized for your own taste.

Hope you will try this dish and see how easy and flexible it can be to add to your repertoire. A great Spring and Summer offering that can add a bit of sweetness to your day. Enjoy!