The #1 Ingredient to Keep in Your Freezer for Making Salads

As someone who values the importance of a healthy diet, I’ve made it a priority to incorporate more veggies into my meals, especially salads. When it comes to packing a lunch for work, my go-to is a salad, as it’s an easy way to get a variety of veggies and sometimes fruit into my meal. Not only does it provide a wide range of nutrients, but it also allows me to repurpose leftovers and minimize food waste.

Varying Salads to Avoid Boredom

To avoid salad bowl boredom, I like to vary the ingredients I put in my salads. I switch between spinach and salad greens as the base, and if we have tacos or burritos for dinner, I’ll use any leftovers to make a taco salad for lunch the next day. I’m not afraid to divert that one last spoonful of roasted veggies from the compost bin to my salad bowl, or toast and tear up that last staling hunk of bread to make “croutons.”

The Importance of Protein in Salads

As a woman in menopause, I’ve been focusing on getting more protein into my diet. This nutrient is key to keeping our muscles strong, especially as we age. So many proteins work well in a salad, from crumbled feta and baked tofu to bits of pepperoni and leftover roast chicken. But one of my go-to’s is always in my freezer.

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The Secret Ingredient: Frozen Peas

Yes, you read that right – your freezer! Frozen peas are absolutely a freezer staple at my house. With a respectable 4.5 grams of protein per half-cup serving, they’re my secret weapon when I want to add protein to a dish – particularly salads.

Benefits of Frozen Peas

I know I’m not alone in my love affair with peas in salad. In fact, my love affair with peas in salad started in my high school cafeteria, where they were a reliably tasty option. And let’s be real – unless you have just-picked peas from your garden or a local farm, fresh peas aren’t always great. They go from perfectly sweet to starchy pretty fast. But frozen peas are always delicious and can be healthier than fresh peas, since produce is often frozen within 24 hours of being picked.

How to Use Frozen Peas in Salads

Of course, I defrost frozen peas before they go into my salad. If I’m going to the office, I’ll pack them in a separate container and they’ll be thawed by lunchtime. But a handful in a colander thaws in no time under hot water if I’m making a salad to eat right away at home. They add just the right amount of sweetness to bitter greens; plus, they’re a soft contrast to the crunchy vegetables I usually focus on when making salads.

Frozen Peas Beyond Salads

Peas obviously shine beyond salads too. If I’m throwing together a simple dinner of spaghetti with marinara sauce, I’ll add a handful to the pot of pasta during the last minute of cooking before draining it for a boost of protein. One of my family’s favorite cold-weather dinners – Chickpea & Potato Curry – uses ingredients I typically have on hand, including frozen peas. And peas can be transformed into tasty fritters too!

Conclusion

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that can make a big difference in our health and happiness. For me, frozen peas have become a staple in my kitchen, adding protein, flavor, and texture to a wide range of dishes – from salads to pasta sauces to fritters. And while you may not be a fan of frozen peas just yet, I encourage you to keep an open mind and give them a try.

FAQs

• What are the benefits of using frozen peas in salads? Frozen peas are a convenient and protein-rich addition to salads, providing 4.5 grams of protein per half-cup serving.
• Can I use frozen peas beyond salads? Yes, frozen peas can be added to a variety of dishes, including pasta sauces, soups, and stews.
• How do I defrost frozen peas? You can defrost frozen peas by leaving them in a separate container in the refrigerator overnight, or by submerging them in hot water for a few minutes.
• Are frozen peas healthier than fresh peas? Yes, frozen peas are often frozen within 24 hours of being picked, making them a healthier option than fresh peas, which may have been sitting in the fridge for days.
• Can I transform frozen peas into other dishes? Yes, frozen peas can be transformed into tasty fritters, added to pasta sauces, or used as a topping for salads and soups.