Description
This pea salad recipe is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Made with sweet green peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or family gatherings. Quick and easy to make, this dish is a classic comfort food that never fails to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
- ½ cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup diced ham
- ¼ cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Peas: If using frozen peas, place them in a colander and rinse under cold water until thawed. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance for even better flavor. Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the peas may change.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Southern