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Classic Pea Salad is an irresistibly delightful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Sweet peas, bacon, cheese, and onion, tossed in a vibrant creamy dressing, this sweet and savory salad recipe is a fantastic choice for cookouts, potlucks, and holiday buffets.
It’s no secret that I have “a thing” for classic recipes. Lately, I’ve been on somewhat of a binge, posting Jezebel Sauce, Green Goddess Dressing, and Ambrosia Salad, just to name a few. These traditional dishes have gained new fans, but there was one recipe in particular that just kept rolling around in my head, and I knew that I had to share it.
Enter in Classic Green Pea Salad. It’s one of those dishes that’s adorned many a table during a summer gathering, always shows up at a covered dish supper, and is a must on any holiday buffet.
There are those folks who are in the “I hate peas” camp but somehow, I feel like I could win them over with this salad. It’s made with frozen green peas, not the stuff out of a can. The peas are fresh with a firm texture.
Nothing mushy or soggy here! With the addition of smokey bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and onion, you know you’re on to something good. When all of these simple ingredients are tossed in a zesty, sweet, creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream, the magic starts to happen.
Ingredients Needed To Make Classic Pea Salad
Don’t underestimate this uncomplicated dish, as it’s packed with scrumptious flavors that will have you smitten after just one bite!
- Frozen Green Peas – thawed and drained
- Bacon – cooked, and chopped
- Cheddar Cheese
- Red Onion
- Mayonnaise
- Sour Cream
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and Pepper
Scroll down for ingredients and measurements
How To Make Classic Pea Salad
This recipe is so simple to make and comes together in about 10 minutes.
- Make sure you buy good green peas and thaw them. If you forget to plan ahead by thawing them in the fridge overnight, just put them in a strainer and rinse them with cold water to thaw. Let them drain for about 15 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cook 4-5 pieces of bacon, cool, and chop. You can use bacon bits as well.
- Cube the cheese and chop the onion.
- To pull everything together, grab a medium-sized bowl and make the dressing.
- Add the peas, bacon, cheese, and onion to the bowl. Toss every together and chill in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours, letting the flavors mingle.
Tips For Making The Best Green Pea Salad
- Choose high-quality ingredients: To make the best classic pea salad, select top-notch ingredients such as high-quality sweet peas, crispy bacon, and your favorite cheese variety.
- Thaw and drain the peas: If you’re using frozen peas, make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from watering down the salad.
- Cook bacon to perfection: Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the pea salad. Cook it until it’s just the right crispiness before chopping and adding it to the salad.
- Customize your dressing: Feel free to experiment with different dressing ingredients, such as mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow time for flavors to meld: For the best flavor for this simple salad, let the pea salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing the ingredients to fully combine and develop for a quick and easy delicious taste.
- Garnish for a beautiful presentation: Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, on top of the salad before serving for an elegant and appealing look.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, you can use canned peas, but make sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad. However, frozen peas generally have a better texture and a sweeter taste.
Absolutely! In fact, making the salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious dish. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Yes, you can substitute bacon with other proteins like chopped ham, turkey bacon, or even roasted nuts for a vegetarian option.
Classic pea salad typically uses cheddar cheese, but feel free to experiment with other types like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even crumbled feta for a tangy bite.
Green Pea Salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to mix in the dressing that will have settled in the bottom of the container.
More Easy Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
- Super Simple Caprese Salad
- Pear and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Broccoli Apple Salad
- Waldorf Salad
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 32 oz bag green peas, thawed
- ½ cup red onion chopped
- ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese – cubed
- ¾ cup bacon – crumbled (about 5 slices, cooked)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – NOT salad dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- To a medium size bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk together. Add peas, bacon, cheese and onion. Gently toss together. Cover and chill in refrigerator 3 to 5 hours.
- Remove from fridge, toss, adjust seasoning if necessary and serve.
Notes
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Green Pea Salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to mix in the dressing that will have settled in the bottom of the container.
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Nutrition
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This looks yummy. When I do make it I will try adding a .5 tsp. of Cumin and 2 tsp. of mustard. Also a 1tbsp of lemon juice. I find adding these ingredients to my dressings brightens them up. (Taste and if too sour just add a touch more sugar)
Have always only used can peas………….le seur are the best 🙂 and being from the South, only EVER used mayo….& I think an addition now with a squeeze of lemon would do it some justice. bacon, yes. little onion, yes, little cheese, yes thinking some cherry tomatoes would be great………….. I GOT THE COVID COOKING BLUES AND DREAMING UP THINGS ! 😀
keep up the good work, LOVE YA DONYA! 😉
-LIN FROM MISSISSIPPI IN CALIFORNIA NOW
I love this salad but I have always added boiled eggs chopped…
Hey there Edna!
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying this recipe, that sounds like a delicious addition to the salad! Thank you so much for you support!
Have a great rest of your day!
~Donya
Great recipe! I also added some jarred pimento- family loved it!
Hey there!
Thank you so much for this phenomenal rating, I am so happy to hear y’all enjoyed these recipes! If you ever have any questions feel free to ask, I appreciate your support!
~Donya
I am so excited to make this as soon as I can get to town to buy a few ingredients. Never seem to find any salad nowadays that doesn’t have cucumbers or celery. My husband will eat neither and I am not too crazy about celery.
Thanks so much for posting. By the way I am 75 years old, so you can teach an old dog new tricks when it comes to cooking.
Hey Granny Jean!
I hope you like the recipe. I must say, we love it. I am tickled that you reached out and I hope you’ll keep me posted.
Have a wonderful day,
~Donya