Pea Salad

I never thought I'd be so attached to a side dish until I met this Pea Salad. It's the kind of recipe that takes me back to summer potlucks at my grandmother's house — creamy, crunchy, salty, and just a touch sweet. Whether it's a backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad always brings a cool, satisfying balance to the table.

What I love most about this dish is its simplicity. It's made with humble ingredients — peas, bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing — but somehow, they come together to create something unforgettable. It's a nostalgic blend of textures and flavors that I now keep in regular rotation year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad

This recipe is everything you want in a side dish. It's quick to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The contrast of sweet peas, savory bacon, and sharp cheese keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it a smart make-ahead option.

Can I Use Frozen or Fresh Peas for Pea Salad?

Both options work beautifully. Frozen peas are the most convenient choice and hold their texture well when thawed. If you're lucky enough to find fresh peas, they'll add a slightly crisper bite. Avoid canned peas, as they tend to be too soft and mushy for this salad.

Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you want a kick.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta makes a great alternative.
• Red Onion: Shallots or green onions offer a milder flavor if red onion is too strong for your taste.
• Dressing: Lighten it up with Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo.
• Add-ins: Toss in chopped hard-boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, or even diced pickles for extra texture and flavor.

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Ingredients for this Pea Salad

• Green Peas (frozen or fresh): The star of the show. They add sweetness, a satisfying bite, and a fresh, vibrant color to the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese (cubed): Gives the salad a rich, creamy sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peas.
• Red Onion (diced): Adds a crunchy, slightly spicy bite that livens up the entire dish.
• Cooked Bacon (crispy, chopped): Brings a salty, smoky crunch that makes every bite feel indulgent.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, binding all the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Balances the mayo with a tangy richness that lifts the flavors.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the dressing and cuts through the richness.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to enhance the natural sweetness of the peas.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and pulling all the flavors together.

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Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by thawing your frozen peas under cool running water or leaving them in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Dice the red onion, cube the cheddar cheese, and chop your cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces.

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Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

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Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the peas, cheddar cheese, red onion, and bacon into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the peas — you want them whole and crisp.

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Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and improves the texture. It also makes it easier to serve as the dressing thickens slightly.

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Step 5: Give It a Final Stir

Right before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If it seems too thick, you can add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar to loosen it up. Garnish with extra bacon bits or a sprinkle of chives if desired.

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How Long to Prepare the Pea Salad

Prep Time: Most of the work goes into chopping and mixing, and it typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have all the ingredients on hand. Thawing the peas and crisping the bacon can be done simultaneously to save time.

Chill Time: For best flavor, it's essential to let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This allows the dressing to soak into the peas and the flavors to develop more deeply. If you have time, chilling it for 2–4 hours is even better.

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Tips for Perfect Pea Salad

• Thaw peas properly: Avoid microwaving — use cold water or fridge thawing for the best texture.
• Dry the peas: Extra moisture waters down the dressing, so blot them dry.
• Use thick-cut bacon: It holds up better and stays crisp longer in the salad.
• Cube the cheese evenly: Consistent pieces help balance the flavor in every bite.
• Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing: Be gentle when combining ingredients — mashed peas make for a mushy salad.
• Skipping the chill time: Serving immediately won't let the flavors combine properly.
• Using warm ingredients: Always cool the bacon and peas before mixing to avoid melting the dressing.
• Too much sugar: A small pinch is plenty — too much and it overpowers the natural sweetness.
• Underseasoning: Taste the dressing before mixing everything in and adjust the salt/pepper as needed.

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What to Serve With Pea Salad?

1. Grilled Chicken

Juicy, lightly seasoned grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the cool, creamy texture of the salad.

2. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The sweet-savory combo complements smoky BBQ flavors perfectly.

3. Fried or Grilled Fish

The crispness of fish contrasts nicely with the softness of the peas and cheese.

4. Hamburgers or Cheeseburgers

Add this to your summer cookout spread for a cool, crunchy side.

5. Deviled Eggs

For potlucks or Easter brunches, the two creamy dishes balance each other without clashing.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store the pea salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s ideal for making ahead and actually improves in flavor after a day.

Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of peas and the creamy dressing don’t hold up well when frozen and thawed.

Stir Before Serving: The dressing may settle a bit, so always give it a gentle stir before dishing it out again. If it thickens too much, loosen it with a small splash of vinegar or mayo.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (about ¾ cup):

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 420mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of peas should I use?

Frozen green peas are best for this recipe. They’re easy to find, budget-friendly, and hold their shape and sweetness well.

Can I make it without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute crispy chickpeas or roasted sunflower seeds for crunch without using meat.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels if you're buying pre-shredded cheese or bacon.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes. Use vegan mayo, a plant-based sour cream alternative, and skip the bacon or use a vegan bacon alternative.

How do I keep the peas from being soggy?

Thaw them gently and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel before mixing them in.

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Conclusion

Pea Salad is more than just a nostalgic side dish — it’s a fresh, flavorful way to brighten any meal. With its sweet peas, salty bacon, creamy dressing, and crunchy red onions, every bite is packed with contrasting yet complementary flavors. Whether you’re prepping it for a picnic, cookout, or just a quiet lunch at home, this salad is sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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