Classic Pea Salad

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Classic Pea Salad: A Creamy, Savory, and Refreshing Side!

Get ready to enjoy a beloved potluck staple with this delicious Classic Pea Salad! This dish features sweet, tender green peas combined with sharp cheddar cheese, crisp red onion, and smoky crumbled bacon, all coated in a rich and tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, holidays, or any meal needing a touch of classic comfort!

This pea salad offers a wonderful balance of textures—the slight pop of the peas, the creamy cheese, the crunch of onion, and the crispiness of bacon—all bound together by a luscious, sweet-and-sour dressing. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare but delivers big on taste!

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups frozen green peas, thawed (do not cook, just thaw under cold water or at room temperature)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded (sharp or medium cheddar recommended)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best creaminess)
  • ¼ cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Skillet (for cooking bacon)
  • Paper towels (for draining bacon)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, cubed or shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled cooked bacon. Gently stir to mix.

    • Tip for Peas: Thaw peas by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them for a minute or two, then drain very well.

  2. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

  3. Combine & Coat: Pour the prepared dressing over the pea mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

  4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or preferably 2-4 hours) before serving. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making the salad even more delicious.

  5. Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (you might want a little more salt or pepper). Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add Crunch: For extra crunch, you can add some finely diced celery or toasted sunflower seeds to the salad.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Many classic pea salad recipes include chopped hard-boiled eggs for added creaminess and protein. Add 2-3 chopped hard-boiled eggs with the peas.
  • Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp white cheddar, Colby Jack, or even some crumbled feta for a tangier note.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the sugar quantity to your preference. If your peas are naturally very sweet, you might need less sugar.
  • Make Ahead: This salad is an excellent make-ahead dish! It tastes even better after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, as the flavors have more time to develop. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or extra crumbled bacon just before serving adds a nice visual and flavor touch.

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