There’s something instantly cheerful about a bowl of crisp, creamy Pea Salad—it’s a dish that brings a pop of color and irresistible flavor to any meal. This classic recipe is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or as a quick and delicious side on a busy night. With smoky bacon, vibrant green peas, tangy red onion, and a perfectly balanced dressing, this is a salad people actually get excited about. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this southern staple, you’re about to discover just how easy and satisfying Pea Salad can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pea Salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in flavor, texture, or color. You probably have most of what you need already on hand, and together they create a symphony of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.

Frozen green peas: Thawed and drained, they deliver a sweet, fresh pop in every forkful—don’t cook them, just let them sit until defrosted for best texture.
Bacon: Six slices, cooked until crisp and crumbled; the smoky, salty crunch is the backbone of this salad’s irresistible appeal.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, sharp contrast and creamy body; opt for medium or sharp cheddar for more flavor.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a mild bite and lovely color that brightens up the whole salad.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds all the ingredients—choose your favorite brand for classic creaminess.
Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens the dressing, but you can swap for Greek yogurt for a twist.
Apple cider vinegar: Lends a subtle acidity that keeps the salad fresh and lively.
Sugar: Just a touch balances the savory ingredients and rounds out the flavors nicely.
Salt and black pepper: To taste; a little goes a long way to bring all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Pea Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and add in your thawed and well-drained green peas. Toss in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to smash the peas—you want to keep that delightful, snappy texture.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This dressing is what turns a handful of ingredients into the comforting, classic Pea Salad everyone loves.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the whisked dressing evenly over the pea mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until the peas, bacon, cheese, and onion are well coated. Take care to not over-mix—just enough to get every piece kissed with that luscious sauce.

Step 4: Season and Chill

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the salad, tasting as you go to ensure perfect seasoning. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time lets the flavors meld and the texture firm up, so don’t rush it!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

When you’re ready to enjoy, give the salad a gentle stir and transfer to your favorite serving dish. Any garnish ideas or extra touches can be added just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How to Serve Pea Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley wakes up the color and adds a subtle layer of flavor. For extra crunch, toss on some toasted sunflower seeds, or make it extra special with a few extra bacon crumbles right on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little lemon zest can brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pea Salad shines next to smoky barbecue, roast chicken, or grilled burgers. It’s fantastic alongside classic summer fare like baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato wedges. Don’t be surprised if guests start piling it next to everything—it complements just about any main you can think of.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pea Salad into adorable individual servings in small mason jars or clear tumblers for a party-ready presentation. Build a colorful picnic platter by serving it alongside other summer salads. Or pack it in a lunchbox with crackers for the ultimate midday pick-me-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, although it’s best in the first 24 hours when everything is at its crispest. Give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Pea Salad. The creamy dressing tends to separate and the vegetables lose their snap. For the best texture and taste, always store it chilled in the fridge instead.

Reheating

Pea Salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a quick stir and let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have access to fresh, sweet peas, you can use them—just blanch them in boiling water for two minutes, then drain and cool quickly in ice water. This keeps them crisp and bright green.

Is there a way to make this Pea Salad vegetarian?

Yes! You can skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative. Adding toasted sunflower seeds or smoked almonds brings a lovely crunch and a bit of savory flavor without any meat.

What other cheeses work well in Pea Salad?

While cheddar is classic, you can try shredded Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Each cheese will bring its own personality to the salad.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Definitely! Pea Salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Not only does it hold up beautifully, but the flavors will also deepen as it sits.

How can I make the salad lighter?

For a lighter spin, substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt, use light mayonnaise, and reduce the cheese slightly. The salad will still be creamy and full of flavor, but with fewer calories.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Pea Salad to bring a burst of color, texture, and pure comfort to your table. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you haven’t tried this classic yet, let this recipe be your invitation—give it a whirl and watch it steal the show at your next meal!

Pea Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A classic and flavorful pea salad recipe featuring sweet green peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, especially during the summer months.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar.
Combine & Chill: Pour dressing over pea mixture, stir gently, season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve: Serve chilled.