Pea Salad Recipe

There's something irresistibly nostalgic about a chilled bowl of pea salad on a warm afternoon. With its creamy texture, crisp bites of bacon, and sweet pops of peas, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and refreshing side dish.

I first discovered this gem at a family picnic, tucked between a bowl of deviled eggs and a basket of fried chicken. It’s now my go-to for everything from potlucks to weekday lunches – quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you're looking for an easy side dish or a make-ahead addition to your next BBQ, this classic pea salad has you covered.

Why You'll Love This Pea Salad

This creamy, crunchy, sweet-and-savory salad is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Here's why this pea salad deserves a spot on your table:

It’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and no cooking required (except crisping a little bacon), you can toss this salad together in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Budget-friendly ingredients. Frozen peas, a few pantry staples, and some bacon are all you need – nothing fancy or expensive here. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

It’s make-ahead friendly. This salad only gets better after a few hours in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully, making it ideal for prepping the day before your event.

Customizable for any diet. Whether you’re keeping it classic or swapping ingredients to suit your tastes, this recipe is a great base. From keto to vegetarian options, there are plenty of ways to personalize it.

Once you try this simple yet flavorful dish, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into it.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this pea salad so special is its combination of humble ingredients that, when combined, create something truly crave-worthy. Here’s a breakdown of the stars of the show:

Frozen peas are the backbone of this dish. No need to cook them – just thaw and drain. They offer a firm texture and a naturally sweet flavor that balances the creaminess of the dressing. Fresh peas can be used if available, but frozen are more consistent year-round.

Bacon adds irresistible crunch and smokiness. Fry it until golden and crisp, then crumble it into the salad just before serving to maintain texture. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute with smoked almonds or coconut bacon for that same savory bite.

Red onion provides a sharp bite and a pop of color. Dice it finely to avoid overpowering the salad. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped pieces in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing them in.

Cheddar cheese brings richness and a salty punch. I recommend using sharp cheddar, diced into small cubes. The contrast between the creamy dressing and the firm cheese adds complexity to each bite.

The dressing is a simple blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, a splash of vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. It’s creamy, tangy, and ties all the ingredients together. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or use a reduced-fat mayo.

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe—just a sharp knife, a cutting board, a frying pan for the bacon, and a large mixing bowl. That's it!

How To Make This Pea Salad

Making this pea salad couldn’t be easier. Here's how to pull it all together for a side dish that’s ready in no time.

Start by thawing your frozen peas. The easiest method is to place them in a colander and run them under cold water for a couple of minutes. Once thawed, set them aside to drain thoroughly—excess moisture can make the salad watery.

While the peas are draining, fry your bacon until it’s crispy. Place the cooked slices on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease. Let it cool, then chop or crumble into small pieces. Don’t skip this step—crispy bacon is essential for contrast!

Dice the red onion and cheddar cheese into small, uniform pieces. This ensures every bite has a good mix of texture and flavor. If you’re using optional add-ins like chopped celery or herbs, prep those now too.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This dressing should be creamy with a slight tang from the vinegar and a hint of sweetness.

Add the drained peas, cheddar cheese, red onion, and most of the crumbled bacon to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until the peas are well coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash them—pea salad should be chunky, not mushy!

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This gives the flavors time to develop and meld. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon on top for added crunch.

Total prep time is around 15 minutes, plus optional chilling time. Expect a creamy, savory, slightly sweet salad that’s crisp, cool, and deeply satisfying.

Storage Options

Pea salad is a dream when it comes to leftovers. In fact, it often tastes better the next day.

Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, although it’s best enjoyed within the first 48 hours for maximum freshness and crunch.

If you’re making it ahead for a party or potluck, prepare the salad a day in advance but reserve the bacon until just before serving. This keeps it crisp and prevents it from getting soggy.

Avoid freezing pea salad—the creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well to thawing, and the peas tend to become mushy.

To re-serve, just give it a gentle stir. If it looks a little dry after chilling, add a spoonful of mayo or sour cream to freshen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

This classic pea salad is delicious as-is, but there are endless ways to customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs.

For a lighter version, swap out the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayo alternative. You’ll still get creaminess, with fewer calories and more protein.

Looking to go vegetarian? Omit the bacon and try adding toasted sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas. You’ll still get that satisfying crunch and some extra nutrients.

For extra flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives. They add a lovely freshness that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.

Add-ins like boiled eggs, diced celery, or pickles can change up the flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too—pepper jack, feta, or gouda all make fun alternatives.

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