Simple Pea Salad Recipe

This Simple Pea Salad Recipe is a delicious southern side dish filled with frozen peas, bacon, chopped red onions, and cheddar cheese!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe

Since I’m always looking for unique ways to get more veggies in their tummy, I’ll try new recipes all the time. And while my kids actually don’t prefer the texture of canned peas, they’ll gobble up frozen peas any day! This is why this bacon and pea salad recipe is always a hit.

It’s the perfect side dish for all your summer needs from backyard barbecues to picnics and weekly meal prep. Serve it with main courses like burgers, ribs, or BBQ chicken. Then, add a few of your favorite sides, and you’ll have a delicious meal for everyone to enjoy

Recipe Ingredients

To print: see recipe card below

For the Salad

• 16-ounce frozen peas – I’ve tested this recipe with fresh and frozen peas, and frozen are by far the better option.
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese cubed – Cubed cheese is the key, not shredded! 
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 1/4 pound bacon cooked and finely chopped – I like to make bacon in the oven for easy prep.

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1/2 cup sour cream – I found that regular sour cream (not fat-free) creates the best tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Use mayo, not salad dressing.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – This adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon vinegar – White vinegar is best, but apple cider vinegar will also work.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Variations

• Add more or less sugar to suit your flavor preferences.
• Use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon, or add ham for more protein.
• Include chopped fresh parsley for an herbaceous taste.
• Mix fresh green peppers for a boost of nutrients, or add chopped jalapeño peppers for a touch of heat.
• Include hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and a creamy consistency.

Directions for How to Make Sweet Pea Salad

1. Drain the peas: Thaw the peas in a colander at room temperature.
2. Create the dressing: Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Combine: Add the peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion to the bowl of dressing. Stir to combine and coat the salad.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl, and transfer the green pea salad to the fridge for one to three hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe pairs well with all your favorite warm-weather dishes! Serve it as a side with main courses like:

• Crockpot BBQ Chicken
• Hot Dogs
• Grilled Chicken Kabobs
• Easy Marinated Grilled Chicken Tenders

Then, add sides such as broccoli salad, tomato salad, and watermelon and feta salad for a complete meal.

How to Store

Store leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. Give it a good stir to redistribute the ingredients before serving, and enjoy!

Quick Tip

Make extra dressing, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, use it to freshen up the salad after it sits. The ingredients tend to absorb some of the dressing, causing it to become a little dry. But with a dash of extra dressing, it will freshen right back up!

Did you make this Pea Salad recipe? Let us know how it turned out with a rating and comment!

More Summer Salad Recipes to Try

All Recipes

The Best Potato Salad

All Recipes

Fresh Corn Salad

Lunch

Egg Salad Recipe

Side Dishes

Macaroni Salad

Soups and Salads

Summer Salad

Side Dishes

Broccoli Salad