Delicious Classic Pea Salad

This creamy, savory pea salad transforms ordinary frozen peas into a memorable side dish that shines at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy dressing creates an irresistible contrast of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this pea salad for a neighborhood block party on a whim, thinking it would be a simple filler dish. To my surprise, it disappeared faster than anything else on the table, with multiple requests for the recipe. Now it's my signature contribution to every summer gathering.

Key Ingredients

• Frozen peas: Provide the perfect sweet base and thaw quickly without cooking, maintaining their fresh snap
• Bacon: Adds smoky crunch that balances the sweetness of the peas, look for thick-cut for best texture
• Red onion: Contributes a gorgeous pop of color and mild bite, choose a firm one with bright color
• Cheddar cheese cubes: Create pockets of creamy richness, opt for medium or sharp based on preference
• Sour cream and mayonnaise: Create the creamy dressing base, full-fat versions yield the best flavor
• Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness with necessary tang, use unfiltered for more depth
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the peas, can be adjusted to taste
• Salt: Brings all flavors together, kosher salt works perfectly here

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Dressing:

In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt until completely smooth and well blended. The dressing should have a pourable consistency with no sugar granules remaining. This forms the creamy base that will coat every ingredient.

Combine the Salad Components:

Add the thawed peas to the dressing first, folding gently to avoid crushing them. Then incorporate the crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and cheese cubes. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together with a light hand until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.

Chill and Develop Flavors:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, though three to four hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The chilling time is crucial as it allows the dressing to penetrate the peas and tames the raw onion bite. Before serving, gently stir once more and taste for seasoning, adding a pinch more salt if needed.

The bacon is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once tried making a vegetarian version that fell flat. The smoky depth and textural contrast the bacon provides cannot be replicated. My grandmother always said a good pea salad needs that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy elements to shine.

Make It Your Own

This classic pea salad welcomes personalization without losing its essential character. Try adding chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness, or mix in a handful of fresh herbs like dill or parsley for brightness. Some family traditions include water chestnuts for extra crunch or a dash of hot sauce for heat. The foundation remains the same, but these small tweaks can make it uniquely yours.

Storing Your Pea Salad

The beauty of this salad is how well it keeps in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it even better the next day. If you notice the dressing has been absorbed, simply stir in a small spoonful of mayonnaise to refresh the consistency before serving again.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile salad complements almost any main dish but particularly shines alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, or barbecue. Its creamy coolness provides the perfect counterpoint to spicy foods. For a complete meal, serve alongside deviled eggs and dinner rolls. During summer months, I love serving it with sliced watermelon for a perfect temperature and flavor contrast that celebrates seasonal eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use fresh peas! Simply blanch them briefly in boiling water until just tender, then cool them down before adding to the salad.

→ How do I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and ingredients separately, then mix together the day you're serving. This prevents the salad from getting soggy.

→ What can I substitute for bacon?

You can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or even vegetarian bacon crumbles for similar texture and flavor.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Diced celery, bell peppers, or even chopped cucumbers make great additions for extra crunch and flavor.

→ How long can this salad be stored in the refrigerator?

This salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to refresh the flavors.