Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon is a delightful mix of fresh peas, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds peas (thawed)
- 1/2 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (cubed)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 3 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the peas, chopped red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, cooked and chopped bacon, and chopped parsley.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the creamy dressing over the pea mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are fully coated.
- Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh peas if available and blanch them briefly before assembling for a sweet, crisp bite.
- Swap cheddar for feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add roasted nuts for crunch.
Storage
Store the pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise if the dressing has thickened. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas directly, or should I cook them first?
It’s best to thaw frozen peas before using them in this salad. You can thaw them in the refrigerator or run under cold water. Cooking or blanching is optional but can improve texture and flavor.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, making the salad a few hours ahead or the night before allows the flavors to develop, but avoid adding the bacon until just before serving to keep it crispy.
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Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon is a deliciously refreshing side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Combining sweet peas, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy, creamy dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and served chilled, it’s a crowd-pleaser that complements a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 pounds peas (thawed)
- 1/2 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (cubed)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 3 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the thawed peas, chopped red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, cooked and chopped bacon, and chopped parsley. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth and well combined, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Mix Dressing and Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the pea mixture. Toss carefully until all the peas and other ingredients are fully coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to serve it chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen peas; if frozen, thaw completely before using for best texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your sweetness preference.
- For added crunch, consider adding chopped celery or cucumbers.
- Cook bacon until very crispy to enhance texture in the salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pea salad, creamy pea salad, bacon salad, cheddar cheese salad, picnic side dish, easy salad recipe
