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

Scale

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