Pea Salad Recipe
This classic pea salad recipe is creamy, sweet, and loaded with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required. Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and holiday dinners.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups frozen peas (thawed and well drained)
- ½ red onion diced
- 4 oz cheddar cheese (cubed)
- 4 slices bacon (cooked crispy and chopped)
Instructions
- Combine the sour cream, mayo, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk or stir until the dressing is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Scatter the thawed peas, diced red onion, cubed cheddar, and chopped bacon into the bowl.
- Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until the peas and toppings are evenly coated. Work slowly so the peas stay whole.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve straight away or cover and refrigerate until ready. A short chill in the fridge brings the flavors together nicely.
Notes
- Drain the peas really well after thawing. Excess water will thin out the dressing and make the salad watery as it sits.
- Fold rather than stir. Peas bruise easily and break down if handled too roughly, which affects the texture of the whole salad.
- For make ahead prep, assemble the salad without the bacon and refrigerate. Stir in the bacon right before serving to keep it crunchy.
- Sharp cheddar or Colby Jack can be used in place of regular cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- A little extra sugar in the dressing brings out the natural sweetness of the peas if you prefer things on the sweeter side.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Stir well before serving and add a small spoonful of sour cream or mayo if the dressing has thickened.
Nutrition
Calories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 172mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
