Description
This Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is a rich, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing side dish packed with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Sweet green peas are combined with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy red onions, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick family meals. This no-cook recipe comes together in minutes and gets even better as it chills, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It’s a classic comfort salad that’s both simple and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
4 cups frozen green peas (thawed)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
Creamy Dressing:
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
Seasoning:
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
Prepare peas: Thaw frozen peas completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Cook bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.
Mix dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add peas, bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped red onion.
Add dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor.
Serve: Stir before serving and garnish with extra bacon or herbs if desired.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Make sure peas are fully thawed and dry to avoid watery salad.
For extra crunch, add chopped celery or nuts.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on taste.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use fresh peas?
A: Yes, just blanch them briefly and cool before using.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
A: It can be with reduced peas and full-fat dressing adjustments.
Servings & Nutrition (Approx.)
Servings: 6
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Protein: 10 g
Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g