Creamy Pea Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 8

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• ⅓ cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Thaw the Peas

Place the frozen peas in a colander and rinse them under cool running water until thawed. Drain thoroughly and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese cubes, diced red onion, chopped celery, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.

Gently fold everything together until every ingredient is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall texture.

Step 6: Serve

Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with extra bacon, parsley, or shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

• Do not cook the peas. Simply thawing them keeps their texture crisp and fresh.
• Drain the peas well to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
• Allow the salad to chill for at least one hour for the best flavor.
• Cook the bacon until very crisp so it stays crunchy in the salad.
• Dice the cheese into small, even cubes for easy serving.
• Prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time for parties and gatherings.
• Add the bacon just before serving if you prefer maximum crispness.

Delicious Variations

Ranch Pea Salad

Replace the garlic powder and Dijon mustard with one tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a creamy ranch-flavored dressing.

Ham and Pea Salad

Substitute diced cooked ham for the bacon to create a hearty version that’s perfect after holidays.

Cheesy Pea Salad

Mix shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese with the cheddar for extra cheesy flavor.

Vegetable Pea Salad

Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, shredded carrots, or sliced radishes for additional color and crunch.

Lighter Version

Use light mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

Herb Lover’s Version

Fresh dill, chives, or basil make excellent additions for a bright, fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with many main dishes.

• Grilled chicken breasts
• Barbecue ribs
• Hamburgers
• Hot dogs
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Fried chicken
• Meatloaf
• Baked ham
• Roast beef
• Grilled fish

It also complements picnic favorites like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and fresh fruit.

Storage

Store leftover Creamy Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Stir gently before serving again, as a small amount of liquid may collect during storage.

This salad is not recommended for freezing because the dressing may separate and the vegetables can lose their texture after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peas?

Frozen peas are strongly recommended because they have a firmer texture and sweeter flavor. Canned peas tend to become soft and mushy.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. It can be prepared up to one day in advance. For the crispiest texture, stir in the bacon shortly before serving.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss cheese also taste delicious.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy roasted chickpeas, toasted sunflower seeds, or smoked almonds for added texture.

How can I make it healthier?

Use reduced-fat mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, and extra vegetables while reducing the amount of cheese.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 430mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 10g
• Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 18% Daily Value
• Calcium: 12% Daily Value
• Iron: 6% Daily Value
• Potassium: 240mg