Taste the best of summer with this Easy Pea Salad recipe. Loaded with peas, cheese, bacon, and onions, and finished with a rich, creamy mayo-vinegar dressing that’s ready in 15 minutes!
This Pea Salad recipe is a fresh and creamy side dish that is filled with green peas, crisp bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and tangy red onions. It is an ideal side to bring to a summer barbeque or simply to add to your weeknight meals.
I always love trying a new fresh salad where the base ingredient isn’t lettuce. It really broadens the term ‘salad.’ If you are also a fan, then you have to check out my Cucumber Dill Salad, Chickpea Salad, and Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing.
Table of Contents
What We Love about Pea Salad
- Easy Pea Salad recipe is quick to make, perfect for busy schedules.
- This is the perfect side dish for potlucks and family gatherings.
- Pea Salad requires minimal prep and cleanup, which is ideal for busy cooks.
Recipe Ingredients
- Frozen Peas: Peas add a bright, green color and a delightful crunch.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Rich and tangy, it adds a bold flavor and a firm texture.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, it creates a smooth and flavorful, creamy dressing.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Herbs and Spice Variation: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs and spices to your Pea Salad. A handful of chopped fresh dill, mint, or fresh parsley can add a refreshing taste, while a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of garlic powder can enhance the savory notes.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Twist: Replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar. It adds a subtle sweetness and tang that pairs well with the other ingredients.
How to Make Easy Pea Salad
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, and mix together.
Step 2: Next, add in the peas, bacon, cheese, and onion, and gently mix together.
Step 3: Finally, refrigerate until ready to serve.
FAQs
You can enhance your Pea Salad by adding various ingredients for extra flavor and texture. Consider mixing in chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, diced bell peppers, crumbled feta cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or even diced ham.
To make your Pea Salad extra creamy, you can increase the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing. Adding a bit of Greek yogurt can also enhance the creaminess while providing a tangy flavor.
Storage Info
You can STORE leftovers of your Pea Salad in an airtight container in your fridge for about 5 days. If you are looking to FREEZE this recipe, do so before adding the dressing. It will last for about a month in the freezer.
When ready to serve, allow it to thaw to room temperature, then add the pea salad dressing and serve.
More Delicious Summer Sides to Try
Easy Pea Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas - defrosted
- 2/3 cup bacon - cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese - cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion - diced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, and mix together.
- Next, add in the peas, bacon, cheese, and onion, and gently mix together.
- Finally, refrigerate until ready to serve.
Love pea salad. This is best I’ve ever made.
Thank you Nancy! So glad you loved it like we do! Thanks for the 5 star rating!
I’ve been making this recipe for years. And even my youngest son, who hates peas, loves this salad. The only difference is, I add chopped up smokehouse almonds to mine. The saltiness and crunch from the nuts makes it even better!!! Delish!!! Some people I know add chopped up salted cashews. Which are delicious also.