Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
Description
Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is a classic cold side dish made with sweet green peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and a rich, tangy dressing. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, holiday dinners, or meal prep. The combination of crunchy bacon, creamy dressing, and naturally sweet peas creates a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
Step 2
Thaw the peas completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and parsley.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 5
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
Step 6
Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 7
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Step 8
Stir gently before serving and garnish with extra bacon or parsley if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Dry the peas well to prevent a watery salad.
- Allow the salad to chill for the best flavor.
- Add bacon just before serving for maximum crispness.
- Freshly cooked bacon offers the best texture.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Helpful Tips
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer dressing.
- Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor.
- Dice onions finely so they blend evenly.
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or sunflower seeds.
- Make the dressing a day ahead to enhance flavor.
- Avoid overmixing to keep peas intact.
Variations
- Add diced hard-boiled eggs.
- Mix in chopped ham instead of bacon.
- Use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
- Add diced pickles for tanginess.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans for crunch.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
- Not recommended, as the dressing may separate and the peas can become mushy after thawing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Health Benefits
- Good source of protein from bacon, cheese, and peas.
- Rich in fiber, helping support healthy digestion.
- Contains vitamin C from green peas, supporting immune health.
- Provides vitamin K, important for bone health.
- Supplies calcium from cheddar cheese for strong bones.
- Offers antioxidants naturally found in peas.
- Provides healthy energy from a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled chicken or steak.
- Pair with burgers or barbecue ribs.
- Enjoy alongside sandwiches.
- Add to picnic or potluck menus.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Can I use canned peas?
Yes. Drain and rinse them well, though frozen peas generally provide better texture and sweetness.
2. Do I need to cook the peas?
No. Simply thaw frozen peas; they are blanched before freezing and are ready to eat.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to one day in advance. For the crispiest texture, stir in the bacon just before serving.
4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds extra protein while reducing fat.
5. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mild cheddar also work well.
6. Why is my salad watery?
Excess moisture from thawed peas can thin the dressing. Pat the peas dry before mixing.
7. How long can it sit out?
For food safety, do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C).
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided all packaged ingredients, especially bacon and mustard, are certified gluten-free if needed.
9. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative or smoked roasted chickpeas for a savory flavor.
10. What makes this salad so popular?
Its combination of sweet peas, smoky bacon, creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, and crisp onion creates a satisfying mix of flavors and textures that pairs well with many main dishes.