A creamy, crunchy, and flavor-packed side dish made with sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a rich homemade dressing. This classic salad is quick to prepare, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, or easy make-ahead meals.

 Description

Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is a chilled classic comfort salad that combines sweet green peas with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and red onions tossed in a creamy tangy dressing. The mix of textures and flavors creates a refreshing yet satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or picnic spreads.

 Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)

Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

• Chopped boiled eggs
• Sunflower seeds
• Diced celery
• Fresh parsley

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Peas

Thaw frozen peas and drain excess moisture.

Pat dry gently if needed.

Step 2: Cook Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy.

Drain and crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• mayonnaise
• sour cream
• vinegar
• sugar
• salt
• black pepper

Step 4: Assemble Salad

In a large bowl, combine peas, bacon, cheese, onion, and optional add-ins.

Pour dressing over the salad.

Toss gently until evenly coated.

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Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

 Notes

• Frozen peas work best because they stay sweet and tender
• Sharp cheddar adds stronger flavor
• Salad tastes even better after chilling
• Avoid overmixing to keep peas intact

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch
• Add diced ham for more protein
• Greek yogurt creates a lighter dressing
• Chill thoroughly before serving
• Fresh cracked pepper enhances flavor beautifully

Servings

• Serves: 6–8 people

 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg

Benefits

High in Protein

Bacon and cheese add satisfying protein.

Rich in Fiber

Peas support digestion and fullness.

Easy Make-Ahead Dish

Perfect for parties and meal prep.

Flavorful & Refreshing

Creamy dressing balances smoky bacon and sweet peas.

Crowd Favorite

Popular side dish for gatherings and BBQs.

 Storage

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Not recommended because dressing texture may separate.

 Q&A

Can I use canned peas?

Frozen peas are recommended for best texture and flavor.

Can I make it healthier?

Yes, use turkey bacon and Greek yogurt.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better after chilling for a few hours.

Why is my salad watery?

Peas may not have been drained properly before mixing.

Can I add pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes turn it into a hearty pasta salad.

What pairs well with this salad?

BBQ chicken, burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or picnic meals.