Pin it
This delightful, rich pea salad turns basic frozen peas into an unforgettable side that's a hit at cookouts, family meals, and community get-togethers. The mix of crunchy bacon, bold cheddar, and zesty dressing creates a mouthwatering blend of tastes and textures that'll have folks lining up for more.
I whipped up this pea salad for our street's potluck without much thought, figuring it'd just round out the table. I couldn't believe how fast it vanished – faster than everything else served! People kept asking me how I made it. Now I'm expected to bring it to every summer bash.
Must-Have Components
- Frozen peas: Give a sweet foundation and defrost fast without any cooking, keeping their pleasant crunch
- Bacon: Brings smoky crispness that cuts the peas' sweetness, try to grab thick-cut for better bite
- Red onion: Adds lovely color splash and gentle sharpness, pick one that's solid with vivid purple
- Cheddar cheese cubes: Deliver little spots of smooth richness, go with medium or sharp depending what you like
- Sour cream and mayonnaise: Form the smooth dressing foundation, stick with regular fat kinds for best taste
- Apple cider vinegar: Breaks through the heaviness with needed zip, raw unfiltered gives extra flavor
- Sugar: Evens out the sour notes and boosts the peas' natural sweetness, tweak to your liking
- Salt: Pulls all flavors into harmony, kosher salt does the job nicely
Easy Preparation Guide
- Mix Your Dressing:
- Take a big bowl and stir sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt until they're totally combined and silky smooth. Your dressing should flow easily and all sugar bits should dissolve completely. This becomes the creamy coat that'll wrap around every bit.
- Put Everything Together:
- Start by adding your thawed peas to the dressing, stirring carefully so they don't get mushy. Next, add your crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and little cheese cubes. Use a soft spatula to mix everything with a gentle touch until each piece gets coated nicely.
- Rest and Cool:
- Put a cover on the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour, though 3-4 hours works even better for flavor blending. This cool-down time matters because it lets the dressing soak into the peas and takes away the raw onion sharpness. Give it one more light stir before serving and maybe add a bit more salt if you think it needs it.
Bacon truly makes this dish special. I learned this the hard way when I tried making it without meat once and it just wasn't the same. The deep smoky flavor and textural snap that bacon adds can't be faked. My grandma always told me a top-notch pea salad needs that perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy to really stand out.
Tweak It Your Way
This tried-and-true pea salad can take on your personal touch without losing what makes it great. Maybe toss in some chopped boiled eggs for more filling protein, or sprinkle fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a green kick. Some families love adding water chestnuts for extra snap or a splash of hot sauce for some kick. The base stays the same, but these little changes can make it uniquely yours.
Keeping Your Pea Salad Fresh
One great thing about this salad is how nicely it keeps in the fridge. Pop leftover portions in a sealed container for up to three days. The flavors actually get better overnight, making day-two servings even tastier. If it looks a bit dry later on, just mix in a dab of mayo to bring back the creaminess before you serve it again.
Foods That Go Well With It
This easy-going salad works with almost any main dish but really shines next to grilled steaks, fried chicken, or pulled pork. Its cool creaminess balances out spicy food perfectly. For a full meal deal, put it alongside some deviled eggs and soft dinner rolls. In summer, I love serving it with fresh watermelon slices for a temperature contrast that really brings out the best in seasonal eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap frozen peas with fresh ones?
Absolutely, fresh works too! Quickly blanch them in boiling water until tender and cool them before adding.
- → Any tips for preparing this early?
Keep the dressing and other ingredients separate, then mix just before serving. It keeps everything fresh and crisp!
- → What can I use instead of bacon?
Try turkey bacon, pancetta, or veggie-friendly bacon bits for a similar taste and bite.
- → Can I throw in more veggies?
Definitely! Crunchy options like celery, cucumbers, or sweet bell peppers would be great additions.
- → How long will this last in the fridge?
It stays good for about 3 days in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before serving to keep it fresh!