Classic Creamy Pea Salad – Experience the timeless flavor of our Traditional Creamy Pea Salad, a dish that combines simplicity with sophistication. Infused with the taste of cream, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar this salad offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and delightful tanginess. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner this salad is a choice, for any occasion. It features peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a touch of onion as its ingredients creating a symphony of flavors in every mouthful.
I can vividly recall the first time I prepared this Traditional Creamy Pea Salad for a small family get-together. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of sizzling bacon and chopped onions. The preparation process was remarkably easy. The end result was truly spectacular. Enough, even my husband who isn’t usually fond of peas couldn’t resist going for seconds! My little one absolutely adored the cheesy bites. Since then it has become an all-time family favorite. Is requested at every gathering.
What makes this Classic Creamy Pea Salad truly special?
What sets apart the Classic Creamy Pea Salad is its effortless elegance and versatility. With 10 minutes of preparation time required it’s a choice for quick family meals as well, as special occasions. Its ability to complement courses. Be it grilled meats at a barbecue or simply enjoyed alongside a sandwich lunch. Adds to its undeniable charm. Furthermore, this salad isn’t just delicious. It’s also a nutritious choice. The blend of peas and the savory combination of bacon and sharp cheddar cheese creates a perfect balance, between flavor and well-being. This classic dish appeals, to both food lovers and individuals looking for a scrumptious and nourishing option.
What You Need To Make This Classic Creamy Pea Salad Recipe?
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These two are, like the pair in our salad creating a base that envelops each pea with a velvety embrace. The sour cream adds a tang while the mayo brings in a richness. It’s like they form a team of creaminess!
Granulated Sugar and apple Cider Vinegar: These two may seem like opposites. In our salad, they complement each other perfectly. The sugar balances out the vinegar tang resulting in a sour combination. It’s as if they come together to perform a dance in our salad!
Salt: Just a hint is enough to make all the difference! It acts as the conductor of our flavor symphony ensuring that every taste blends harmoniously.
Frozen Peas: These peas are not your ones; they’re the shining stars of our salad! Once thawed they bring a sweet touch that’s as delightful, as sunshine on a spring day. They truly are the heart and soul of our salad.
Bacon: Ah, bacon – that crispy and smoky delight that can turn any dish into an occasion or celebration. In this salad, it adds a crunch that beautifully contrasts with the dressing. It’s, like having a surprise with each mouthful!
Red Onion: This ingredient often goes unnoticed. When finely diced it brings a sharp contrast that beautifully complements the creamy elements. It’s like adding a pop of color to a painting yet significant.
Cheddar Cheese: Opt, for a quality cheddar to create those little cubes. They introduce a savory flavor that takes the salad from good to “I can’t believe I haven’t had this before!”
Steps To Make Classic Creamy Pea Salad:
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Step 1: Start by grabbing a large bowl – this is where the magic happens. Scoop in your sour cream and mayonnaise. These aren’t just ingredients; they’re the creamy foundation of our salad. Now, sprinkle in the granulated sugar and pour in that apple cider vinegar. Grab your whisk and blend them together. As you whisk, think about the harmonious blend of sweet and tangy you’re creating – it’s the melody of our salad!
Step 2: Next, it’s time to invite our main guests – the peas. These little green gems, once frozen but now thawed to perfection, are ready to dive into the pool of creamy dressing. Imagine them soaking up all that flavor. This isn’t just mixing; it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship between peas and dressing.
Step 3: Now, let’s get the party really started. Crumble in that crispy, cooked bacon – it’s like adding a bit of crunch to our melody. Follow it with the diced red onion, which is like a sharp, zesty note in our flavor composition. And finally, the cheddar cheese cubes – think of them as the surprise guests who always bring joy.
Step 4: Here’s where you need a bit of finesse. Gently fold everything together. This isn’t a hurried mix; it’s a tender merge of all the flavors and textures. As you stir, imagine the peas getting coated in that creamy, tangy dressing, the bacon adding its smoky whispers, and the cheese lending its comforting richness.
Step 5: Patience is key now. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge. This is when everything in the bowl gets to know each other, like good friends mingling at a party. Give it at least an hour – trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step 6: Just before serving, maybe add a bit more of that crispy bacon on top. It’s like the final brush stroke on a beautiful painting. Serve it up and watch as your family or guests dive into a salad that’s more than just a dish – it’s a story of flavors, textures, and love, all in one bowl.
Tip:
While the recipe recommends refrigerating the salad for an hour before serving for a more enhanced flavor experience you can try preparing the salad a day, in advance. Allowing the salad to rest overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully. The peas soak up the dressing while the bacon adds its notes throughout and the cheese and onion contribute to a well-rounded and robust taste. This additional waiting time takes the salad from delicious to divine creating a combination of flavors, with every bite. Just make sure to stir it before serving to evenly distribute the dressing and refresh up those delightful flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen ones?
Of course! You can definitely use fresh peas instead of frozen ones. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender yet firm before adding them to the dish.
How long can this salad be stored?
This salad will stay fresh for, up to three days when stored in the refrigerator, which makes it a fantastic option for preparing in advance.
Any tips for a healthier version?
To make a version you can replace the cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which is lighter and still adds a delicious taste, to the salad.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Classic Creamy Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 c sour cream
- 1/2 c mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste as needed
- 4 c frozen peas thawed
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 medium red onion diced
- 1 1/2 c cheddar cheese cubed small
Instructions
- To prepare the dressing take a bowl. Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar and salt until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Next add the peas, bacon, diced red onion and cubed cheddar cheese to the same bowl.
- Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are well coated, with the dressing.
- Now it's time to chill! Place the salad in the refrigerator for 1 hour so that all those delicious flavors can come together.
- When ready to serve you can garnish with bacon if desired. Serve this Classic Creamy Pea Salad chilled and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
