Frozen peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing make this Classic Creamy Pea Salad an easy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
I’ll be honest… I didn’t exactly grow up loving peas. As a kid, they were those mushy green things my mom insisted I eat before I could leave the dinner table. Fast-forward a few years (okay, more than a few), and I discovered this Classic Creamy Pea Salad at a friend’s backyard barbecue. One bite and suddenly peas weren’t so bad anymore. In fact, they were amazing.
This salad quickly became my not-so-secret weapon for potlucks. It’s one of those dishes that people try, thinking they’ll be polite, and then they’re sneaking back for seconds. And when you get asked for the recipe (because you will), you’ll feel like a rockstar. Trust me.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Creamy Pea Salad Recipe?
I get it, peas don’t usually get to be the main character. But this salad? It’s crunchy, creamy, and bacon-y (is that a word? It should be). It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and a whole lotta satisfying.
Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Ridiculously easy. If you can stir, you can make this.
- Perfect make-ahead dish. Actually, letting it chill makes it even better.
- Texture heaven. Crisp peas, crunchy bacon, smooth dressing, and those chunks of cheddar? Yeah, it’s a vibe.
- Crowd-pleaser. Even your picky cousin who “doesn’t do green things” will ask for seconds. It’s happened.
Ingredient Notes:
If you’re like me, you want to know why each ingredient matters. So here’s the scoop on what’s going into this Classic Creamy Pea Salad.
- Frozen peas (4 cups): Yep, frozen. They stay crisp and sweet. Just thaw them and drain well. Fresh peas are fine if you feel fancy, but I never do.
- Bacon (8 slices): Make it crispy! No one wants chewy bacon in their salad. I usually bake mine because, honestly, I hate cleaning bacon grease off the stove.
- Cheddar cheese (1½ cups): I go for sharp cheddar—big flavor punch. Cut it yourself instead of buying pre-cubed. It tastes better. Don’t ask me why.
- Red onion (½ medium): Adds a nice bite, but if you’re not into that raw onion life, soak it in water for 10 minutes.
- Sour cream + mayo (½ cup each): Half and half, baby. All mayo is a bit much for me, but sour cream tones it down.
- Apple cider vinegar + sugar (1 tbsp each): Sweet and tangy—the magic combo that makes this salad pop.
- Salt (½ tsp, plus more if you want): Taste as you go. Some days you’ll want more salt. Some days you won’t. Go with your gut.
How To Make Classic Creamy Pea Salad?
Honestly, this recipe is as easy as pie. Actually, easier than pie. I never quite got pie crust right.
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
In a big bowl (I always grab the biggest one I have), whisk together the sour cream, mayo, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Give it a taste. Need more zing? Add vinegar. More sweetness? Add sugar. You’re the boss here.
Step 2: Toss It All Together
Now throw in your thawed peas, crispy bacon crumbles, diced red onion, and cubed cheddar cheese. Grab a big spoon and gently stir it all together. Don’t go ham—you want peas, not mush.
Step 3: Chill and Wait (The Hardest Part)
Want To Save This Recipe?
Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Overnight? Even better. The flavors need time to get to know each other. They’re shy at first.
Step 4: Serve and Bask in the Compliments
Give it one last gentle stir before serving. Top it with a little extra bacon if you’re feeling fancy (and who isn’t?). Serve it cold, and watch it disappear.
Storage Options:
This Classic Creamy Pea Salad keeps great in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just store it in an airtight container. Give it a stir before serving again. Heads up—don’t freeze it. You’ll regret it. The texture turns weird, and nobody wants sad peas.
Variations and Substitutions:
You can totally play around with this recipe. Here are some ideas I’ve tried (or plan to someday):
- Swap the cheese: Pepper Jack for spice or mozzarella for mellow.
- Add more veggies: Diced red bell peppers or shredded carrots are great.
- Healthier twist: Sub Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- Different nuts/seeds: Slivered almonds or chopped walnuts instead of sunflower seeds (but sunflower seeds are so good).
- Fruit? Yes, fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries if you’re into sweet-salty vibes.
What to Serve with Classic Creamy Pea Salad?
This salad is a sidekick to all your summer faves:
- BBQ anything: Ribs, chicken, burgers. You name it.
- Grilled meats: Especially something smoky—it complements the sweet-tangy salad perfectly.
- Sandwiches: A BLT and this salad? Match made in heaven.
- Hearty soups: Trust me, pea salad + creamy potato soup = comfort food goals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Heck yes. It’s better after a night in the fridge. The flavors meld and do their thing.
Can I use canned peas?
Technically, yes. Would I? No. They’re mushy. Frozen peas keep their pop.
What’s the best bacon for this?
Thick-cut, super crispy bacon. I bake mine on a rack so it’s evenly done. No floppy bacon allowed!
Ready to give this Classic Creamy Pea Salad a whirl? I promise it’ll make peas cool again. And hey, when you do, I’d love to hear what you think. Snap a pic, drop a comment, or tell me about that one cousin who didn’t believe peas could taste this good!
<Remember it later>
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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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!
