Easy Creamy Pea Salad Recipe

Sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. This Creamy Pea Salad Recipe is easy and so addictive.

this Recipe

Okay, real talk… peas don’t usually get this kind of attention.

They’re the vegetable that shows up quietly on your dinner plate. The “well, they’re healthy” addition. You push them around with your fork, maybe mix them with the mashed potatoes. They do their job.

But this Creamy Pea Salad Recipe? Oh, it flips the script completely.

I remember the first time I made it. I was on my fourth what do I bring to the BBQ Pinterest scroll. Everything felt overdone. Pasta salad? Again? Fruit salad? Meh. Then I remembered my aunt used to make a pea salad at every family reunion. The giant Tupperware tub always looked… well, boring. Until you actually tried it.

And then? Boom. You were going back for thirds while pretending it was “just to even out your plate.” Classic.

So I made my own. Tweaked it. Added more bacon (because, why not?), swapped a few things, and somehow, it became my go-to side dish. My husband now refers to it as “that dangerous pea thing you make.” And honestly… accurate.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pea Salad Recipe?

You might be skeptical right now. I get it. Peas don’t sound thrilling. But here’s why this Creamy Pea Salad Recipe totally delivers:

• It’s crazy fast. Like… done in 10 minutes fast. You’ll spend more time thinking about what playlist to put on than actually making this.

• No fancy cooking. Okay, except for the bacon. But frying bacon doesn’t count, right? That’s just… life.

• Balanced flavors. Sweet peas. Creamy dressing. Sharp cheddar. Salty bacon. Tangy vinegar. It all works.

• Crowd-friendly. People always underestimate it — until they try it. Then suddenly, it’s gone.

• Flexible. Don’t eat pork? No worries. Prefer different cheese? Swap away. This salad’s chill like that.

It’s one of those sneaky recipes that looks simple but totally steals the spotlight. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s take a second to really appreciate each ingredient in this Creamy Pea Salad Recipe. They all matter.

Sour Cream:
Creamy, tangy, and kind of the backbone here. It stops the salad from being too heavy. Think of it as the chill friend in the group.

Mayonnaise:
Smooth operator. Blends with the sour cream and makes the dressing silky and rich.

Apple Cider Vinegar:
You know when something just needs a little zing? This is it. Not overpowering, just… perky.

Salt + Pepper:
Seasoning is important. If your pea salad ever tasted bland before? Probably missing this duo.

Frozen Baby Peas (thawed):
Sweet, tender, and so much better than canned. Plus, they’re ready in minutes. Zero prep drama.

Red Onion:
A little bite. A little crunch. Also makes the salad look prettier. (Not that looks matter… but still.)

Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
Cut into tiny cubes because shredded cheese just isn’t the same here. Trust me — I tried both.

Crispy Bacon:
Does this even need an explanation? Bacon belongs. Always.

How To Make Creamy Pea Salad?

Step 1: Whip up the dressing
In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Taste it. If it doesn’t make you want to dip a spoon straight in, add a pinch more salt or vinegar.

Step 2: Add your mix-ins
Throw in the thawed peas, chopped onion, cheddar cubes, and bacon bits. Stand back for a second and admire the colors. Lookin’ good already, right?

Step 3: Stir it up gently
Mix everything together, but don’t crush the peas. Treat them like delicate little green gems. Nobody wants mashed peas in their salad.

Step 4: Chill or don’t (your call)
Honestly, you can eat it right away — and I often do. But if you let it sit in the fridge for a bit? Even better. The flavors cozy up to each other and it’s next-level good.

Storage Options:

• Fridge: Airtight container. Good for up to 3-4 days. The bacon softens a bit, but still tasty.

• Freezer: Nope. Peas and creamy dressing don’t love the freezer. Keep it chilled, not frozen.

Pro tip? Stir before serving again. Gets things back to their happy place.

Variations and Substitutions:

I’m all about recipes that let you make them your own. This Creamy Pea Salad Recipe is super forgiving.

• Swap the bacon: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or even smoked almonds for crunch.

• Switch up the cheese: Feta, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you like a little heat.

• Add extras: Chopped celery, diced bell peppers, or green onions for more color and crunch.

• Lighter version: Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream. Still creamy, still amazing.

Basically? There’s no wrong way to do it.

What to Serve with Creamy Pea Salad?

You name it, this works with it. But here’s what I usually pair it with:

• Grilled meats: Chicken, steak, or burgers? Perfect.

• BBQ favorites: Pulled pork or ribs. Pea salad loves BBQ sauce.

• Sandwiches: Anything deli-style. Especially ham.

• Holiday spreads: Easter, Thanksgiving, or that random Sunday dinner.

It’s the universal plus-one for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead?
Oh yes. In fact, I recommend it. A few hours in the fridge = flavor magic.

Canned peas okay?
Technically yes, but frozen peas hold up way better. Canned gets a little mushy.

No apple cider vinegar?
No problem. White vinegar or even lemon juice will work fine.

And that’s the story of how this humble little Creamy Pea Salad Recipe became one of my sneaky favorites.

It’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to make you that person at the potluck. (You know — the one everyone asks for the recipe.)

So… are you going to be classy and let it chill before serving, or dive in with a spoon like I usually do? No judgment either way. Let me know!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Easy Creamy Pea Salad Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Savor the mixture of flavors with our Easy Creamy Pea Salad Recipe, a chef-d'oeuvre that brings a glimmer of Southern charm to your table. This salad is a medley of consistencies and flavors. Combining the sweetness of baby peas, the boldness of sharp cheddar cheese and the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon. Each ingredient is carefully coated in a dressing enhanced with just the right amount of tang, from apple cider vinegar. Whether it's a family lunch or a special gathering this pea salad guarantees to be an addition, to any meal.

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6 Servings

Ingredients

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PEA SALAD DRESSING:

• 1/3 c sour cream
• 1/4 c mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

PEA SALAD:

• 16 oz frozen sweet baby peas thawed
• 1/4 c finely chopped red onion
• 3/4 c sharp cheddar cheese cut into very small cubes
• 6 slices bacon cooked until crispy and finely chopped

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Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl until they form a smooth mixture.
2. Combine the Salad: Add the baby peas, chopped red, onion cubes of cheddar cheese and crispy bacon pieces, to the dressing.
3. Mix and Season: Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste it. Adjust the seasoning, with salt and pepper if required.
4. Enjoy your tasty and simple pea salad!

Notes

To make sure that this Easy Creamy Pea Salad is gluten-free the important thing is to pay attention to the ingredients, the bacon. Some brands of bacon may contain additives that have gluten so it's crucial to choose a certified gluten-free brand. This little but noteworthy measure warrants that the dish remains delicious. With all its flavors and textures intact. Additionally always remember to check the labels on your cream and mayonnaise to confirm that they are also gluten-free. Some brands might include additives with gluten in them. By keeping these details in mind you can easily turn this recipe into a safe and enjoyable option for everyone, at your table who prefers a gluten-free diet.

Audrey

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Bitty

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!

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