Description
This classic pea salad is a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful side dish made with sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, holidays, or as a quick and easy make-ahead dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the thawed peas, diced red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Stir the salad before serving and garnish with extra crispy bacon if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Not Freezer-Friendly: Freezing is not recommended as the dressing may separate, and the peas and bacon may become mushy.
- Variations: Try adding hard-boiled eggs, shredded carrots, green onions, or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg