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–+ servings
Green Pea Salad in a white bowl.

Pea Salad Recipe

Alexandra Horan
Creamy Pea Salad Recipe loaded with cheddar, crispy bacon, and bold flavor. A crowd-pleasing side dish you'll want on repeat all summer.
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Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices bacon -diced
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt - to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper -to taste
  • 4 cups frozen peas -thawed
  • ½ cup red onion -diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese -cut into pea-sized cubes

Instructions
 

  • Add the diced bacon to a nonstick skillet and cook until very crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan. Place it on paper towels to drain.
  • Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, table salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the thawed green peas, cubed sharp cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and bacon to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
  • Add the dressing to the mixture and toss to coat all of the ingredients with the cream dressing.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours before serving.
  • Garnish with bacon and a twist of fresh ground black pepper.

Notes

Can I Change Up the Recipe?
Absolutely. We made our Pea Salad with sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use Monterey Jack or even ricotta salata if you like a milder bite.
For a twist on the dressing, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt or add a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up.
If you’re skipping the bacon for dietary needs, toss in diced red bell peppers, diced carrots, or a handful of sugar snaps for crunch and color.
What’s the best way to thaw the peas?
​Rinse frozen peas under cold water, drain thoroughly, and pat them dry. If they go in wet or still icy, the dressing turns watery.
Can I use canned peas?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Canned peas are soft, dull in color, and can make your salad mushy instead of crisp and fresh.
Can I prep the pea salad in advance?
Yes. You can make the dressing the day before, just wait to stir in the bacon so it stays crisp, and chill it a few hours before serving.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 11gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 379mgPotassium: 267mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 1mg
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