As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days grow longer, I find myself craving the fresh flavors of summer. That’s when my Classic Creamy Pea Salad comes to the rescue—a dish that bursts with vibrant color and taste, reminiscent of sunny picnics and family gatherings. The sweet pops of thawed green peas, salty bits of crumbled bacon, and sharp bursts of cheddar blend perfectly in a creamy dressing that hugs every ingredient just right.
But what makes this salad truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a casual potluck, or simply looking for a delightful side to accompany your weeknight dinner, this salad fits the bill effortlessly. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can easily be modified to cater to dietary preferences—swap the bacon for a plant-based option, or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter twist.
Join me in creating this nostalgic favorite that not only comes together in minutes but also improves as it chills. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is this Creamy Pea Salad so special?
Bursting with flavor, this salad combines sweet green peas, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar for an irresistible medley of tastes. Easy to make, it comes together in no time, allowing you to spend more moments enjoying your meal. Budget-friendly without compromising on quality, it’s a crowd-pleaser at every gathering. Versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences, simply swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat that keeps getting better, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for any event!
Creamy Pea Salad Ingredients
• For a delightful blend of flavors.
For the Salad
- 3 cups frozen green peas – Thaw them for sweetness and vibrant color; avoid canned for the best texture.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled – Add crispy, savory flavor; substitute with plant-based bacon for a vegetarian twist.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed – Provides creaminess and sharpness; gouda is a tasty alternative.
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced – Introduces a crunchy, tangy element; soaking in cold water can mellow the sharpness.
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – The base of your creamy dressing; swap part or all for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 1/4 cup sour cream – Enhances the creaminess and tang in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Balances flavors with a touch of acidity.
- 2 teaspoons sugar – Helps harmonize the dish’s flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Elevates the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of mild spice.
Dive into creating this delicious Creamy Pea Salad that will surely be a hit at your next gathering!
How to Make Creamy Pea Salad
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Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures they are sweet and vibrant without losing their crunch.
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Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, crumble it into small pieces and set aside, letting that savory aroma fill your kitchen!
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Prepare the cheese and onion. Dice the cheddar cheese into cubes and thinly slice the red onion. Soaking the onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes can help tone down its sharpness.
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Whisk together the dressing in a mixing bowl: combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating that perfect dressing!
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Combine in a large bowl. Add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Toss gently to ensure each ingredient is coated with the dressing.
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Chill the salad! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.
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Serve by giving the salad a gentle toss again, redistributing the creamy goodness. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon or fresh herbs for an extra touch if desired.
Optional: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Pea Salad delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. Simply prepare the salad without the dressing and refrigerate it in an airtight container. You can also pre-chop the ingredients, such as the bacon and cheese, and store them separately in the fridge to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to serve, just mix the dressing into the salad and give it a gentle toss for that creamy perfection. This ensures that every bite tastes just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Pea Salad
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Use Thawed Peas: Always use thawed peas for sweetness and crunch; canned peas can lead to a mushy texture.
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Customize the Dressing: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise, enhancing the creaminess without excess calories.
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Let It Chill: Prepare the salad at least 1-2 hours ahead of serving; the flavors meld beautifully during chilling, making this Creamy Pea Salad even more delicious.
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Control Onion Sharpness: Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes to reduce its pungency, providing a balanced flavor in every bite.
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Gentle Tossing: After refrigeration, toss the salad gently before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed without mashing the peas or other ingredients.
What to Serve with Creamy Pea Salad?
Imagine a table set with flavors that dance harmoniously together, enhancing your creamy pea salad’s delightful bursts of sweetness and crunch.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated grilled chicken complements the creamy texture and adds a succulent protein for a balanced meal.
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Cornbread Muffins: The slight sweetness of cornbread muffins pairs beautifully, offering a satisfying contrast to the tangy and savory notes of the salad.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of colorful, roasted seasonal vegetables introduces earthiness and depth, elevating your dining experience with varied textures.
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Italian Pasta Salad: Combining flavors of tangy Italian dressing and fresh veggies, this pasta salad adds a vibrant touch and makes a fantastic sidekick.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread delivers an aromatic crunch and buttery goodness that guests will love to scoop up with the salad.
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Berry Lemonade: This refreshing drink balances the salad’s creaminess with a zesty sweetness, perfect for summer gatherings on warm afternoons.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish your meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, creating a comforting contrast to the salad’s savory profile.
Creamy Pea Salad Variations
Get ready to explore delightful twists on this classic dish—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to personalize!
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Fresh Peas: Replace frozen peas with fresh, quickly blanched peas for a brighter flavor and crisp texture. This takes your salad to a whole new level of freshness!
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Plant-Based Bacon: For a vegetarian version, swap out the bacon for plant-based alternatives. Smoky flavors still shine through, proving that plant-based options can be just as satisfying.
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Greek Yogurt Dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, lighter dressing. You’ll add a protein boost while keeping that creamy texture everyone loves!
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Cheese Alternatives: Try swapping cheddar for gouda, feta, or crumbled blue cheese for a different flavor experience. Each cheese brings its unique charm, inviting new taste buds to join the fun.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the salad for an herbal punch. This fresh touch brightens the dish and elevates the overall flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat. Perfect for those who enjoy a little thrill with their creamy salads!
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Crunchy Add-ins: Toss in some chopped celery or bell peppers for an extra crunch. The added texture creates a delightful contrast to the creamy dressing.
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Sweet Touch: For a surprise element, include diced apples or grapes to bring a sweet counterbalance to the savory ingredients. It’s a delightful burst of flavor in every bite!
Storage Tips for Creamy Pea Salad
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Fridge: Store any leftover Creamy Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to continue developing while keeping it fresh.
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Make-Ahead: If you plan to serve this salad for an event, prepare it 1-2 hours in advance. Chilling enriches the creamy texture and blends the flavors beautifully.
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Reheating: This salad is best served cold and should not be reheated, as the creamy dressing may separate and compromise the salad’s texture.
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Freezing: Avoid freezing the Creamy Pea Salad, as the creamy base can change texture and result in a less enjoyable dish.
Creamy Pea Salad Recipe FAQs
What kind of peas should I use for the Creamy Pea Salad?
Always opt for thawed frozen green peas for the best sweetness and vibrant color. They maintain a pleasant crunch, unlike canned peas, which can become mushy and unappetizing. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh peas can be blanched quickly for a crispier texture.
How long can I store leftover Creamy Pea Salad?
You can keep any uneaten Creamy Pea Salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it properly to ensure it remains fresh and the flavors continue to develop. I often make it a day ahead so it tastes even better!
Can I freeze Creamy Pea Salad?
Generally, it’s best to avoid freezing Creamy Pea Salad. The creamy dressing, which is the highlight of this dish, can separate and become watery upon thawing, affecting the delightful texture. If you find yourself with leftovers, it’s really better to enjoy them within a few days instead.
How can I make this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! Simply swap the bacon for plant-based bacon or even omit it entirely for a delightful vegetarian option. Additionally, replacing the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt adds an extra layer of creaminess without the additional calories, making it a healthier choice.
What should I do if the red onion is too strong?
If you find that raw red onion has a strong, sharp flavor for your taste, soak the thinly sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to mellow out the bite, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously without overpowering the other ingredients.
Is this Creamy Pea Salad suitable for pets or people with allergies?
While the salad is delicious for humans, it’s best to avoid sharing it with pets, especially due to the mayonnaise and onions, which can be harmful to them. For those with allergies, be cautious with the ingredients, particularly the eggs in the mayonnaise and any potential dairy in the cheese and sour cream. Make sure to check labels if there’s a sensitivity involved!
Irresistibly Creamy Pea Salad That's Perfect for Any Gathering
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the cheddar cheese and onion by dicing and thinly slicing them, respectively.
- Whisk together the dressing: combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine in a large bowl and add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Toss gently.
- Chill the salad for at least 1 hour by covering it with plastic wrap and refrigerating.
- Serve by giving the salad a gentle toss again before serving.