If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, savory, and a touch of sweetness, then you need to try The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe. This delightful salad combines crisp, vibrant peas with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a luscious dressing that brings it all together in one memorable bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug but also brings refreshing crunch and bright flavors, making it a go-to for family dinners, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because its ingredients are straightforward and truly embody the classic flavors that make the salad so irresistible. Each component plays an essential role: the peas add freshness and color, bacon brings smoky depth, cheddar contributes creamy sharpness, and the dressing ties everything with a satisfying tang and sweetness.
- 4 cups frozen peas (thawed): Freshness and vibrant green color form the salad’s base.
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): Smoky crunch that makes every bite exciting.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cubed, 2 oz): Adds creamy, sharp flavor contrast against the bacon.
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (or sweet white onion, more to taste): Slight pungency that brightens up the salad.
- â…“ cup mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tang and luscious texture.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances acidity and savoriness.
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Provides that essential zing in the dressing.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
How to Make The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and white vinegar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to create a perfect balance where sweetness and tang mingle beautifully. This dressing is the magic that brings the salad together, so take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning for your personal preference.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
Gently fold the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese into the dressing. Use a spatula or spoon to carefully mix everything, ensuring each pea and bacon piece is generously coated without squashing the ingredients. This careful mixing helps retain the salad’s appealing texture and lets all the flavors marry perfectly.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and the dressing to soak into every bite. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting with extra salt or pepper if needed. Chilling truly elevates this salad from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions over the salad just before serving for an extra pop of color and mild onion flavor. You can also add a few extra crumbles of crispy bacon on top for visual appeal and crunch. A light dusting of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky aroma, enhancing the bacon notes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak, making it a refreshing side that cuts through rich meats. It’s also fantastic alongside freshly baked cornbread or buttery dinner rolls for a down-home meal vibe. For a vegetarian spread, serve it with stuffed mushrooms or a hearty quinoa dish to balance the textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Take The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe to the next level by serving it in individual mason jars for picnics or potlucks. For a party, spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves as colorful, bite-sized cups. You can also layer the salad in a clear glass bowl with bright garnishes on top to showcase its vibrant colors and textures, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, but it’s always best fresh. Expect the texture to soften slightly over time, though the flavors will continue to meld deliciously.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate, and peas may become mushy. It’s best to prepare only as much as you need or consume leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve the leftovers cold or at room temperature, giving it a gentle stir to refresh the texture and redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas add a lovely sweetness and crunch. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water to retain their bright color and tender texture before adding them to the salad.
Is there a substitute for bacon if I want a vegetarian version?
You can swap bacon for smoked tempeh, crispy fried shallots, or even roasted nuts to add texture and a smoky or savory flavor without the meat. Each provides a delicious twist on The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
This salad tastes best if made the same day or up to two days ahead. The flavors deepen pleasantly in the fridge, but the crispness may diminish if stored too long.
Can I adjust the dressing to be healthier?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or sour cream to lighten the dressing while keeping creaminess. Just be sure to taste and tweak the seasoning since Greek yogurt is tangier and less rich.
What kind of cheese works best besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic here, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a crumbly feta for different flavor profiles. Make sure to use a cheese that melts slightly when mixed but still holds texture to complement the peas and bacon.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve unlocked The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe, I can guarantee it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. It’s one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that feels special every time you serve it. Whip it up for family meals, gatherings, or whenever you want a delightful, fuss-free salad that everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Print
The Best Bacon Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing and creamy Bacon Pea Salad combines sweet peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing to create a delightful side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Its easy prep and cool, savory crunch make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cubed, 2 oz)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (or sweet white onion, more to taste)
Dressing
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and white vinegar until smooth and well combined. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, finely diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until the peas and mix-ins are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pea salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh peas if available for a sweeter, fresher flavor—simply blanch them briefly before adding.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier and lighter dressing option.
- Adjust the sugar amount to your liking; it balances the acidity in the vinegar.
- Cook bacon to your preferred level of crispiness for texture variation.
- This salad holds well in the fridge for up to 2 days but is freshest eaten within 24 hours.
