The Best Classic Pea Salad With Bacon Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer potlucks come alive with this mouthwatering classic pea salad with bacon that delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Crisp green peas mingle with smoky bacon pieces in a creamy dressing that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Crunchy and cool, this salad brings together simple ingredients for an unforgettable side dish.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy punch that complements the salty bacon perfectly.

Fresh chopped green onions provide a subtle bite and vibrant color to the mix.

Each forkful blends creamy, crispy, and zesty flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible crowd-pleasing salad that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Classic Pea Salad with Bacon, What Makes It Special

• Savor Quick Comfort: This pea salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious side dish without complicated steps.
• Celebrate Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with classic ingredients like bacon and cheese, this recipe appeals to all ages and works brilliantly for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer picnics.
• Boost Nutrition Cleverly: Fresh peas provide a protein and fiber boost, while bacon adds a satisfying crunch, making this dish both tasty and somewhat nutritious.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using turkey bacon for a lighter version or adding chopped herbs for extra freshness, allowing personal culinary creativity.

Pea Salad with Bacon Ingredient Lineup

• Peas: Sweet and tender green vegetables that provide a fresh and vibrant base for the salad.
• Bacon: Crispy and salty meat that adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that contributes a rich and tangy element to the salad.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp and slightly spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy and smooth base that creates a rich and tangy dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright and slightly acidic touch to balance the creamy dressing.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the salad.

How to Make a Classic Pea Salad with Bacon

Step 1: Prep the Pea Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in the thawed green peas.

Chop up crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Crumble sharp cheddar cheese and finely dice red onion.

Mix these ingredients together until they’re beautifully combined.

• Thawed green peas
• Crispy bacon
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Red onion

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, create a tangy dressing by blending smooth mayonnaise with creamy sour cream.

Pour in a splash of zesty apple cider vinegar and whisk until the mixture becomes silky and well incorporated.

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Apple cider vinegar

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the creamy dressing over the pea mixture.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a luxurious coating of the dressing.

Use a large spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Taste and adjust the seasoning until the flavors dance together harmoniously.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let the salad rest and chill for at least half an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

When ready, serve cold as a delightful side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Pea Salad with Crunchy Bacon

• Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch and better texture in the salad.
• Let salad rest in refrigerator for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper taste profile.
• Use sweet red onions or reduce sharp bite by soaking chopped onions in cold water for 5 minutes before mixing.
• Experiment with different cheese types like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar for unique flavor dimensions.
• Prepare salad one day in advance to enhance overall taste and save preparation time before serving.

Variations for Classic Pea Salad Recipes

• Vegetarian Pea Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted sunflower seeds or smoked tempeh for a plant-based protein option.
• Greek-Style Pea Salad: Swap cheddar with crumbled feta cheese, add diced cucumber, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Low-Carb Pea Alternative: Substitute peas with cauliflower florets and use Greek yogurt as a lighter dressing base.
• Herb-Infused Pea Salad: Mix in fresh chopped dill, chives, or parsley to enhance the flavor profile and add a vibrant green touch.

Serving Classic Pea Salad with Any Meal

• Party Platter Perfection: Serve this vibrant pea salad as a colorful side dish at summer barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings where guests will love its creamy texture and crispy bacon bits.
• Picnic Power Lunch: Pack this salad in individual containers for an easy, portable meal that stays fresh and delicious during outdoor adventures or work lunch breaks.
• Elegant Appetizer Option: Garnish with extra crispy bacon crumbles and fresh chopped chives, then serve in small glass bowls as a sophisticated starter for dinner parties or holiday events.
• Quick Meal Companion: Pair with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or as a refreshing side to complement hearty sandwiches and burgers for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage Guide for Pea Salad with Bacon

• Store the pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Before storing, gently pat excess moisture from the salad to prevent sogginess and maintain the crisp texture of ingredients.
• If possible, store bacon separately to keep it crispy and prevent it from becoming soft when mixed with the dressing.
• Always serve the salad chilled straight from the refrigerator to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Are frozen peas okay to use for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen peas work perfectly and save time compared to fresh peas, ensuring consistent texture and flavor.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, which actually allows the flavors to meld together even better.

• How do I prevent the bacon from getting soggy?

Cook the bacon until crisp and drain it thoroughly on paper towels before adding to the salad to maintain its crunchiness.

• Is there a substitute for mayonnaise if I want a lighter version?

Greek yogurt can be an excellent healthier alternative that provides similar creaminess and tanginess to the dressing.

Classic Pea Salad With Bacon Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy classic pea salad with bacon brings summer picnic memories to life, blending crisp vegetables and smoky bacon. Cool, tangy dressing and crunchy textures make this dish perfect for gathering friends around the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 ml) frozen green peas, thawed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thaw frozen peas completely and drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery salad.
2. Crisp bacon in a skillet until golden brown and perfectly crunchy, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
3. Dice red onion finely to distribute a sharp, tangy flavor throughout the salad.
4. Grate sharp cheddar cheese into small, uniform shreds for even distribution.
5. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy, creating a zesty dressing.
6. Combine peas, crumbled bacon, cheese, and onion in a large mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are evenly mixed.
7. Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently folding to coat all ingredients without crushing the peas.
8. Season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and salad to chill thoroughly.
10. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish, garnishing with additional bacon bits if desired.

Notes

• Customize the salad by using turkey bacon for a lighter option or omitting bacon entirely for a vegetarian version.
• Enhance flavor by using sharp cheddar or experimenting with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or feta.
• Boost nutrition by adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness and color.
• For a crunchier texture, toast the bacon until extra crispy and consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts as a garnish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg