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