Classic Pea Salad Bacon Cheddar

This classic pea salad is a crowd-pleasing side that always brings freshness and comfort to any table. Sweet peas are tossed with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar then everything is bound with a creamy tangy dressing that reminds me of family potlucks and backyard BBQs. When I bring this out it never lasts long on the picnic table.

The first time I served this pea salad at a summer gathering everyone asked for seconds and the recipe. Some even snuck away with extra spoonfuls when they thought no one was looking.

Ingredients

• Sour cream: brings creamy richness and balances the flavors seek a fresh container for the best result
• Mayonnaise: helps create the classic smooth dressing choose a real mayo for maximum flavor
• Granulated sugar: gives a subtle sweetness that brightens everything use fine sugar for easy mixing
• Apple cider vinegar: cuts through the richness with its gentle tang always pick one that is cloudy and unfiltered if possible
• Kosher salt: seasons each bite and makes the flavors pop a coarser salt helps avoid a salty aftertaste
• Black pepper: offers gentle heat and extra depth grind fresh if possible for more aroma
• Frozen peas: are the heart of the dish look for vibrant green and unbroken peas to ensure sweetness
• Red onion: brings sharpness and color soak in cold water to mellow the flavor if you want
• Sharp cheddar cheese: delivers savory bites with extra creaminess cube it to match the size of the peas for consistent texture
• Bacon: completes the salad with its salty crisp sparkle select a thick-cut bacon if available and cook it until golden and truly crunchy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the creamy dressing:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the sour cream mayonnaise sugar apple cider vinegar salt and pepper. Stir slowly and thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Making the dressing first ensures each ingredient is evenly coated and every spoonful tastes rich.

Add the key ingredients:

Add the thawed and well-drained peas diced red onion cubed cheddar cheese and most of the crumbled bacon to the bowl. Be sure the peas are no longer icy cold which helps the flavors soak in.

Combine gently:

With a broad spatula carefully fold everything together. Take your time to prevent breaking the peas. Thorough and gentle folding means the dressing envelops every bit without mashing your vegetables.

Chill and meld:

Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling step ensures the onion softens the flavors blend and every bite is deliciously cool and refreshing.

Finish and garnish:

Right before serving sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the top for extra crunch and inviting presentation. Serve well chilled straight from the fridge.

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I always look forward to sneaking a taste of the cheese when prepping this salad. My grandmother used to let us kids help with the bacon and we would laugh about how half of it disappeared before reaching the bowl. Now I make sure to cook a little extra for nibbling.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pea salad covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you notice the dressing getting watery just give it a quick stir and refresh with a spoonful of sour cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to keep it lighter swap half the mayo or sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Try turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a twist. For extra crunch toss in small diced celery or even toasted sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is wonderful with smoky grilled chicken burgers or pork chops. It also fits in beautifully at potlucks and holidays or as a twist on a classic picnic spread. For formal dinners try serving it in small ramekins alongside steak.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Pea salad became popular in mid-century America especially in family cookbooks and community potlucks. Its enduring charm comes from using simple ingredients that store well and taste great together. Many families have their own traditions with this dish passing down personal touches through the years.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used if you blanch them briefly in boiling water until tender, then cool before combining with other ingredients.

→ What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon cooked until very crispy adds savory crunch and rich flavor to the salad. Drain excess grease before crumbling.

→ Can I prepare pea salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make it up to one day in advance and store chilled. Add reserved bacon right before serving for best texture.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great alternative. It delivers creaminess and a slight tang, complementing the other ingredients well.

→ How do I keep the peas bright and fresh?

Use just-thawed peas and avoid overmixing. Chilling before serving helps retain their color and crispness.