Classic Pea Salad Recipe: A Timeless, Creamy Favorite

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, then you’ve come to the right place! This Classic Pea Salad combines crisp, sweet peas with savory bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing to create a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ, potluck, or just want something quick and delicious to whip up for lunch, this pea salad hits the spot every time.

The best part? It’s ready in just minutes and tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, making it perfect for make-ahead meals. The balance of flavors, from the salty bacon to the tangy apple cider vinegar in the dressing, creates a medley that’ll leave you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Pea Salad

This salad is truly a gem for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly simple and fast—you can pull it together in about 10 minutes flat! Plus, it’s:

• Versatile: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
• Budget-friendly: You only need a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your fridge and pantry.
• Packed with flavor: The mix of crunchy, creamy, and savory ingredients means every bite is a little party for your taste buds.
• Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, so you can prepare it hours or even a day in advance.

Let’s not forget the texture: the sweet, slightly firm peas contrasted by the crispy bacon and rich cheddar cheese. The dressing, creamy and tangy, pulls it all together. It’s anything but boring!!

Ingredients for Classic Pea Salad

• 4 cups frozen peas (thawed) – These are the stars of the dish. Their natural sweetness is enhanced when combined with savory elements like bacon and cheese.
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed – Go for sharp cheddar if you like a more intense flavor. Either shredded or cubed works, but cubed gives a heartier bite.
• ½ red onion, finely chopped – Provides a mild spice and a burst of color.
• ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled – Adds that irresistible smoky, salty crunch.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – The base for our creamy dressing. It smooths out all the other flavors perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Gives the dressing its signature tang.
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) – A touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the vinegar. Totally optional, depending on your taste preference.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl – For tossing the salad.
• Small bowl – To whisk the dressing.
• Whisk or fork – For mixing the dressing until smooth.
• Cutting board and knife – To chop the onions, bacon, and cheese.

How to Make Classic Pea Salad (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prepare the Peas

Start by placing your thawed peas in a large mixing bowl. If you’re working with frozen peas, a quick rinse under cold water will help them thaw out faster. Once thawed, pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

2. Add the Salad Ingredients

To the peas, add the finely chopped red onions, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese. The combination of colors makes the salad look so vibrant, and the flavors are already starting to come together!

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if you like that hint of sweetness), and season it with salt and pepper. The dressing should be smooth and creamy, with a balanced flavor of tangy and slightly sweet.

4. Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the pea mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss everything together until the peas, bacon, cheese, and onions are well-coated with that delicious dressing. You want everything evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

5. Chill and Serve

For best results, cover the salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. Serve chilled and enjoy!

What to Serve with Classic Pea Salad

This Classic Pea Salad is the perfect side dish for so many occasions! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Grilled meats like BBQ chicken, pork chops, or steak. The creaminess of the salad balances beautifully with the smokiness of grilled dishes.
• Sandwiches: It’s a delightful side to any sandwich, especially cold cuts or a simple ham and cheese sandwich.
• As a standalone light lunch: You can also enjoy it solo, especially on a hot day when you want something cool and refreshing but filling.

Tips for the Best Pea Salad

• Use frozen peas, not canned: Frozen peas have a fresher flavor and better texture. Avoid canned peas as they tend to be mushy.
• Chill for best flavor: While you can serve it right away, chilling for at least 30 minutes (or even a couple of hours) makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Bacon crumbles: For extra crunch, you can sprinkle some additional bacon on top just before serving.
• Make it ahead: This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a stir before serving!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Swap the cheddar: While cheddar is traditional, you could experiment with feta or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add hard-boiled eggs: For extra protein and creaminess, chopped hard-boiled eggs make a great addition.
• Try Greek yogurt: If you’re looking to cut calories, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, or do a half-and-half mix for a lighter dressing.
• Add crunch: A handful of sunflower seeds or chopped nuts could add some extra crunch and texture to the salad.

Storage Instructions

You can store leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to stir it before serving to redistribute the dressing. Avoid freezing the salad as the texture of the peas will become mushy upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pea salad actually benefits from being made ahead, as the flavors meld together the longer it sits. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge.

Is the sugar necessary in the dressing?

The sugar is optional! If you prefer a more savory salad or are watching your sugar intake, feel free to leave it out. The salad will still taste delicious.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, but make sure to blanch the fresh peas for a few minutes to soften them up, then quickly chill them in an ice bath to maintain their bright color and sweetness.

Conclusion

This Classic Pea Salad is a wonderful dish that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for so many occasions. Its versatility, creamy dressing, and crunchy elements make it a go-to recipe for gatherings, picnics, or even a quick side dish for dinner. So why not give it a try? You’ll love how it comes together, and I promise, it’ll become a regular on your meal rotation.

For more delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with this salad, check out my recipe for Crispy Fried Mushrooms, which are the perfect crunchy complement, or indulge in something heartier like this Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes for a cozy meal idea!

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