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Creamy Southern Pea Salad Recipe Easy and Perfect for Summer

Southern pea salad - featured image

This creamy Southern pea salad combines crisp peas, smoky bacon, tangy dressing, and vibrant flavors to create the perfect summer side dish for picnics, barbecues, and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Thaw the frozen peas by leaving them at room temperature for 30 minutes or running them under cool water. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
  3. Dice the red onion finely. If desired, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine peas, crumbled bacon, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld together.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. If it looks dry, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh it.

Notes

Chilling the salad for at least an hour enhances the flavors. For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Vegetarian adaptations include skipping the bacon and adding toasted nuts for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: pea salad, summer salad, creamy salad, Southern recipe, easy side dish, barbecue side, picnic recipe