Homestyle Classic Pea Salad Recipe: Fresh & Zesty Family Favorite

Summer gatherings always spark excitement around this classic pea salad that combines crisp textures and bright flavors.

Unexpected combinations create magical moments at potlucks and picnics.

Crunchy bacon bits and sweet green peas dance together in a creamy dressing that feels like comfort on a plate.

Tender cubes of cheese add richness to each refreshing bite.

Subtle hints of onion provide a gentle kick that awakens your palate.

Friends and neighbors will ask for seconds before the first serving disappears.

Dive in and savor this delightful dish that brings joy to every table.

Pea Salad That’s Creamy, Crisp, and Classic

• Whip Up Effortless Delight: This pea salad requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with familiar ingredients like bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing, this salad appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.
• Quick and Versatile Companion: Ready in minutes, this salad works wonderfully alongside grilled meats, picnics, potlucks, or as a standalone lunch, offering incredible flexibility for various meal scenarios.
• No-Fuss Prep Magic: With just a few simple steps of mixing ingredients and whisking dressing, anyone can create a restaurant-worthy dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Classic Pea Salad What Goes In

• Peas: Sweet, tender green peas as the salad base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese for extra flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat for added crunch.

• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty fresh onion for bite.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Creamy and tangy mixture for coating the salad.

How to Make Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Step 1: Thaw Green Peas

Empty the frozen peas into a spacious mixing bowl and let them come to room temperature naturally. Ensure no ice crystals remain in the mix.

Step 2: Chop and Crumble Supporting Ingredients

• Red onion
• Bacon strips
• Cheddar cheese

Finely dice the red onion into tiny pieces. Crumble the crispy bacon into small crumbs. Shred or cube the cheddar cheese into bite-sized fragments.

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Blend All Components

Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the pea mixture. Use a large spoon to gently fold and coat all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavor

Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together and creates a refreshing, cool side dish perfect for gatherings or quick meals.

Salad Tips That Make Classic Pea Recipes Shine

• Boost Pea Freshness: Use frozen peas directly from the bag to maintain crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
• Customize Bacon Crunch: Swap traditional bacon with turkey bacon or coconut bacon for healthier or vegetarian alternatives.
• Perfect Dressing Balance: Adjust mayonnaise and vinegar ratios to create your ideal creamy or tangy preference.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add fresh herbs like chopped dill or chives to introduce a bright, herbal note to the salad.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delicious dish.

Keep Classic Pea Salad Fresh After Serving

• Store the pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Not recommended due to the creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and become watery when thawed. Dairy and mayonnaise-based salads typically don't freeze well.
• Enjoy the salad cold straight from the refrigerator. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
• Gently stir the salad and add a small splash of additional mayonnaise if the mixture seems dry after refrigeration to restore its creamy texture.

Classic Pea Salad Serving Suggestions

• Pair Perfectly with Protein-Packed Mains: Complement the creamy pea salad with grilled chicken breasts or juicy pork chops for a balanced, satisfying meal that highlights the salad's tangy and rich flavors.
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the salad's creaminess and enhance its subtle sweetness, creating a refreshing dining experience.
• Barbecue Best Friend: Serve alongside smoky grilled meats like ribs or brisket, where the cool, creamy pea salad provides a delightful contrast to the intense barbecue flavors and helps balance the richness.
• Summer Picnic Superstar: Pack this salad for outdoor gatherings, where it pairs wonderfully with pulled pork sandwiches or classic hamburgers, offering a cool, creamy side that complements grilled favorites.

Creamy Pea Salad Flavor Styles

• Vegan Pea Delight: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh bits, swap mayonnaise for vegan cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese.
• Low-Carb Pea Alternative: Substitute peas with cauliflower florets, use Greek yogurt as a lighter dressing base, and add chopped almonds for crunch.
• Herb-Infused Green Salad: Mix in fresh dill, chives, and parsley to elevate the flavor profile, and use a lighter vinaigrette with lemon juice instead of mayonnaise.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken chunks, incorporate quinoa, and sprinkle hemp seeds for extra protein boost without changing the core recipe structure.

FAQs

• Are peas the main ingredient in this salad?

Yes, frozen peas are the star ingredient, providing a sweet and tender base for this classic side dish.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pea salad tastes even better when prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together in the refrigerator.

• Is this salad suitable for potlucks and gatherings?

Definitely! It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport and always a hit at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.

• Do I need to cook the peas before making the salad?

No, you can use thawed frozen peas directly from the bag, making this recipe super quick and convenient.

Classic Pea Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful classic pea salad combines crisp vegetables with creamy dressing for a nostalgic side dish. Cool crunch and tangy flavors make this recipe a perfect summer companion you’ll want to serve at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen peas (thawed)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Additional Vegetables:

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Empty thawed green peas into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
2. Incorporate finely diced crimson onion, crumbled crispy bacon fragments, and grated sharp cheddar cheese into the peas.
3. Create a creamy binding sauce by whisking mayonnaise with tangy apple cider vinegar, balancing flavors with a hint of sweetness and seasoning.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable and cheese mixture, carefully folding ingredients to achieve uniform coating.
5. Transfer the salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop depth.
6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, ensuring each serving is equally flavorful.
7. Present the chilled salad as a delightful side dish, garnishing with additional bacon crumbles or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Boost flavor by using fresh garden peas when in season for a sweeter, more vibrant taste profile.
• Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate different dietary preferences and reduce saturated fat.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced hard-boiled eggs or sunflower seeds for extra nutrition and interesting texture contrast.
• Maintain salad’s crispness by adding cheese and bacon just before serving to prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 15mg