Pea Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe
This vibrant and creamy Pea Salad combines crisp bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet peas tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings, this salad offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bacon
- 8 slices bacon, diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Salad
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 3/4 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (approximately the same size as the peas)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy and browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, coarse salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: To the dressing bowl, add the thawed peas, diced red onion, cubed sharp cheddar cheese, and the cooked crispy bacon. Gently stir the mixture until every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Before serving, garnish with some extra crispy bacon if desired and serve cold.
Notes
- For best flavor, ensure the peas are fully thawed but not mushy to maintain texture.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar quantities to taste for more or less tanginess or sweetness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese cubes should be about pea-sized for balanced bites.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Keywords: pea salad, bacon salad, creamy pea salad, summer salad, picnic salad, easy side dish
