1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
A few ingredient notes
Green peas: Frozen peas are convenient, sweet, and easy to use. Thaw them in the refrigerator or under cool running water, then drain thoroughly. You don't need to cook them if they're already blanched and fully thawed.
Bacon: Cook it until crisp so it adds a delicious crunch. Thick-cut bacon works particularly well if you love generous pieces in every bite.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor. Shredding cheese from a block can also give the salad a pleasant texture.
Mayonnaise and sour cream: This combination makes the dressing creamy with a little tang. You can use plain Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the sour cream if you prefer.
Apple cider vinegar: A small amount balances the richness of the dressing. White wine vinegar also works well.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
You won't need anything fancy to make this salad.
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for the dressing
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board
Skillet for cooking the bacon
Colander for draining the peas
Airtight storage container
That's it! Simple tools, simple preparation, and a delicious result.
How to Make Bacon Pea Salad
Step 1: Cook the bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, turning as needed. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Tip: Reserve a little bacon for the topping. It gives the finished salad an attractive look and adds extra crunch just before serving.
Step 2: Prepare the peas
Place the thawed peas in a colander and let any excess water drain away.
Pat them gently with a clean kitchen towel if they're especially wet. Too much water can thin the dressing and make the salad watery.
Allow the peas to dry while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the creamy dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and optional sugar.
Add the salt and black pepper, then stir until smooth.
Give the dressing a taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, add a little more vinegar. If you like a sweeter dressing, include the sugar.
Step 4: Combine the salad ingredients
Add the peas, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, and most of the crumbled bacon to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the dressing over the top.
Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until the peas and other ingredients are evenly coated.
Try not to mash the peas as you mix.
Step 5: Chill before serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This gives the flavors time to blend and helps the salad become nicely chilled.
If you're preparing it for a party, you can make it several hours ahead. Keep the reserved bacon separate until serving time so it stays crisp.
Step 6: Garnish and enjoy
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top and add a little extra cheddar or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Bacon Pea Salad
Drain the peas thoroughly
This is one of the most important steps. Excess water can dilute the dressing and leave liquid at the bottom of the bowl.
Let the bacon cool
Hot bacon can warm the dressing and soften the peas. Let it cool before mixing it into the salad.
Add some bacon just before serving
Bacon mixed into a creamy salad will gradually soften as it sits. Reserving a portion for the topping gives you that irresistible crispy finish.
Use sharp cheddar
Mild cheddar works perfectly well, but sharp cheddar gives the salad a more noticeable cheesy flavor without requiring extra cheese.
Chill for better flavor
You can serve the salad immediately, but chilling it for at least 30 minutes makes a difference. The dressing settles into the ingredients, and the finished dish tastes more balanced.
Season gradually
Bacon and cheddar are both salty, so taste the salad before adding extra salt. You may find that a small pinch is all you need.
Easy Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about bacon pea salad is how easily you can make it your own.
Add hard-boiled eggs
Chop two hard-boiled eggs and gently fold them into the salad for extra richness and a more substantial side dish.
Add celery for crunch
Finely diced celery provides a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender peas and creamy dressing.
Try a different cheese
Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mild smoked cheese can also work well.
Make the dressing lighter
Replace some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. The result will be tangier and lighter while still creamy.
Use green onions instead of red onion
Green onions provide a milder flavor. They're a great option if you want a little onion taste without too much sharpness.
Add a little garlic
A small pinch of garlic powder can deepen the savory flavor. Start with a little and adjust to taste.
Make it vegetarian
Leave out the bacon and add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped toasted pecans for crunch. You can also use a vegetarian bacon alternative, following its package instructions.
What to Serve With Bacon Pea Salad
This chilled salad pairs beautifully with all sorts of comfort-food favorites.
Grilled chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast or barbecue chicken makes an easy, satisfying meal.
Burgers and hot dogs: The creamy peas are a refreshing side for classic cookout food.
Barbecue ribs: Smoky, tender ribs and cool pea salad make a delicious combination.
Roasted chicken: Serve it with roasted chicken and warm dinner rolls for an easy family dinner.
Pulled pork sandwiches: The salad adds a creamy, sweet-savory contrast to the rich pork.
Sandwiches and wraps: Pair a small bowl with ham sandwiches, turkey wraps, or grilled cheese.
Holiday dinners: It works alongside baked ham, roast turkey, and other traditional family favorites.
For a summer gathering, serve it with grilled meat, sliced tomatoes, corn on the cob, and watermelon. It's a colorful spread that feels effortless and inviting.
Can You Make Bacon Pea Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This is an excellent make-ahead side dish.
You can prepare the peas, cheese, onion, and dressing a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them a few hours before serving for the freshest texture.
Alternatively, mix the complete salad several hours ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. For the best crunch, keep some of the cooked bacon aside and sprinkle it on just before serving.
If the dressing thickens in the refrigerator, gently stir the salad before serving. If needed, add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh the consistency.
How to Store Leftover Bacon Pea Salad
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
Because this salad contains mayonnaise, dairy, and cooked bacon, keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. As a general food-safety rule, don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours—or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).
For best quality, enjoy leftovers within 3–4 days, provided the ingredients were handled and stored safely.
Can You Freeze Bacon Pea Salad?
Freezing isn't recommended. Mayonnaise-based dressings can separate after thawing, and the peas may become softer and release extra moisture.
This salad is easy enough to prepare fresh, so refrigeration is the better choice.
Bacon Pea Salad Recipe at a Glance
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes for the bacon
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 55–60 minutes, depending on bacon cooking time
Servings: 6
Course: Side dish, salad
Cuisine: American-inspired
Main ingredients: Green peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cook frozen peas before making this salad?
No. Frozen peas are generally blanched before freezing, so they only need to be thawed for this recipe. Drain them well before mixing.
Can I use canned peas?
You can, but canned peas are often softer than frozen peas. Drain them very thoroughly and fold them gently into the salad to avoid crushing them.
Why is my pea salad watery?
The most common reason is excess moisture from the peas. Make sure they're fully thawed and well drained before adding the dressing. Watery vegetables or a dressing that's too thin can also contribute.
Can I make bacon pea salad without sour cream?
Yes. Replace the sour cream with additional mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt. The flavor and texture will vary slightly, but the salad will still be delicious.
How long should pea salad chill before serving?
At least 30 minutes is ideal for flavor. If you're short on time, you can serve it immediately, but chilling gives the dressing a chance to blend with the other ingredients.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes. Cook turkey bacon according to the package instructions until crisp, then cool and crumble it. The flavor will be a little different, but it works well.
Is bacon pea salad served hot or cold?
It's served cold. Keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve, especially during outdoor gatherings and warm-weather events.
Can I make this salad without sugar?
Definitely. The sugar is optional and simply balances the tanginess of the dressing. Taste it without sugar first, then decide whether you want to add any.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 330
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fat: 25 g
Saturated fat: 8 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 590 mg
These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the brand of bacon, type of mayonnaise, amount of cheese, and exact portion size.
More Easy Side Dishes to Try
If you love simple recipes that are perfect for family meals and gatherings, add these favorites to your menu:
Classic Creamy Potato Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Old-Fashioned Coleslaw
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Fresh Corn Salad
Broccoli Salad with Cheddar and Bacon
They're all wonderful options for rounding out a cookout, picnic, or casual family dinner.
Leave a Review and Share Your Salad!
Did you make this Bacon Pea Salad? I'd love to hear how it turned out!
Leave a review and share any changes you made. Did you add hard-boiled eggs, extra cheddar, or a little more bacon? Tell us about it in the comments.
And if you snap a photo of your finished salad, save it to Pinterest so you can find the recipe again whenever a potluck or barbecue comes around. Your recipe ideas might inspire someone else, too!
Final Thoughts
There's a reason simple recipes like Bacon Pea Salad keep showing up at family gatherings. They're easy to prepare, full of familiar flavors, and versatile enough to serve with just about anything.
Sweet green peas, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy, tangy dressing come together in a dish that feels comforting without being complicated. Make it for a summer cookout, bring it to a potluck, or serve it alongside a weeknight dinner.
With just a little preparation and some time to chill, you'll have a colorful side dish that's ready to share.
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