Creamy, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors, this classic pea salad is the ultimate side dish for any occasion! Featuring tender, sweet peas combined with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy red onions, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Tossed in a rich dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sugar, this salad strikes the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing make-ahead dish. Serve it chilled for the best flavor, and watch it disappear at the table! Keywords: pea salad, classic side dish, creamy salad, easy salad recipe, bacon and pea salad.
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the frozen peas and cook for 1-2 minutes, just enough to thaw them. Drain the peas in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain completely.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Cube or shred the cheddar cheese into small pieces. Dice the red onion finely for a crunchy, tangy bite.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add the peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Give the salad a final toss before serving. Serve chilled as a side dish or enjoy on its own. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories |
2867 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 210.6 g | 270% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.1 g | 270% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 391 mg | 130% | |
| Sodium | 3723 mg | 162% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 162.9 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.1 g | 122% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.6 g | ||
| Protein | 84.8 g | 170% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 814 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 10.4 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 2346 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.