Bright, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy, the Perfect Pea Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that brings together classic ingredients with a modern twist. This chilled salad showcases sweet, tender peas paired with crispy, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy red onion—creating a medley of textures and flavors in every bite. A rich, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sweetness ties it all together, making it the ultimate combination of savory and sweet. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep, this colorful dish is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or even a simple family dinner. Serve it cold for a refreshing side that perfectly complements grilled meats, sandwiches, and more. Perfect Pea Salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious—making it a must-add to your recipe collection!
Remove the peas from the freezer and allow them to thaw on the counter while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble it into small pieces.
Finely dice the red onion to add a mild kick to the salad.
Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes or shred it using a grater, depending on your texture preference.
In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and cheddar cheese.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to mash the peas during mixing.
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Enjoy the Perfect Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish that pairs with a variety of meals!
Calories |
2643 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 196.7 g | 252% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.8 g | 249% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 374 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 3199 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 147.3 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.9 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.1 g | ||
| Protein | 81.9 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1068 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1914 mg | 41% | |
*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.