Bright, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Really Good Pea Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or everyday dinners. Featuring tender and sweet frozen peas tossed in a tangy and rich dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar, this recipe strikes a delightful balance between creamy and refreshing. Cheddar cheese brings a savory sharpness, while crispy bacon and diced red onion add crunchy, smoky, and zesty accents. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes (no cooking required!) and best enjoyed chilled, this pea salad is a make-ahead marvel that lets the vibrant flavors come together for a dish that's as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you're looking for a classic Southern favorite or a new twist on side salads, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Place the frozen peas in a colander and rinse them under cold water until they are fully thawed. Let them drain well and pat them dry gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Add the thawed peas to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat the peas evenly with the dressing.
Add the cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and crumbled crispy bacon to the bowl. Fold these ingredients in carefully to distribute them throughout the salad without mashing the peas.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to taste.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Stir the salad gently before serving. Serve cold as a side dish, and enjoy!
Calories |
2156 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 144.7 g | 186% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.7 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 271 mg | 90% | |
| Sodium | 3333 mg | 145% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 143.7 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.5 g | 120% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.3 g | ||
| Protein | 73.1 g | 146% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 606 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2156 mg | 46% | |
*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.