Description
Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a creamy, crunchy side dish made with sweet green peas, crisp bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion tossed in a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners, this classic salad combines simple ingredients with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon slices until crisp, either in a skillet or oven, then drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: To the dressing, add the thawed peas, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, and most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some bacon for garnish).
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing, taking care not to mash the peas.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon over the top for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- Do not overcook the peas; thawed frozen peas keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for an extra traditional variation.
- For the best flavor, chill the salad before serving.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
