Go Back
A bowl of creamy pea salad with bacon and herbs

Pea Salad Recipe

This classic pea salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or holiday gatherings. Made with sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing, it’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl (for dressing)
  • Mixing spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 4 cups frozen sweet peas thawed
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup celery diced (optional)
  • For the Dressing:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Peas – Thaw the frozen peas by rinsing them under cold water in a colander. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • Assemble the Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and celery.
  • Mix It Up – Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  • Chill & Serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

Make-Ahead: This salad tastes even better when made a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop.
Substitutions: You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste or use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keyword Pea salad, cold pea salad, creamy pea salad, bacon pea salad, easy side dish, potluck recipe, summer salad, BBQ side dish