Classic Pea Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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This Classic Pea Salad is a refreshing, creamy delight that brings together sweet, crunchy, and savory elements all in one bowl. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a cozy family dinner, offering a nostalgic nod to timeless flavors with a modern twist.

Ingredients for Classic Pea Salad

The star of our salad is the frozen green peas, which are convenient and retain their sweetness and texture. Red onion adds a sharp, refreshing bite, contrasting beautifully with the other creamy elements. Cheddar cheese brings a rich, tangy flavor, while bacon provides a savory, smoky crunch. The dressing, made with mayonnaise and sour cream, is tangy and creamy, balanced with apple cider vinegar for acidity and honey for a hint of sweetness. Salt and pepper tie everything together with just the right amount of seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure peas are fully thawed and drained to avoid a watery salad.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add smoked almonds for crunch.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dressing, adjust the honey to your taste.
  • Chill the salad for even longer, if possible, for a more flavorful experience.

Serving Suggestions

This salad makes a versatile side dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a heartier meal. It's also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, complementing egg dishes and freshly baked bread beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas work great too! Just blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then cool them in ice water before using.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should last about 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Absolutely, substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan mayonnaise and sour cream.

Classic Pea Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients so you're not scrambling when you need them. In a large mixing bowl, toss in the thawed green peas. Ensure they're thawed properly so they mix well with the rest of the ingredients. Add in the diced red onion, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Give it a gentle toss to combine everything evenly.

Next, let's tackle the dressing. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and honey. You want a smooth, creamy consistency that will coat the salad perfectly. Pour this silky dressing over your pea mixture, making sure each bit gets a nice coating. Carefully toss everything together, taking care not to mash the peas.

Season with a dash of salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust according to your preference—some like it saltier, others may prefer a peppery kick. Once seasoned, cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite a harmonious blend.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with minimal prep work.
  • Packed with flavorful, fresh ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
  • A great make-ahead dish for busy days.

Ingredients

2 lbs frozen green peas (thawed)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine thawed green peas, diced red onion, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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