This Traditional Pea Salad brings a delightful mix of fresh flavors and textures to your table. It's a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any meal that needs a refreshing, creamy accent. With crisp peas, savory bacon, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a family favorite.
Green peas are the star of the show here, offering a sweet, fresh taste and a nice pop of color. Cheddar cheese adds a creamy, rich texture and a sharp flavor that pairs beautifully with the peas. Red onion provides a bit of crunch and a subtle zing that cuts through the richness of the cheese and dressing. The mayonnaise and sour cream create a luscious, creamy base that ties everything together, while apple cider vinegar adds a vital tanginess to the dressing. Finally, bacon brings a smoky, savory element that elevates the entire dish.
This pea salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it a great addition to any barbecue. It also complements roasted vegetables or can be served alongside a hearty sandwich for a light lunch. Try it as a topping for baked potatoes to add some creamy, crunchy goodness.
Let's start by preparing the peas. If you're using fresh peas, go ahead and boil them in salted water for about 3 minutes. For frozen peas, simply follow the instructions on the package. Once they're cooked, drain them and plunge them into an ice bath. This step is crucial as it stops the cooking process and keeps the peas bright and vibrant.
While the peas are cooling, let's make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. This dressing should be smooth and creamy with a bit of a tang from the vinegar.
Once the peas are cool, drain them from the ice bath and add them to the dressing. Toss in the diced cheddar cheese and chopped red onion. Gently mix everything together until each ingredient is coated with the dressing. We want every bite to have a bit of everything.
Finally, fold in the crumbled bacon. You can reserve a little bacon to sprinkle on top as a garnish if you'd like. Now, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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