Description
Pea Salad with Bacon is a quick, creamy, and crunchy side dish that perfectly balances smoky bacon, fresh green peas, and a tangy-sweet dressing. Ideal for barbecues, family gatherings, or weekday meals, this vibrant salad adds both comfort and flair to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden. Transfer them to paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Peas: If using fresh peas, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender, then rinse under cold water to keep the vibrant green color. If using frozen peas, thaw and drain well.
- Chop Veggies and Cheese: Finely dice the red onion and cube or shred the cheddar cheese if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss Everything Together: Combine peas, crumbled bacon, diced onion, and cheese in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use quality bacon for the best smoky flavor; thick-cut is recommended.
- Dry peas thoroughly after rinsing to prevent a watery salad.
- Chilling enhances the flavor by allowing ingredients to meld.
- Adjust sweetness by adding sugar gradually to balance the vinegar’s tang.
- Add cheese last to prevent clumping and to make folding easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pea salad, bacon salad, creamy pea salad, side dish, barbecue side, easy salad, vegetarian alternative, quick salad
