💚 Classic Southern Pea Salad with Bacon, Cheddar & Creamy Dressing

The Ultimate Potluck Side Dish: Creamy, Crunchy, and Full of Flavor

This Classic Southern Pea Salad is a timeless favorite for a reason. It's the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory, with a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy textures. Sweet green peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty red onion are all tossed in a perfectly seasoned, creamy dressing. It’s quick to make, travels well, and is guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbecue, picnic, or family gathering!

🍽️ Recipe Details

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed and well-drained
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed into small, pea-sized pieces (or shredded)
• ½ cup finely diced red onion (you can soak this in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce the sharpness, if desired)
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup high-quality mayonnaise (Duke's or Hellmann's are Southern favorites!)
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option)
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to your preference for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peas and Bacon

1. Thaw the Peas: Place the frozen peas in a colander and run cold water over them until completely thawed. This should only take a minute or two. Once thawed, shake off excess water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. It's crucial that the peas are well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it is crisp. You can do this in a skillet, the oven, or the microwave. Once cooked, transfer the slices to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain the grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

1. In a large mixing bowl (the one you'll use for the entire salad), whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

1. Add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, cubed cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and chopped celery (if using) to the bowl with the dressing.
2. Gently fold all the ingredients together with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the peas.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to set up perfectly.
2. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir. Garnish with a little extra crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired.
3. Serve cold as a delightful side dish!

⭐ Pro Tips & Variations

• Cheese Choice: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to substitute with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a little kick. Ensure you cube the cheese yourself from a block for the best texture and flavor.
• Onion Softening: If you find raw red onion too strong, after dicing it, place the pieces in a small bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry before adding to the salad. This mellows the flavor considerably.
• Make-Ahead: Pea salad is an excellent make-ahead dish! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors deepen the longer it sits, though the crunch from the celery and bacon may soften slightly.
• Add-Ins: For extra texture and flavor, try mixing in a few tablespoons of sliced water chestnuts, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a tablespoon of fresh dill. Chopped hard-boiled eggs are also a popular Southern addition!

Enjoy this delightful, crowd-pleasing salad! It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of Southern comfort to your table.

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