Classic Southern Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Make this easy, creamy pea salad featuring sweet peas, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. It is a classic side dish perfect for potlucks and barbecues.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen peas completely. Drain any excess water from the peas.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your dressing.
- Add the thawed peas, chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the dressing. Mix gently until all ingredients are coated.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving cold.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure the peas are fully thawed and drained before mixing.
- You can prepare this salad up to one day ahead; store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Use good quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35