Description
A creamy, flavorful pea salad combining tender peas, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy mayonnaise-sour cream dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or casual family meals.
Ingredients
Pea Salad
- 4 cups frozen peas (thawed and well-drained)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare peas: Place thawed peas in a large mixing bowl and pat them dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring the salad isn’t watery.
- Combine solid ingredients: Stir in the cubed cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and finely diced red onion into the bowl with the dried peas, mixing gently to combine evenly.
- Make dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly without breaking up the cheese or bacon.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully before serving.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed, and garnish with extra bacon crumbles for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to drain and pat dry the thawed peas well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best texture and flavor; store-bought bacon bits may alter the consistency.
- This salad tastes best after chilling for at least an hour but can be made a day ahead to deepen flavors.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon, if not pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
