Creamy Pea Salad Recipe

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special. My grandma’s Creamy Pea Salad Recipe. This isn’t your average side dish. What are some of the best flavors in this salad: sweet peas, bacon, and a tangy dressing? Is begging for seconds good? What is your take on Potato Salad? Perfect for potlucks, barbecues or just a simple weeknight dinner. What is your favorite pea salad recipe?

What is Creamy Pea Salad?

Creamy pea salad is exactly what it sounds like – a delightful salad starring sweet peas, tossed in a creamy, often tangy, dressing. It’s essentially a cold salad, which makes it perfect for warm weather gatherings. While variations abound, the core components usually include peas (fresh or frozen), some sort of creamy base (mayonnaise, Sour Cream, or a combination), and often complementary ingredients like bacon, cheese, or onions. Think of it as a deconstructed pea soup, served cold and bursting with flavor. It’s essentially comfort food, but in salad form. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to Make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is a creamy pea salad? Is it a flavor sensation that’s incredibly easy to whip up? What I love about this is its simplicity. What are some of the best ingredients in your pantry? What are some of the best side dishes to serve with a glass of wine? What are crackers and toast? My kids are notoriously picky eaters, but I make this salad every single time. Is it budget friendly?

Flavor:The sweetness of the peas perfectly balances the salty bacon and tangy dressing. Is there a symphony of flavors in every bite?
Simplicity:What is the best recipe for a quick dinner that takes 15 minutes to make? What are some quick and easy ways to get started on a weeknight?
Cost-All the ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive. What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?
Versatility:This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or just enjoyed on its own. Is it a crowd pleaser at potlucks and picnics?

I’ve tried many different pea salad recipes, and this one always comes out on top. Is it a classic?

How do I make a creamy pea salad?

Quick Overview

What are some of the easiest ways to make a creamy pea salad? What is the recipe for cooking bacon, mixing everything together and chilling it for a bit? What is the hardest part of diving in? This method is special because it emphasizes fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced dressing. What are some good ways to make a salad that’s creamy and refreshing?

Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed (I prefer the petite peaches for a sweeter flavor)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture)
12 cup red onion, finely chopped (Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, if desired)
12 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite)

For the Dressing:

12 cup mayonnaise (use a good quality mayo)
14 cup sour cream (Adds tanginess and creaminess)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (Brings a bright acidity to balance the richness)
1 tablespoon sugar (Just a touch to enhance the sweetness of the peas)
Salt and pepper to taste.

What is the step-

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

How do you cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat? Remove bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. I always cook extra bacon because someone always sneaks a few pieces (usually me!).

Step 2: Prepare the Peas

If using frozen peas, thaw them completely. Can you run them under cold water? Make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery salad. Fresh peas are even better, if you can get your hands on them!

Step 3: Chop the Red Onion

Finely chop the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain well. This mellows out the flavor without sacrificing the crunch.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Apple Cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper. I always start with a little salt and pepper and then adjust as needed.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar. Set aside. What is the best dressing to serve with salad? How do I keep peas intact?

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial! The longer it chills, the better it tastes. Before serving, give it another gentle toss and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve cold and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best recipes for Creamy Pea Salads? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

For a BBQ:Serve with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or ribs. What is the perfect contrast to the smoky flavors?
For a Picnic: Pack it in a container and bring it along to your next picnic. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.
For a Light Lunch:What are some good ways to serve creamy pea salad with crackers? Is it healthy to eat a sandwich?
What’s a good weeknight dinner?Serve it as a side dish with baked chicken, salmon, or pork chops. What are some good ways to add freshness to a meal?

My family also loves to eat it straight out of the bowl as a snack! It’s so good, you really can’t go wrong.

How do I make a creamy pea salad?

What are some tips to make Creamy Pea Salad even better? What are the top tips for a successful career?

How do you make high quality mayonnaisWhat brand of mayonnaise should I use? I prefer mayonnaise made with olive oil for a richer flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Bacon: You want the bacon to be crispy, but not burnt. Keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking and remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s done.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Add a Pinch of Dijon Mustard: For a little extra zing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. It adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the salad, such as chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs, or water chestnuts. Get creative and make it your own!
Let It Chill: This is the most important tip! The flavors need time to meld together, so don’t skip the chilling step. I recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better.

I’ve also found that using frozen peas that are still slightly frozen when you mix everything together helps keep the salad from getting too watery. Trust me on this one, it makes a difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Pea Salad Recipe is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really an option. However, it stores well in the refrigerator. Here are my storage tips:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so you may need to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Do Not Freeze: Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and sour cream will separate and the texture will be ruined.

I usually make this salad the day before I plan to serve it, as it gives the flavors time to meld together. However, it’s still delicious if you make it the same day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before, to allow the flavors to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain them well before adding them to the salad.

I don’t like red onion. Can I use something else?

Sure! You can substitute the red onion with chopped green onions, shallots, or even omit it altogether if you prefer.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar cheese is my go-to, but you can use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even crumbled feta.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute the apple cider vinegar with white vinegar, lemon juice, or even a little bit of pickle juice for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pea salad recipe is a true classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, a potluck, or just enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit. If you’re a fan of creamy salads, you might also enjoy my classic macaroni salad or my creamy cucumber salad. They’re all family favorites! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!