Pea Salad with Crispy Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe
Introduction
This refreshing pea salad is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, enhanced by crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Quick to prepare and ideal for potlucks or a light side dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 3/4 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (about the same size as the peas)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large nonstick skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, coarse salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Add the thawed peas, diced red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon to the dressing. Gently stir to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with some extra crispy bacon if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh peas in season for a sweeter, more vibrant salad.
- Swap apple cider vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter tang.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra freshness.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add toasted nuts for crunch.
Storage
Store pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold and within that time frame, as peas can become mushy and the bacon may lose crispness. If needed, give it a gentle stir before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used and will add a naturally sweeter flavor. Blanch them briefly in boiling water, then plunge into ice water to retain their color and texture before adding to the salad.
How do I keep the bacon crispy in the salad?
Cook the bacon until very crispy and drain well on paper towels. Add the bacon just before serving or reserve some to sprinkle on top as a garnish to maintain maximum crunch.
PrintPea Salad with Crispy Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe
This classic Pea Salad combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet peas, and a creamy dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise for a delightful, chilled side dish. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing accompaniment to any meal, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bacon
- 8 slices bacon, diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Salad
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 3/4 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (approximately the same size as the peas)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, coarse salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the thawed peas, diced red onion, cubed sharp cheddar cheese, and the cooked crispy bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, optionally garnish with a few extra crispy bacon pieces. Serve the salad cold for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure peas are fully thawed before mixing to avoid watering down the salad.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with mild cheddar or a cheese of your preference.
- For a tangier flavor, increase apple cider vinegar slightly, adjusting to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reduce preparation time, cook bacon in the oven on a baking sheet lined with foil at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Keywords: pea salad, bacon pea salad, creamy pea salad, easy side dish, summer salad, picnic salad
