Classic Southern Pea Salad
A nostalgic Southern dish featuring sweet green peas, smoky bacon, tangy cheddar cheese, and creamy dressing. Perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: diced hard-boiled eggs
- Optional: chopped dill pickles
Instructions
- Thaw the peas by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them for 2-3 minutes. Let them drain completely.
- Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and white vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Dice the red onion and cube or shred the cheddar cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced onion, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the top.
- Use a spatula to gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the peas.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
[‘Chill the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.’, ‘Use thick-cut bacon for extra texture and flavor.’, ‘Ensure peas are dry before mixing to keep the dressing creamy.’, ‘Dice ingredients evenly for balanced bites.’, ‘Adjust the dressing quantity to your preference.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
Keywords: Southern Pea Salad, comfort food, potluck recipe, easy salad, quick recipe, bacon salad, pea salad