This Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is a delicious, refreshing side dish made with sweet green peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy red onions, and a rich, creamy dressing. Every bite combines sweetness, saltiness, creaminess, and crunch. It’s perfect for family dinners, summer BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the salad
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4 cups frozen green peas, thawed
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8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup red onion, finely diced
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3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
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¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)
For the creamy dressing
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon honey or sugar
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the peas
Place the frozen peas in a colander and allow them to thaw completely. Rinse briefly with cold water if needed, then drain thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Keep the peas chilled until ready to use.
Step 2: Cook the bacon
Place bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces. Reserve a little bacon for topping.
Step 3: Prepare the vegetables and cheese
Finely dice the red onion, shred the cheddar cheese, and chop the hard-boiled eggs if using. Wash and chop the fresh parsley. Set aside a small amount of cheese and onion for garnish if desired.
Step 4: Make the creamy dressing
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth, creamy, and well blended. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Combine the salad ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed peas, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, chopped eggs, and parsley. Add most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for decoration. Gently toss everything together.
Step 6: Add the dressing
Pour the creamy dressing over the pea mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until the peas, cheese, onions, and bacon are evenly coated. Avoid crushing the peas while mixing.
Step 7: Chill the salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and the dressing to thicken. Stir gently before serving.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Transfer the chilled salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon, extra cheddar cheese, and a little parsley over the top. Serve cold as a delicious side dish.
Helpful Tips for the Best Pea Salad
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Use thawed peas: Frozen peas work beautifully because they stay sweet, green, and slightly firm.
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Drain thoroughly: Excess water can make the creamy dressing thin and watery.
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Keep bacon crispy: Add the reserved bacon topping just before serving for the best crunch.
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Choose sharp cheddar: It gives the salad a stronger, richer cheese flavor.
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Adjust the dressing: Add a little more mayonnaise for extra creaminess or vinegar for a tangier taste.
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Make ahead: Prepare the salad several hours in advance, but reserve some bacon for topping just before serving.
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Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days. Do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?
Yes, but frozen peas are recommended because they have a firmer texture and fresher flavor. If using canned peas, drain them very well and handle gently.
Q2: Can I make bacon pea salad without eggs?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the hard-boiled eggs. The salad will still be creamy and delicious.
Q3: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and gives the dressing a slightly tangy flavor.
Q4: How do I keep the bacon crunchy?
Keep some bacon pieces separate and sprinkle them over the salad immediately before serving.
Q5: Can I prepare this salad the night before?
Yes! Mix the peas, cheese, onions, and dressing ahead of time and refrigerate. For the best texture, add the crispy bacon shortly before serving.
Q6: What dishes go well with creamy bacon pea salad?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, barbecue ribs, baked potatoes, burgers, and sandwiches.
Enjoy your Creamy, Crunchy Bacon Pea Salad!
A creamy, colorful, and satisfying side dish loaded with sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a delicious homemade dressing. Perfect for sharing at your next family gathering!