In a flash of nostalgia, I found myself reminiscing about the joyous potlucks of my childhood, where creamy Bacon Pea Salad stole the spotlight on the buffet table. This vibrant dish marries sweet, tender peas with the smoky crunch of bacon and the sharp richness of cheddar cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Perfect for any gathering, this pea salad isn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it’s also delightfully easy to whip up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of family and friends. In just a few simple steps, you have a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with everything from holiday ham to summer barbecue fare. Who’s ready to dive into this deliciousness?

Why is This Pea Salad a Must-Try?

Creamy Deliciousness: Combining sweet peas, savory bacon, and sharp cheddar, this salad is a flavor explosion that tantalizes your taste buds.

Quick Prep: Whip it up in just a matter of minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute gatherings—like potlucks or holiday celebrations.

Versatile Pairing: Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty main dish such as Egg Avocado Salad or at a BBQ with grilled meats, this salad never fails to impress.

Nostalgic Touch: A beloved classic that brings back memories of family gatherings, it’s sure to please both young and old.

Make Ahead-Friendly: Prep it a day in advance for flavors to meld beautifully, leaving you more time to enjoy.

Don’t miss out on this creamy Bacon Pea Salad that will become a staple at your gatherings!

Pea Salad Ingredients

This creamy Pea Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures!

For the Salad

Frozen Peas – Use thawed peas for sweetness and texture; no cooking needed.
Bacon – Cooked and crumbled (8 slices) adds smoky crunch to each bite.
Cheddar Cheese – Shredded or cubed (½ cup) provides a rich, creamy element.
Red Onion – Finely diced (¼ cup) for sharpness; soak in salt water to mellow if desired.

For the Dressing

Mayonnaise – Acts as a base, creating creaminess (⅓ cup) for the perfect texture.
Sour Cream – Adds tang and richness (½ cup) to balance the flavors.
Granulated Sugar – A touch (1 tablespoon) to balance the acidity from the dressing.
Vinegar (White or Apple Cider) – Provides acidity (2 teaspoons) to brighten the salad.
Salt – Enhances overall flavors (¼ teaspoon, more to taste).
Black Pepper – Offers a slight heat (⅛ teaspoon) for added depth.

Elevate your gatherings with this irresistible Pea Salad!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pea Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of either white or apple cider vinegar. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Season the dressing with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste as needed.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Add the thawed peas, 8 slices of crumbled bacon, ¼ cup of finely diced red onion, and ½ cup of shredded or cubed cheddar cheese into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together, coating them thoroughly with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the peas; you want the salad to remain vibrant and colorful.

Step 3: Chill the Salad
Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate the creamy pea salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously cohesive dish that’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Prior to serving, give the pea salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper, if necessary. For an extra touch of crunch, consider topping it with additional crumbled bacon just before serving. Enjoy this delightful creamy pea salad as a refreshing side at your next gathering!

Make Ahead Options

This Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare all the components up to 24 hours in advance, saving valuable time on busy days. Begin by making the dressing with mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and vinegar, and store it in an airtight container. You can also cook and crumble the bacon, keeping it separate until just before serving to maintain its crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the thawed peas, diced onions, cheese, and dressing, and give it a gentle stir. This way, you’ll have a refreshing, delicious salad ready to impress your guests without any last-minute stress!

How to Store and Freeze Bacon Pea Salad

Fridge: Store the creamy Bacon Pea Salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving to recombine the ingredients.

Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep it covered in the fridge for best results.

Freezer: Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salad (without the bacon) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and add cooked bacon just before serving for optimal texture.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat the salad; enjoy it chilled. If adding bacon after freezing, make sure the bacon is freshly cooked to retain its crunch!

What to Serve with Creamy Bacon Pea Salad

A flavorful side dish can elevate any meal, and this creamy delight pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken complement the richness of the pea salad, creating a well-balanced meal.
Baked Ham: A classic pairing! The savory saltiness of the ham enhances the sweet and creamy notes of the salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Add a crunch and earthy flavor with a medley of roasted seasonal veggies, contrasting nicely with the creamy texture.
Crispy Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of toasted bread serves as a fantastic companion, perfect for scooping up the salad.
Fruity Coleslaw: Brighten your plate with a tangy slaw that adds a refreshing taste, balancing the creaminess of the bacon pea salad.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances your dining experience with its crisp and zesty notes.
Lemon Tart: Finish your meal with a light and refreshing lemon tart. Its zesty sweetness will leave guests smiling and satisfied.

Pea Salad Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and customize your Bacon Pea Salad to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Greek Yogurt: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist that still delivers creaminess.
Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon for a leaner, heart-healthy option without sacrificing flavor.
Crunchy Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or crunchy celery for an extra layer of texture and refreshment.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the flavor profile and add a fresh aroma.
Spicy Kick: For some heat, toss in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to get your taste buds tingling.
Cheese Switch-Up: Experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or pepper jack, to enhance the savory depth of your salad.
Vegan Alternative: Swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives to create a delicious vegan version.
Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and bonus of healthy fats.

These variations can be combined with other lovely dishes like Dill Pickle Tuna Salad or Bruschetta Pasta Salad for a scrumptious spread that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Expert Tips for Bacon Pea Salad

Pea Preparation: Ensure you use thawed frozen peas; cooking them can make them mushy and detract from the salad’s vibrant texture.
Bacon Crunch: For the crispiest bacon, cook it until golden brown before crumbling. If preparing ahead, add chopped bacon just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Onion Soaking: Soak diced red onions in salt water for 10-15 minutes to mellow their sharpness, ensuring a balanced flavor in your pea salad.
Dressing Balance: Taste the dressing before adding all ingredients. Adjust sugar and vinegar to achieve the perfect sweet and tangy balance tailored to your palate.
Make Ahead Tips: Make the salad a day in advance to let the flavors meld beautifully. It remains fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, so it’s perfect for potlucks!

Creamy Bacon Pea Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I select the perfect peas for this Bacon Pea Salad?
Absolutely! For the best results, use frozen peas that are well-thawed. Look for peas without any dark spots or discoloration, which can indicate older or freezer-burned peas. It’s important to avoid cooking them since the salad benefits from their sweet and tender texture.

What’s the best way to store leftover Bacon Pea Salad?
Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir to mix everything together, as the dressing may separate. Enjoying it chilled ensures you keep that fresh and creamy flavor intact!

Can I freeze Bacon Pea Salad?
Yes, but with a twist! While you can freeze the salad (without bacon) for up to 2 months, we recommend adding the cooked bacon fresh after thawing. To freeze, place the salad in an airtight container, and make sure it’s properly sealed. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then mix in freshly cooked bacon for the best texture.

What should I do if my Bacon Pea Salad is too salty?
If you find your salad is a bit too salty, a simple fix is to add a little more fresh, thawed peas to dilute the saltiness. You may also incorporate a bit of extra sour cream or mayonnaise to balance it out. Always taste your dressing before mixing in all the ingredients to ensure the perfect seasoning from the start.

Is this Bacon Pea Salad suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
When preparing for dietary considerations, keep in mind that this salad contains mayonnaise and sour cream, which are dairy products. For a lighter option and to accommodate different diets, I often substitute Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or use vegan mayonnaise. Also, ensure to check the bacon’s ingredients if allergies are a concern—there are turkey alternatives that can work well too!

How long should I let the Bacon Pea Salad chill before serving?
Plan on chilling this delightful salad for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but if you can prepare it a day ahead, that works even better! This way, the salad becomes refreshingly cohesive, making it an absolutely delicious side for any potluck or family gathering.