Description
A refreshing and creamy pea salad featuring sweet peas, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a side dish for potlucks, BBQs, or casual gatherings, this salad is easy to prepare and served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 4 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 12 strips bacon, cooked until crisp then finely chopped or crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 medium red onion, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing while you assemble the salad ingredients.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed sweet peas, cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the chilled dressing over the pea mixture, then toss everything well to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the pea salad for 2 to 3 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the peas are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with smoked tempeh or vegetarian bacon bits.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance for convenience and better flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can enhance freshness.
