This cold salad is a classic Southern favorite: crisp peas, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead side for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free | Contains Dairy | Contains Egg
📝 Ingredients Checklist
Frozen sweet peas (thawed) or canned peas
Hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
Bacon (cooked and crumbled) or ham (optional)
Green onions (or regular onions, chopped)
Shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
Black pepper
Salt
Garlic powder
Celery seeds (or chopped celery)
Cayenne pepper
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or ham, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar.
Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or celery), and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Pour over the pea mixture.
Combine and Chill
Gently stir until everything is well coated. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Pea Salad
❄️ Thaw Properly: If using frozen peas, thaw under cool water and drain well to prevent a watery salad.
🥓 Use Real Bacon: Crisp, freshly cooked bacon adds unbeatable crunch and flavor.
🧀 Cheddar Power: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that balances the creaminess.
🧊 Chill Time = Flavor Time: Don’t skip the chill—this is when the magic happens.
🥗 A Cool, Creamy Crowd-Pleaser
This Creamy Pea Salad is nostalgic comfort food at its finest. It’s cool, creamy, and crunchy with just enough bite from the green onion and cheddar. It goes with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even on its own for a light lunch.
👨🍳 Cooking Walkthrough
Base Mix
Use a light hand when mixing so the peas and eggs don’t mash. A rubber spatula helps keep the texture intact.
Seasoning Layer
The celery seeds or fresh celery give it a subtle crunch and depth. Don’t skip the cayenne—it adds a tiny kick without overwhelming the flavor.
Dressing
A 1:1 ratio of mayo and sour cream makes it rich without being too heavy. Feel free to adjust this balance based on taste.
🧂 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Peas: Frozen peas offer better texture than canned, but either works.
Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and savory contrast.
Sour Cream: Balances mayo with a bit of tang.
Substitutions:
Ham instead of bacon for a heartier, saltier bite.
Chopped celery instead of seeds if you want extra texture.
Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option.
Vegan mayo & plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free/vegan version (omit egg and bacon too).
🍽 Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve With:
BBQ ribs or grilled chicken
Baked potatoes or mac and cheese
As part of a Southern-style picnic spread
Garnish Suggestions:
Extra crumbled bacon or sliced green onions on top just before serving
A sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for color and kick
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead
You can prep this salad 1–2 days ahead—it actually gets better as it sits. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Shelf Life Notes
The salad may release a bit of moisture after a day, but a quick stir will bring it back together. Best texture is within 48 hours.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: ~250 kcal
Protein: ~8g
Carbs: ~10g
Fat: ~18g
Allergens: Dairy, Egg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes, just drain and rinse well. The texture will be softer than frozen.
Q: Is it okay to skip the bacon?
A: Absolutely. It’s optional—you can replace it with ham or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
Q: What’s the best way to thaw frozen peas?
A: Run under cool water in a colander for a few minutes, then drain thoroughly.
💬 Creamy, Crunchy, Classic
This pea salad is one of those “everyone asks for the recipe” kind of dishes. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Let me know how yours turned out—and share your own twist in the comments!