Creamy Bacon Pea Salad with Cheddar

Sweet peas, smoky bacon, cheddar, and a tangy dressing make this creamy bacon pea salad a welcome side for cookouts, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. It comes together quickly, then chills while you finish the rest of the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

The peas stay pleasantly tender, while crisp bacon and red onion bring crunch. A little vinegar balances the rich mayonnaise and sour cream. The salad travels well in a chilled container and needs no last-minute cooking.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Creamy Bacon Pea Salad

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels, cool, and crumble.
2. Thaw the peas and drain away any excess water. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Add the bacon, cheddar, and red onion to the peas. Pour over the dressing and gently fold to coat.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Stir before serving and sprinkle a little reserved bacon on top.

Helpful Tips

Drain the peas thoroughly so the dressing stays creamy. For the best texture, hold back some bacon and scatter it on just before serving. Taste after chilling and adjust the salt or vinegar if needed.

Serving and Storage

Serve cold alongside grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or a simple roast. Keep the salad covered in the refrigerator, and return it to the fridge promptly after serving. Stir leftovers before enjoying them again.

Creamy Bacon Pea Salad with Cheddar

Sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar, and red onion tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups frozen green peas thawed and drained
• 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method

 

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain, cool, and crumble.
2. Thaw the peas completely and drain any excess moisture. Place in a large bowl.
3. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Add bacon, cheddar, and red onion to the peas. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat.
5. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Stir, garnish with reserved bacon, and serve cold.