Creamy and Crunchy Pea Salad
Creamy and Crunchy Pea Salad is a refreshing and satisfying side dish made with sweet Green Peas, crispy vegetables, and a rich creamy dressing. The combination of tender peas, crunchy onions, savory Bacon, and shredded Cheddar Cheese creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.This salad is popular for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and quick family meals.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total time: 10–30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups frozen green peas, thawed
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup celery, chopped
Creamy Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey or sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
sunflower seeds
chopped pickles
diced bell peppers
fresh dill
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peas
Thaw the frozen peas and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl whisk together:
mayonnaise
sour cream or Greek yogurt
apple cider vinegar
honey or sugar
salt and pepper
Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
peas
crumbled bacon
shredded cheddar
diced onion
celery (if using)
5. Add Dressing
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently mix until evenly coated.
6. Chill and Serve
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 20 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad lighter?
Yes. Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use half yogurt and half mayo.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Simply skip the bacon or replace it with roasted chickpeas or smoked almonds.
How long does this salad last?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I add more crunch?
Yes, try adding:
toasted nuts
sunflower seeds
crispy onions
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 4 g
Fat: 18 g
Sodium: 420 mg