Pea Salad

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Pea salad is the kind of dish that surprises you in the best way possible. With its crisp texture, creamy dressing, and a combination of savory and slightly sweet elements, this salad is a summer staple you’ll keep coming back to. It’s cool, quick to throw together, and perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even a solo lunch at home.

What makes pea salad so irresistible is its versatility. Whether you’re working with fresh peas in spring or frozen ones from the freezer aisle, you can have this ready in under 15 minutes. Tossed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and red onions, every bite brings crunch and creaminess together in perfect balance.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad

This salad is simple but satisfying. It brings bold flavor with minimal ingredients, and it’s easy to prep in advance. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or bringing it to a picnic, it holds up well and tastes even better after the flavors mingle for a bit.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted for various dietary needs, making it a great side for gatherings.

Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Peas for Pea Salad?

Absolutely. If you have access to fresh garden peas, blanching them quickly gives you that vibrant green snap. But frozen peas work beautifully too—just thaw and toss. Avoid canned peas though, as they tend to be too soft and will get mushy in the salad.

Ingredients for the Pea Salad

This pea salad is built with a handful of ingredients that each bring something special. Every element is essential to create that satisfying contrast of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory.

Green peas
These are the star, offering a naturally sweet, crisp bite. Frozen peas are ideal because they hold their shape and color.

Bacon
Cooked until crisp, bacon adds a smoky, salty punch that contrasts perfectly with the peas.

Red onion
Sliced thin, red onions provide a sharp bite that cuts through the creaminess.

Cheddar cheese
Cubed sharp cheddar brings richness and tangy depth that ties the flavors together.

Mayonnaise
Acts as the creamy base that coats everything. It keeps the salad moist without being runny.

Sour cream
Adds a little tang to lighten up the mayo and balance the richness.

Apple cider vinegar
Just a splash brightens the salad and enhances the other flavors.

Sugar
Optional, but a tiny bit offsets the tang and adds balance.

Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings to finish the dish and pull everything together.

How To Make the Pea Salad

Step 1: Prep the Peas

If using frozen peas, let them thaw in a colander and pat dry. If using fresh, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Fry the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.

Step 3: Chop the Ingredients

Dice the red onion and cube the cheddar cheese so everything is bite-sized and easy to mix.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the peas, bacon, red onion, and cheddar. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Pea Salad

Pea salad is best served chilled, which makes it a great make-ahead side dish. It can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, though the bacon may lose some crispness over time.

This recipe makes enough for about 6 servings as a side dish. It’s perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or simply having a fresh option ready in your fridge.

What to Serve With Pea Salad?

Grilled Chicken

A simple lemon or herb-marinated grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy freshness of the pea salad.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The smoky richness of pulled pork contrasts nicely with the cool crunch of the salad.

Baked Potatoes

Serve this salad alongside baked potatoes with toppings for a filling vegetarian-friendly spread.

BBQ Ribs

The sweet and tangy flavors in barbecue ribs play beautifully with the brightness of the pea salad.

Turkey Burgers

For a lighter protein, turkey burgers and pea salad make a refreshing summer dinner.

Crispy Fried Fish

The crunch of fried fish and the creamy salad is a classic comfort food combo.

Veggie Skewers

Charred veggies from the grill and a scoop of pea salad are both healthy and satisfying.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If you love this easy and creamy pea salad, here are a few more refreshing and creative ideas to explore:

• Apple Salad for a crisp and fruity bite.
• Easter Fruit Fluff Salad when you want a sweet and creamy bowl.
• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for something more hearty yet refreshing.
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad that combines creamy, eggy goodness with pasta.
• Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds if you need a crunchy, baked side.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra bacon? Try a flavored cheese? Maybe even swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite recipe inspiration.

Conclusion

Pea salad may not be the flashiest dish on the table, but it will be one of the first to disappear. Between its simplicity, flavor, and texture, it’s an underrated star of any spread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick veggie-packed bite, this dish delivers comfort and freshness in every spoonful.

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