Print

Pea Salad with Bacon

Pea Salad with Bacon

Pea Salad with Bacon is a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful side dish perfect for parties and family gatherings. It artfully combines fresh or frozen peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing with apple cider vinegar and a touch of sweetness. Easy to prepare and customizable, this salad is a crowd-pleasing delight that tastes even better when chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 6 slices bacon strips
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Peas: For fresh peas, blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain. For frozen peas, thaw under cold running water and drain well to retain color and texture.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over the mixture and fold carefully until evenly coated without crushing the peas.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for optimal freshness and taste.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut, high-quality bacon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Gently fold ingredients to keep peas intact and maintain crunch.
  • Chill the salad for at least one hour to enhance flavor blending.
  • Adjust the sweetness in the dressing based on pea sweetness by tasting before mixing.
  • Drain excess grease from bacon thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: pea salad, bacon salad, summer side dish, creamy salad, party dish, crowd pleaser, gluten free, easy salad