Name: Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-489454H26M
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) sweet peas, drained; 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed small or shredded; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Southern Pea Salad is a creamy, colorful classic that brings back memories of potlucks, family reunions, and cozy dinners. It combines sweet peas, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing with just the right tang. Perfect as a side dish, this salad is a flavorful throwback that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or want something simple to perk up a weeknight dinner, this chilled salad delivers freshness with every bite. The best part? It only takes a few minutes to put together and tastes even better after it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish.

What Kind of Peas Should I Use?

For this recipe, canned sweet peas work perfectly. They hold their shape, offer that classic Southern taste, and blend seamlessly into the creamy mixture. If you prefer a bit more bite, you can swap in frozen peas that have been thawed—just make sure to pat them dry before mixing.

Ingredients for the Southern Pea Salad

2 cans (15 oz each) sweet peas, drained
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed small or shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

How To Make the Southern Pea Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by draining the canned peas thoroughly and letting them sit for a few minutes to remove excess moisture. Meanwhile, dice the red onion, cube or shred the cheddar cheese, and cook your bacon until crispy. Let the bacon cool, then crumble it into small pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

Gently fold the peas into the dressing mixture. Add the chopped red onion, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. If using, mix in the chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the salad a refreshing chill.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if you’d like a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving and Storing Your Southern Pea Salad

Southern Pea Salad is at its best when served cold, making it ideal for summer gatherings, backyard cookouts, and even casual lunches. Scoop it into a chilled bowl or serve in small cups for individual portions. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or any Southern comfort food.

For storage, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again, especially if any separation has occurred. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the peas and dressing won’t hold up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?

Yes, frozen peas are a great alternative. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent watering down the dressing.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is traditional, but feel free to use pepper jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for a twist.

How do I make it lighter?

Swap full-fat mayo with light mayo or Greek yogurt. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

Is it okay to make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, as the flavors meld together.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Southern Pea Salad, you’ll want to try these other fresh and flavorful creations:

Broccoli Salad with a creamy tangy dressing and crunchy textures.
Blueberry Peach Feta Salad for a fruity-sweet twist.
Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad when you’re craving crisp, tangy bites.
Authentic 7 Layer Mexican Dip that doubles as a hearty, crowd-pleasing salad.
Giant Zucchini Parmesan for a savory veggie centerpiece.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can revisit it anytime.

And when you make it, drop a comment below! Did you toss in jalapeños? Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo? I’d love to hear your take.

I post new ideas every day over on Pinterest @NinaDishes — follow me there to keep your menu fresh and seasonal!

Southern Pea Salad Recipe

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A chilled, creamy Southern classic, this Pea Salad combines sweet peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, and red onion in a tangy dressing—perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and cozy weeknight meals.

Instructions

1. Drain canned peas thoroughly and let sit to remove moisture. Dice the red onion, cube or shred the cheddar, and cook bacon until crispy. Let bacon cool, then crumble.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.

3. Gently fold in the peas, then add red onion, cheese, and bacon. Mix in chopped eggs if using.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.

5. Before serving, gently stir and garnish with parsley if desired.