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.
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)
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.
Notes
Letting the salad chill for an hour enhances the flavor.
For a lighter version, swap mayo with Greek yogurt.
Thawed frozen peas work well if patted dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook (except bacon/eggs)
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Southern pea salad, creamy side salad, summer potluck