Pea Salad Recipe

There's something nostalgic about a cold, creamy Pea Salad on a warm afternoon. The vibrant green peas, the crunch of red onion, and the savory touch of crispy bacon all come together in a refreshing side dish that feels like summer on a plate.

I first made this salad for a family picnic years ago, and it was gone before the burgers hit the grill. Since then, it’s been my go-to for potlucks, barbecues, and easy weeknight dinners when I want something cool, crisp, and incredibly satisfying.

What makes this salad so special? It's quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is easily customizable to suit any taste. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad

Pea Salad might sound humble, but don’t let its simplicity fool you. This dish has a surprising amount of flavor and texture that makes it truly irresistible.

First and foremost, it's incredibly easy to prepare. You can whip it up in under 15 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples and a bag of frozen peas. No cooking required—just mix and chill!

It’s also budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are affordable and likely already sitting in your fridge or freezer. Feeding a crowd without stretching your grocery bill? Done and done.

The flavor combo is out of this world. Between the sweetness of the peas, the saltiness of the bacon, the sharp bite of red onion, and the creamy dressing, every bite is balanced and crave-worthy.

And don’t forget how versatile it is. Whether you're going classic with cheddar and bacon or adding a modern twist with feta and herbs, this salad adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss side that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, you’re going to love this Pea Salad.

Ingredient Notes

This salad keeps things simple, but each ingredient plays a key role in the final dish. Here’s what makes them special—and where you can make easy swaps.

Frozen green peas are the star of the show. Be sure to use sweet green peas, not the canned variety. Frozen peas offer the best texture and color, and you don't even have to cook them—just thaw and toss them in.

Mayonnaise forms the base of the creamy dressing. I recommend a full-fat version for the richest flavor, but you can lighten it up with Greek yogurt or a mayo-yogurt combo without losing that signature creaminess.

Red onion gives the salad its essential crunch and bite. If raw onion is too sharp for your taste, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.

Cheddar cheese, preferably sharp, adds a salty, creamy bite. Cut it into small cubes rather than shredding for the best texture. You can also swap in feta or gouda if you're feeling adventurous.

Bacon brings smoky, savory depth that balances the sweetness of the peas. Make sure it's crispy, and chop it finely so every bite gets a little crunch. If you need a vegetarian version, try crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for that texture.

You’ll also want a large mixing bowl and a sharp knife to prep your ingredients. No fancy gadgets needed—just a little counter space and a cold drink while you work.

How To Make This Pea Salad

Creating this salad couldn’t be easier. Just a few steps stand between you and a dish everyone will be asking the recipe for.

Start by thawing your frozen peas. You can either leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water in a colander until they’re no longer icy. Drain well and pat dry to avoid watering down the dressing.

Next, cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Let it cool completely before chopping it into small pieces. This is key to keeping it crunchy once it’s mixed with the creamy dressing.

Dice your cheddar cheese into small cubes, mince the red onion, and chop any optional add-ins you might like—hard-boiled eggs, dill pickles, or fresh herbs are all welcome here.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar (for tang), a bit of sugar (to bring out the peas’ natural sweetness), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing should be creamy and just a little zippy.

Add all your ingredients to the bowl and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the peas—you want them to stay whole and vibrant.

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and helps the texture firm up slightly. Serve cold, straight from the fridge, and watch it disappear.

Storage Options

Pea Salad stores wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead dish for parties and meal prep.

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the peas may start to lose their firmness, and the bacon can go a bit soggy.

If you’re planning to make this in advance, consider stirring in the bacon just before serving to keep it extra crisp.

This salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and the delicate texture of the peas. Stick to fridge storage for best results.

To reheat? You don’t! Pea Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for summer gatherings and no-oven-needed dinners.

Variations and Substitutions

This Pea Salad is endlessly adaptable—feel free to make it your own.

Looking for a healthier version? Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise. You’ll get the same creamy texture with a little extra protein and tang.

For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and try adding smoked almonds, sunflower seeds, or chopped olives. These ingredients add richness and crunch without the meat.

Want to switch up the cheese? Crumbled feta, diced gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese can bring exciting new flavors to the table.

Toss in some fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for a garden-fresh twist. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can also brighten up the dressing.

And if you're in the mood for a heartier dish, consider mixing in cooked pasta (like shells or elbows) or hard-boiled eggs to turn this side salad into a complete lunch.

With so many ways to tweak and tailor this recipe, you’ll never get bored of Pea Salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own signature version.

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