A cool, creamy Southern pea salad that is easy to make and tastes great at picnics or family meals.
introduction
This recipe makes a bright, creamy side dish that stays good in the fridge. It mixes sweet peas, eggs, bacon, cheese, and a tangy dressing. If you like simple Southern sides, try the baked pears with goat cheese and cranberries recipe for a sweet counterpoint.
why make this recipe
This salad is quick to make and feeds a crowd. It uses common ingredients and holds up well on a buffet. It is cool, creamy, and has crunch and smoky bites from the bacon.
how to make Deliciously Refreshing Southern Pea Salad
- Thaw the frozen sweet peas and pat them dry on a clean towel so they stay crisp.
- Hard-boil the eggs until firm, peel, and chop them small.
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then crumble it. If you use ham, cook and chop it.
- In a large bowl, mix the peas, chopped eggs, bacon (or ham), green onions, and shredded cheddar. Fold gently to keep the pieces whole.
- In another bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Add black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Mix until the dressing tastes creamy and slightly spicy.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mix and stir so everything is coated. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors blend.
- Taste before serving and add a little more salt or pepper if needed.
Ingredients :
- One 16-ounce package of frozen sweet peas, thawed and uncooked (canned peas are also possible)
- Two hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Four to six slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled, or one cup of cooked and chopped ham (optional)
- Half a cup of chopped green onion (regular onion can be used as well)
- One cup of shredded cheddar cheese (any kind of cheese is suitable)
- Quarter teaspoon of black pepper
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Quarter teaspoon of garlic powder
- Half a teaspoon of celery seeds or half a cup of chopped celery
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Half a cup of mayonnaise
- Half a cup of sour cream
Directions :
Begin by thawing your package of frozen sweet peas. Lay them out gently on a clean kitchen towel to absorb any excess water. This step ensures they maintain their crispness, offering a delightful burst of texture in each bite.
While the peas thaw, hard-boil your eggs to perfection. Ensure they are firm to the touch before peeling and chopping them finely. Fry your bacon until it’s irresistibly crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. The aroma will be smoky and inviting.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, chopped eggs, crumbled bacon or ham, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a gentle hand to fold these ingredients together, preserving their distinct textures and colors.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until seamlessly smooth. Add the apple cider vinegar for a slight tang, then season with black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds, and a dash of cayenne. The dressing should be creamy with a hint of spice, ready to wrap each ingredient in a flavorful embrace.
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture, and mix thoroughly to ensure even coverage. The aroma of garlic and cayenne should lightly permeate. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The salad should be vibrant, with a harmonious balance of creaminess, tang, and spice. Serve chilled and enjoy the blend of crunchy, creamy, and savory elements.
how to serve Deliciously Refreshing Southern Pea Salad
Serve it cold from the fridge. Put it in a bowl at a picnic or potluck. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or simple roasted chicken. Garnish with a little extra chopped green onion or a sprinkle of cheddar.
how to store Deliciously Refreshing Southern Pea Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. Stir it once before serving again. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.
tips to make Deliciously Refreshing Southern Pea Salad
- Dry the peas well after thawing so the salad stays creamy and not watery.
- Taste the dressing before you add it. Add a little more salt or a pinch more cayenne if you like heat.
- Use crisp bacon for texture. If you prefer no pork, use cooked ham or skip meat.
- Make it a few hours ahead so the flavors join well.
variation (if any)
- Add diced red bell pepper for color and crunch.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier bite.
- Use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to lower the fat.
- Add chopped pickles or a tablespoon of pickle juice for tang.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Drain canned peas well and pat dry before using to avoid a watery salad.
Q: Do I have to chill the salad before serving?
A: You should. Chilling for at least 2 hours helps the flavors blend and makes the salad taste better.
Q: Can I make this salad without bacon?
A: Yes. Use ham, leave out the meat, or add extra cheese and celery for texture instead.
Q: How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
A: It will keep 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. Stir before serving.
Deliciously Refreshing Southern Pea Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 145 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian (optional)
Description
A cool, creamy Southern pea salad that combines sweet peas, eggs, bacon or ham, cheese, and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics and family meals.
Ingredients
- One 16-ounce package of frozen sweet peas, thawed and uncooked
- Two hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Four to six slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled, or one cup of cooked and chopped ham (optional)
- Half a cup of chopped green onion
- One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Quarter teaspoon of black pepper
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Quarter teaspoon of garlic powder
- Half a teaspoon of celery seeds or half a cup of chopped celery
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Half a cup of mayonnaise
- Half a cup of sour cream
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen sweet peas and pat them dry on a clean towel.
- Hard-boil the eggs until firm, peel, and chop them small.
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then crumble it.
- Mix the peas, chopped eggs, bacon (or ham), green onions, and shredded cheddar in a large bowl, folding gently.
- Whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream in another bowl until smooth, then add black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and cayenne.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mix and stir until coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 120 minutes before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
Serve cold. Pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
