why make this recipe
This salad is quick, tasty, and uses simple ingredients. It mixes sweet peas, salty bacon, and creamy dressing for a classic side. If you like bacon in salads, you might also like bacon Brussels sprouts.
introduction
Classic Pea Salad with Bacon is a cool, fresh side. It works for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. You can make it fast and it keeps well in the fridge.
how to make Classic Pea Salad with Bacon
Make the salad in four easy steps. First mix the peas, bacon, cheese, and onion. Whisk the dressing in another bowl. Pour the dressing over the pea mix and toss gently. Chill the salad at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
Ingredients :
2 cups fresh or frozen peas, 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
how to serve Classic Pea Salad with Bacon
Serve cold or slightly chilled. Put it in a bowl for a buffet or spoon it next to grilled meats. It also works on top of lettuce or as a side for sandwiches.
how to store Classic Pea Salad with Bacon
Keep the salad in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. Do not leave it out more than two hours.
tips to make Classic Pea Salad with Bacon
- Cook bacon until it is crisp so it stays crunchy in the salad.
- If you use frozen peas, thaw and drain them well.
- Taste the dressing and add salt or pepper little by little.
- Chill at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend.
- Make the dressing ahead and mix just before serving for the best texture.
variation (if any)
- Swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter salad.
- Add chopped celery or dill for more crunch and flavor.
- Use green onions instead of red onion for a milder bite.
- Stir in peas with thawed edamame for extra protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen peas?
A: Yes. Thaw them first and drain any extra water.
Q: Can I skip the bacon?
A: Yes. The salad still tastes good without bacon. You can add toasted nuts for crunch.
Q: How long before serving should I toss the salad?
A: Toss it and chill at least 30 minutes. You can also make it a few hours ahead.
Q: Can I make this nut-free or dairy-free?
A: For dairy-free, skip the cheddar or use a dairy-free cheese. The rest is nut-free.
Q: Will the salad get soggy if I make it a day before?
A: It may soften a bit. Keep it chilled and stir gently before serving.
Classic Pea Salad with Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cool, fresh side salad that combines sweet peas, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
