Classic Southern Pea Salad

A simple, creamy, and savory side dish everyone will enjoy.

introduction

This salad mixes sweet peas, eggs, bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing. It is quick to make and fits many meals. If you like classic Southern flavors, try the Classic Southern Pecan Pie recipe for dessert after this salad.

why make this recipe

This dish is easy, fast, and needs few ingredients. It makes a lot and holds its flavor when chilled. It works for potlucks, barbecues, and simple family dinners. Kids and adults often like the creamy, crunchy, and salty mix.

how to make Classic Southern Pea Salad

1. Thaw the peas and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
2. Cook the bacon until crisp and crumble it.
3. Mix peas, eggs, bacon, green onions, and cheese in a large bowl.
4. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and celery seeds (or chopped celery).
5. Whisk mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Pour the dressing over the pea mix and stir gently to coat.
7. Cover and chill at least one hour so flavors blend.

Ingredients :

• 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (canned peas work too)
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
• 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions (substitute with regular onions if preferred)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use your favorite cheese)
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)
• A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream

Directions :

• Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Season: Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
• Dress It Up: In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
• Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
• Enjoy: Serve this Classic Southern Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite!

how to serve Classic Southern Pea Salad

Serve chilled. Put it in a bowl or on a platter. It goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, fried chicken, and potato dishes. Garnish with extra chopped green onion or a small sprinkle of cayenne for color.

how to store Classic Southern Pea Salad

Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. Do not freeze because the dressing can separate and the texture will change.

tips to make Classic Southern Pea Salad

• Use fresh-tasting frozen peas for best texture.
• Let the salad chill at least one hour so flavors meld.
• Cook bacon until very crisp so it stays crisper in the salad.
• Taste before serving and adjust salt or cayenne.
• If you like a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

variation (if any)

• Ham version: Use 1 cup of chopped cooked ham instead of bacon.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
• Add crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped celery or 1/3 cup of chopped pickles.
• Lighter: Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Drain them well and pat dry to avoid a watery salad.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours or the day before and keep it chilled. Stir before serving.

Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: You can use dairy-free mayonnaise and a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream and regular mayo.

Q: Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
A: Yes. Leave out bacon and add extra cheese or roasted nuts for flavor.

Q: How spicy is the salad with cayenne?
A: The cayenne is only a small sprinkle for a little heat. You can skip it if you prefer no spice.

Classic Southern Pea Salad

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian (omit bacon for full vegetarian option)

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Description

A simple, creamy, and savory side dish featuring sweet peas, eggs, and bacon.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
• 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions (substitute with regular onions if preferred)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)
• A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream

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Instructions

1. Combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl.
2. Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
4. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Serve this Classic Southern Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering.

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Notes

Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing alternative.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg