Classic Southern Pea Salad

A simple, tasty salad you can make in a few minutes and chill before serving.

introduction

This Classic Southern Pea Salad is cool, creamy, and full of good flavors. If you like Southern sides, try this classic Southern pecan pie recipe as well. The salad mixes peas, eggs, bacon, and cheese with a mayo-sour cream dressing for a dish people love.

why make this recipe

Make this when you want an easy side for a potluck, picnic, or family meal. It takes little time, uses simple ingredients, and tastes good cold. Kids and adults usually enjoy it.

how to make Classic Southern Pea Salad

Thaw the peas and chop the eggs. Cook and crumble the bacon or use cooked ham. Mix the dry seasonings with the veggies and cheese. Whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream, then pour over the mix and stir. Chill for at least an hour so the flavors join together.

Ingredients :

• 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
• 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
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream

Directions :

1. In a large bowl, combine thawed peas, chopped eggs, crumbled bacon (or ham), green onions, and cheese.
2. Season with black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and cayenne.
3. In another bowl, whisk together mayo and sour cream.
4. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
6. Serve cold as a side dish.

how to serve Classic Southern Pea Salad

Serve it chilled. Put it in a bowl at a potluck or plate it beside grilled meat, fried chicken, or sandwiches. It also pairs well with breads and other picnic foods.

how to store Classic Southern Pea Salad

Cover the bowl or put the salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. Do not freeze the salad because the mayo and dairy separate.

tips to make Classic Southern Pea Salad

• Thaw peas in the fridge or under cold water and drain well so the salad is not watery.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper after you mix the dressing.
• Cook bacon until crisp for a better texture, then drain on paper towels.
• Make it a few hours ahead so it gets chill time for better flavor.

variation (if any)

• Swap bacon for ham for a milder meat taste.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy, lighter dressing.
• Add diced red bell pepper for color and crunch.
• Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, cool in ice water, drain, and use.

Q: Is this salad good for kids?
A: Yes. The creamy dressing and mild flavors suit many kids. Leave out cayenne if you want no spice.

Q: Can I make this the day before?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and keep it chilled. The flavors usually get better after a few hours.

Q: Can I skip the eggs?
A: Yes. You can leave out eggs to make the salad lighter or for those with egg allergies.

Classic Southern Pea Salad

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian (if bacon is omitted)

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Description

A cool, creamy salad with peas, eggs, bacon, and cheese, perfect for potlucks and family meals.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
• 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
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine thawed peas, chopped eggs, crumbled bacon (or ham), green onions, and cheese.
2. Season with black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and cayenne.
3. In another bowl, whisk together mayo and sour cream.
4. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
6. Serve cold as a side dish.

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Notes

Thaw peas in advance and drain well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg