Classic Pea Salad With Bacon Recipe

There's something undeniably nostalgic about a chilled bowl of Classic Pea Salad with Bacon on the picnic table. Crisp, creamy, and dotted with salty bacon bits, this retro side dish is a timeless crowd-pleaser that always gets scooped up first.

I remember my grandmother bringing this to every potluck, nestled in her signature green Tupperware bowl. It’s simple, yes—but the contrast of sweet peas, sharp cheese, and smoky bacon creates an addictive combo that never goes out of style. Plus, it comes together in minutes, making it a staple for busy weeknights, last-minute cookouts, or whenever you need a reliable side dish fast.

Let’s dig into what makes this salad so beloved.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Pea Salad With Bacon

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. This Classic Pea Salad With Bacon checks all the boxes for a perfect side.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up. You can throw it together in about 15 minutes using just a few ingredients from your fridge and pantry. No fancy prep or cooking required (besides crisping the bacon), which means it’s perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.

It’s also budget-friendly, making it ideal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Frozen peas, a bit of cheese, and some pantry staples combine to make a generous bowl of salad that’s satisfying without being pricey.

Let’s not forget how family-friendly this salad is. Even picky eaters tend to love the sweetness of the peas paired with creamy dressing and crispy bacon. It’s a great way to sneak in a veggie without anyone batting an eye.

And best of all? This recipe is versatile and forgiving. Want to add chopped boiled eggs or sub in turkey bacon? Go for it. It adapts beautifully to what you have on hand, which makes it a great base recipe to riff on.

Now that you’re sold, let’s take a closer look at what goes into this nostalgic favorite.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this salad so special is how a few simple ingredients come together to create bold, satisfying flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Frozen green peas are the star of the show. Choose sweet green peas—not the mushy canned kind—for the best texture and flavor. Thawed but not cooked, they keep their snap and sweetness, which gives the salad its signature crunch.

Bacon brings the magic. Salty, crispy, and smoky, the bacon balances out the sweetness of the peas and adds that irresistible savory bite. I like to cook mine until just shy of crisp, so it stays slightly chewy after mixing into the dressing.

Red onion adds sharpness and color. Dice it finely so it blends evenly throughout the salad without overpowering each bite. If raw onion is too harsh for your taste, try soaking the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before using—it softens the flavor without losing the bite.

Cheddar cheese gives the salad richness and depth. Go for sharp cheddar and cube it rather than shredding; the little nuggets of cheese throughout the salad make for satisfying pops of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap in pepper jack for a little kick.

The dressing is a simple combo of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. It’s creamy and tangy with just a hint of sweetness to tie everything together. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt—though the flavor will be slightly more tangy.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a good mixing bowl, a skillet for the bacon, and a spoon for stirring it all together. Easy cleanup and minimal fuss.

How To Make This Classic Pea Salad With Bacon

This salad comes together so easily, it almost feels like cheating. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—it’s packed with flavor and texture.

Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and just crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, crumble or chop it into small pieces.

While the bacon cooks, thaw your frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cool water over them for a few minutes. Shake off excess water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. You don’t want any extra moisture diluting your dressing.

Next, whip up your dressing. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—it should be tangy, lightly sweet, and well-balanced.

Add the peas, chopped red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and most of the bacon to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in that luscious dressing. Be careful not to overmix—you want the peas to stay whole and the cheese cubes intact.

Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top just before serving for an extra hit of crunch and presentation. You can serve it right away, but I recommend chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and gives the peas an extra-refreshing snap.

Altogether, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus optional chilling. It’s the kind of recipe that rewards you with maximum flavor for minimal effort.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this pea salad is how well it keeps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. In fact, some say it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

If you're prepping ahead for a party or potluck, you can make the salad up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the final sprinkle of bacon until right before serving so it stays nice and crisp.

Avoid freezing this salad—the creamy dressing and peas don’t thaw well and can become watery or grainy.

To re-serve, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. If it’s looking a little thick or dry from the cold, you can freshen it up with a spoonful of sour cream or mayo.

Variations and Substitutions

This pea salad is endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own based on what you love or what’s in your fridge.

Try adding chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness. They blend beautifully with the creamy dressing and make the salad even more satisfying as a lunch on its own.

Swap out the cheddar for different cheeses like feta, pepper jack, or even crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Just be sure to choose something that complements the sweetness of the peas.

You can also add fresh herbs for a pop of color and brightness. Chopped dill, parsley, or chives are all great choices that enhance the salad without overpowering it.

If you're looking to lighten things up, try using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise. It adds tang and creaminess without all the fat, though the flavor will be slightly different.

For a fun twist, toss in some cherry tomatoes, diced pickles, or shredded carrots to mix up the texture and flavor. This salad welcomes creativity, so feel free to play around.

Once you make this Classic Pea Salad With Bacon, you’ll see just how easy and delicious it can be. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your recipe box—and becomes one of those dishes people start requesting by name.

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