Classic Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

Name: Classic Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen peas, thawed; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Author: Tessa

Published: July 11, 2025

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You know that moment at a summer potluck when you spot a bowl of classic creamy pea salad tucked between the potato chips and deviled eggs? That’s when I know the party’s about to get good! This simple, refreshing side dish has been my go-to for years – ever since my Aunt Marge brought it to our family reunion when I was twelve. The combination of sweet peas, crispy bacon, and that tangy creamy dressing just sings of summer.

What makes this classic creamy pea salad so special is how effortlessly it comes together. You’ll spend more time deciding what to wear to the barbecue than you will prepping this crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors – cool peas, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon all coated in a dressing that’s just sweet enough. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic or serving it at your next cookout, this salad disappears faster than kids chasing the ice cream truck!

Classic creamy pea salad - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Classic Creamy Pea Salad

This isn’t just another side dish—it’s the kind of recipe that makes people ask, “What’s your secret?” Here’s why it’s always a hit:

Effortless elegance: It looks fancy but takes just 10 minutes of hands-on time. No cooking required—just mix and chill!
Cool and refreshing: The crisp peas and creamy dressing are like a summer breeze for your taste buds.
Crowd-pleaser magic: I’ve never brought leftovers home from a potluck. Kids and adults both go wild for it.
Endlessly adaptable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge—it’s forgiving like that.

Trust me, after one bite, you’ll understand why this salad has been my not-so-secret weapon for years.

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Ingredients for Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Here’s the beautiful part – you probably have most of these ingredients already! But let’s talk specifics because proportions matter in this simple-but-perfect combo:

4 cups frozen peas, thawed: No need to cook them – just let them sit out while you prep everything else. That slight crunch is everything!
1/2 cup diced red onion: Cut them small – you want flavor in every bite without overwhelming. Soak in ice water for 5 minutes if you’re onion-shy.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I use medium cheddar, but sharp gives it more punch. Buy blocks and shred yourself – it’s creamier.
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon: The real stuff, please! Save that bacon grease for another recipe.
The dreamy dressing: 1/2 cup mayo (Duke’s if you can find it), 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simple magic!

See? Nothing fancy – just good ingredients treated right. Now let’s make some salad!

How to Make Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Okay, let’s get mixing! This is where the magic happens – but don’t worry, it’s foolproof. I’ve made this salad so many times I could probably do it in my sleep (and have, after particularly festive barbecues). Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the perfect creamy pea salad in no time.

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

First, grab your biggest mixing bowl – I use my grandma’s old yellow one with the chipped rim because, well, tradition! Dump in those beautiful thawed peas (they should still have a bit of chill to them – that’s perfect). Add your finely diced red onion – remember, we want little bursts of flavor, not onion bombs. Toss in the shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon. Now, here’s my trick: give everything a gentle stir with a rubber spatula just to distribute the ingredients evenly. Don’t go crazy – we want to keep those peas looking pretty!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

Now for the good stuff! In a smaller bowl (my favorite little Pyrex works great), whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they’re completely smooth and creamy. Add the apple cider vinegar – this is what gives it that perfect tang. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk again until everything is fully incorporated. Taste it! Want more zip? Add another splash of vinegar. Need more sweetness? A pinch more sugar. This is your dressing – make it yours!

Step 3: Mix and Chill

Here comes the fun part. Pour that luscious dressing over your pea mixture. Now, gently – I mean GENTLY – fold everything together with your spatula until every pea is wearing its little coat of creamy goodness. Once it’s all combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. I know, waiting is hard, but trust me – this is when the flavors really get to know each other. The onions mellow out, the bacon flavor permeates everything… it’s totally worth the wait!

Tips for the Best Classic Creamy Pea Salad

After making this salad more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “can I get your recipe?” amazing:

Fresh peas in season? Absolutely use them! Just blanch for 60 seconds in boiling water, then shock in ice water to keep that perfect crunch.
Taste as you go – that dressing might need an extra pinch of salt or splash of vinegar depending on your peas’ sweetness.
Make it ahead! This salad gets better overnight as flavors meld. Just stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Storage smarts: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge – it’ll stay fresh and crisp for 3-4 days (if it lasts that long!).

Oh! And always bring copies of the recipe – you’ll be asked for it, guaranteed.

Variations for Classic Creamy Pea Salad

The beauty of this salad? It’s like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m feeling adventurous:

Egg-citing twist: Toss in 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein – it makes the salad heartier.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a kick or smoked gouda for depth instead of cheddar.
Lighter option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream – you’ll get that same tang with less fat.
Crunch factor: Add sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for unexpected texture.

Really, the only rule is to keep it cold and creamy – beyond that, let your taste buds guide you!

Serving Suggestions for Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Oh, the places this salad will go! My absolute favorite way to serve it is alongside smoky grilled burgers – the cool creaminess cuts through that rich beef perfectly. But don’t stop there! It’s magical with:

Pulled pork sandwiches (the vinegar tang plays so nicely with the sweet meat)
Fried chicken (trust me, it’s a picnic match made in heaven)
As part of a brunch spread next to quiche and fresh fruit

Sometimes I even eat it straight from the bowl with just a fork – no judgment here!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the best part – this classic creamy pea salad actually gets better as it sits! Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container (I swear by my glass snap-lock bowls) and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and crisp for 3-4 days – if it lasts that long! And reheating? Don’t bother – this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. The peas keep their perfect snap, and the flavors just keep mingling beautifully.

Classic Creamy Pea Salad Nutrition

Let’s talk numbers – because even comfort food deserves to be honest! A 1/2 cup serving of this classic creamy pea salad comes in at about 180 calories, with 12g of fat (3g saturated), 6g of protein, and 10g of carbs (including 3g of fiber from those beautiful peas). Not bad for a side dish that tastes this indulgent!

A quick heads-up – these numbers can vary based on your ingredient choices. Use full-fat mayo and extra bacon? It’ll be richer. Swap in Greek yogurt and turkey bacon? Lighter but still delicious. Either way, you’re getting a good dose of veggie goodness in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas make this salad extra special when they’re in season. Just blanch them in boiling water for about 60 seconds, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. This keeps that perfect crisp-tender texture we love.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?
This classic creamy pea salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything marries together. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You’re reading my mind! Making it ahead is actually ideal. The resting time lets the onions mellow and the bacon flavor spread through every bite. I often make it the night before a gathering – one less thing to do on party day!

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re not a mayo fan, try using all sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. The dressing will be tangier, but still delicious. For a dairy-free version, avocado makes a surprisingly creamy substitute when mashed with the vinegar and seasonings.

Share Your Thoughts

I’d love to hear how your classic creamy pea salad turns out! Did you add your own twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. If you loved it, spread the joy – share it with friends on social media!