Bacon Pea Salad
Creamy, Crunchy, and Loaded with Flavor—The Ultimate Side Dish!
This creamy Bacon Pea Salad is a classic picnic and potluck favorite made with sweet green peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy red onions, and a rich homemade dressing. It’s quick to prepare, requires no cooking (except the bacon), and tastes even better after chilling.
Prep Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill: 1 hour (recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings
6–8 servings
Ingredients
For the Salad
4 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup celery, finely diced
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Creamy Dressing
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon until crispy.
Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Peas
Thaw frozen peas completely.
Drain well to remove excess moisture.
Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
Tip: Do not cook the peas—they should stay firm and sweet.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
mayonnaise
sour cream
vinegar
Dijon mustard
garlic powder
sugar
salt
pepper
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble
In a large bowl combine:
peas
bacon
cheddar cheese
celery
red onion
green onions
parsley
Pour dressing over the salad.
Fold gently until everything is coated.
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
Stir gently before serving.
Top with:
extra bacon
shredded cheddar
chopped parsley
cracked black pepper
Serve cold.
Tips for Success
✔ Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture.
✔ Dry the peas thoroughly.
✔ Cook bacon until very crisp.
✔ Chill before serving.
✔ Add bacon just before serving if making ahead for maximum crispness.
Delicious Variations
Ranch Bacon Pea Salad
Replace Dijon with 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning.
Sweet Version
Add:
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons honey
Extra Crunch
Mix in:
sunflower seeds
pumpkin seeds
chopped celery
Spicy
Add:
diced jalapeños
cayenne pepper
hot sauce
Protein Boost
Add:
diced chicken
chopped ham
turkey bacon
boiled eggs
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate and the peas can become mushy after thawing.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg
Sodium: 620 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Nutrition varies depending on ingredients used.
Allergen Information
This recipe is nut-free by ingredient, but always check packaged ingredients for cross-contamination if serving someone with a severe allergy.
Contains:
Eggs (mayonnaise)
Milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream)
Does Not Contain (by recipe):
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Soy (unless present in certain brands of mayonnaise or bacon)
Wheat/Gluten (verify bacon, mustard, and mayonnaise labels if needed)
Gluten-Free: Yes, if all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance.
Cook and crumble the bacon a day ahead.
Assemble the salad without bacon, then stir the bacon in just before serving to keep it crisp.
What to Serve With
Grilled burgers
BBQ chicken
Smoked brisket
Pulled pork sandwiches
Fried chicken
Hot dogs
Grilled steak
Roast turkey
Baked potatoes
Corn on the cob
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Can I use canned peas?
Fresh or frozen peas are recommended. Canned peas are softer and can make the salad mushy.
2. Do I need to cook frozen peas?
No. Simply thaw and drain them thoroughly.
3. Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes. It often tastes even better after chilling overnight. For the best texture, add the bacon just before serving.
4. Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely. Turkey bacon works well and lowers the fat content.
5. How long does Bacon Pea Salad last?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
6. Can I freeze it?
No. Freezing changes the texture of both the dressing and the peas.
7. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss are also delicious.
8. Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Use light mayonnaise, light sour cream, or substitute part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
9. Can I add nuts?
Yes, if there are no nut allergies. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add extra crunch, but omit them for a nut-free version.
10. Why is my salad watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from peas that weren’t fully drained or from overmixing. Pat thawed peas dry before combining with the dressing.
Final Tip
For the best flavor and texture, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving, then sprinkle freshly crumbled bacon and a little extra cheddar on top just before serving. This keeps the bacon crispy while allowing the creamy dressing to fully coat the peas and vegetables.
