Pea Salad Recipe - Creamy Pea Salad With Bacon

This easy pea salad is the perfect side dish to take to any potluck or picnic. Packed with peas, crispy bacon, onion, cheddar cheese, and dill, along with a creamy dressing, this cold pea salad recipe will be your new favorite summer salad!

Prep Time 15

8 servings

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english pea salad in a white bowl, square image.

If you're looking for a great side dish for a baby shower or summer party look no further than this green pea salad. Just follow the easy instructions below, and you'll have a classic side dish that everyone will love.

sweet pea salad with shredded cheese garnish in a whie bowl.

Classic pea salad is a type of cold vegetable salad that typically includes peas, mayonnaise, and other ingredients such as chopped onion, bacon, cheese, or hard-boiled eggs. The peas used in the salad can be either fresh or frozen, and they are usually blanched before being mixed with the other ingredients.

This cold salad is a popular side dish in many parts of the United States, particularly in the southern states. It can be served cold or at room temperature and is often enjoyed during the spring and summer months.

ingredients for english pea salad in bowls on a surface.

Recipe Card?

To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.

Additions and Substitutions

Frozen peas are what is called for in this recipe because they are readily available all year round. When fresh peas are in season, use them in place of frozen ones.
Hard boiled eggs - my great-aunt would add diced hard-boiled eggs to her southern pea salad and it is a great way to add extra protein to this salad.
Celery - finely dice a few ribs of celery to add another layer of crunch

Can you eat raw peas?

Absolutely! Peas can be enjoyed both cooked and raw. Raw peas have a crunchy texture and a slightly sweeter taste compared to their cooked counterparts. They make a fantastic addition to salads, providing a refreshing and crisp element. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before eating to remove any dirt or debris.

How do you make English pea salad from scratch

Prep - Gently bring peas out of a frozen state in a large bowl. Add a slivered red onion and cube the cheese, or buy already cut up sharp cheddar cheese cubes.
Make the dressing - Combine the mayo, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper, and dill, to the bowl of peas and gently fold them over each other until they have mixed thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve - Garnish with chopped cooked bacon or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Spoon onto your plate with all of the other goodies and enjoy!

Storage Tips

Can I make pea salad the night before?

Yes, you can make this salad recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This step actually allows you to skip the thawing process, as the peas will thaw in the fridge on their own.

What main meals go well with pea salad?

This is a side dish that goes well with almost any main meal. You can serve it inside tacos or wraps, on top of lettuce for a salad, or by itself as an appetizer. It is also a wonderful way to balance out dishes commonly found at a cookout or barbecue.

Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

tight shot of a spoon full of pea salad being taken out of the full bowl.

Can you use frozen peas for pea salad?

Yes, frozen peas will work just as well as fresh. If you're using frozen, gently bring them to a chilled state rather than a frozen state. If your peas are mushy they will smash during the mixing process. Do not use canned peas!

Do you cook the peas for pea salad?

No, that is one of the great things about peas. They taste delicious and sweet when they are raw. if using frozen peas for this recipe, gently bring them up to temperature by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes or microwaving 30 seconds at a time. Do not cook them to prevent them from being mushy in the salad mix.

Can pea salad be frozen?

No. This pea salad recipe is not the type of salad you can freeze. The dairy involved with the salad makes the salad overly soft and the dressing separates after thawing. Prepare this salad the day of or the day before you plan to serve it.

Are peas ok on a keto diet?

Peas are not included in most low carbohydrate diets, including the keto diet. This is because peas contain sugars and starches that can quickly turn into sugar during digestion.

Although peas are healthy, they do contain carbohydrates so it may be best to avoid them if you're on a keto diet or watching your carb intake.
However, if you're looking for low-carb diet options, you can replace the peas with chopped lettuce or cucumber.

Expert Tips

pea salad in a bowl with kitchen accessories in the background.

With these tips in mind, you'll be able to make a delicious English pea salad that everyone will love!

Use quality ingredients: Even though the ingredients are simple, using high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of the salad. Look for fresh, firm green peas, sharp cheese, and quality bacon bits.
Don't cook the peas: Garden peas are best when they are slightly crunchy and sweet. Avoid cooking them, or they will become mushy and lose their flavor.
Adjust the dressing to your taste: The dressing for this salad is tangy and creamy, but you can adjust the proportions of mayonnaise, sour cream, and vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little bit of sugar or honey.
Chill the salad before serving: This salad is best when it is cold, so make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This will also allow the flavors to meld together.
Add your favorite toppings: While this recipe calls for bacon bits and cheddar cheese, you can add other toppings to customize the salad to your taste. Chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, or even sliced almonds can add extra flavor and texture.

This pea salad is so easy to make! So, if you're looking for a delicious dish that doesn't take much time at all, this recipe is for you! Print out the recipe card, gather the ingredients, and have fun making your own english pea salad today!