Description
Classic Southern Pea Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish made with tender green peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a simple mayo-based dressing. It’s a nostalgic picnic and potluck favorite that’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, red onion, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra bacon or cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best crunch, or substitute with bacon bits in a pinch.
- Can be made up to a day in advance—just give it a good stir before serving.
- Add chopped boiled eggs or diced pickles for extra Southern flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Southern pea salad, green pea salad, bacon cheddar salad, creamy cold salad, picnic side dish