If you are craving a fresh, flavorful, and delightfully creamy salad, this Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together tender green peas, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a lusciously tangy dressing that sings with every bite. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare ahead of time, this salad is a timeless Southern staple that brightens up any gathering or weeknight dinner with its vibrant colors and irresistible textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe. Each simple component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color to make this salad a standout on your table.
- 3 cups frozen green peas: Thaw and drain these for a sweet, tender base that’s full of bright green color.
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded): Adds a sharp, creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the peas.
- 1/3 cup red onion (finely diced): Offers a mild pungency and crunch for extra dimension.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled): Brings smoky, salty crunch that elevates every mouthful.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Provides creamy tang that binds the salad together seamlessly.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Enhances richness and smooth consistency.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a zesty brightness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch to round out the flavors and mellow sharp notes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors alive.
How to Make Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the thawed and drained green peas in a large mixing bowl. Add the cubed or shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, and crumbled bacon on top. This combination sets the stage with its harmony of vibrant colors and contrasting textures that captivate the senses.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and well blended. This creamy dressing delivers the luscious, tangy flavor the salad is known for, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the peas and savoriness of the bacon and cheese.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture, then gently stir until every bit of the salad is coated in that silky dressing. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling is crucial here because it allows the flavors to mingle, intensifying the taste and giving the salad a refreshing chill perfect for warm days.
How to Serve Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
You can make your Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe look even more inviting and flavorful by garnishing with extra crispy bacon pieces or small cheddar cheese cubes right before serving. A few fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives add beautiful color contrast and a subtle herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
This pea salad pairs wonderfully with classic Southern mains such as fried chicken, pulled pork, or barbecued ribs. It’s also a perfect potluck companion or picnic side, offering a bright, cool bite alongside heavier, smokier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique touch, serve your pea salad in individual mini mason jars or hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. It also makes a fantastic topping for lettuce wraps or crackers if you want to serve it as a flavorful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing and flavors evenly.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients like cheese and bacon, freezing is not recommended for this salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled to maintain its wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not necessary or advised. Instead, keep it chilled and enjoy the refreshing blend of tastes and textures right from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter option?
Absolutely! You can replace both the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of this Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe without sacrificing creaminess.
Is it okay to use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Fresh peas can work if they are in season and perfectly tender, but frozen peas provide the ideal texture and sweetness year-round and save you prep time.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this salad?
Yes! Chopped boiled eggs or diced pickles make great additions if you want to add extra texture and savory flavors while staying true to the spirit of the Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least one hour of refrigeration is ideal to let all the flavors blend beautifully, but you can also prep it a day ahead for an even deeper flavor profile.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re preparing for a family barbecue or just want a delicious side to brighten your dinner, this salad never disappoints. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic Southern Pea Salad is a refreshing, flavorful side dish combining tender green peas with sharp cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfectly chilled, it makes a great addition to picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen green peas (thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded)
- 1/3 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the thawed and drained green peas, cubed or shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, and crumbled cooked bacon. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pea mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly without crushing the peas or cheese.
- Chill to Blend Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir. Serve cold, garnished optionally with extra crumbled bacon or additional shredded cheddar cheese as desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt.
- Add chopped boiled eggs or diced pickles to enhance textures and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
