This Classic Creamy Pea Salad is a comforting and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or just as a light meal addition. The combination of creamy dressing, smoky bacon, crunchy peas, and cheddar cheese makes for a satisfying and refreshing dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream — for creaminess
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise — adds richness and helps bind the ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar — to balance the acidity
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar — for a touch of tanginess
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus extra as needed for taste adjustment
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed — the star of the dish, providing sweetness and texture
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled — for a smoky, crispy element
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced — for sharpness and color
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed small — for a rich, cheesy bite
Preparation:
Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well combined to create a creamy base for your salad.
Add the Main Ingredients:
- To the dressing, add the thawed peas. Make sure they are drained well to avoid any extra moisture.
- Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon. Crispy bacon will provide a great crunch and smoky flavor to the salad.
- Add the diced red onion, mixing well to ensure the sharp, tangy flavor is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the cubed cheddar cheese, which will provide pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the salad.
Combine and Chill:
- Gently stir all the ingredients together, making sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the peas.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. The chilling time also helps the peas absorb the flavors of the dressing and bacon.
Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Optionally, garnish with additional crumbled bacon for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.