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, provides 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:
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy base of your salad dressing.
- Add the Main Ingredients:
- To the bowl with your dressing, add the thawed peas. They should be well-drained to avoid watering down the salad.
- Next, incorporate the cooked, crumbled bacon. Ensure the bacon is crispy to add a nice crunch and robust flavor to the salad.
- Add the diced red onion next, mixing well to ensure the sharp, tangy flavor disperses throughout the salad.
- Finally, add the cubed cheddar cheese. The small cubes will integrate well and provide pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Combine and Chill:
- Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the peas in the process.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad. It should chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. This chilling time also helps the peas absorb the flavors of the dressing and the smoky bacon.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt if needed.
- If desired, garnish with additional crumbled bacon for an extra touch of crunch and flavor.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue, picnic, or as part of a casual dinner.
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful pea salad as a delightful addition to any meal!
