@marcirenee23 Creamy Pea Salad With Bacon 😋 #marcirenee #sidedish #easyrecipe #yummy #foodtiktok #foodies #foodlover #foodblogger #cincinnati ♬ original sound - MarciRenee

Looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious side dish? This creamy bacon pea salad recipe is a guaranteed winner! Packed with sweet peas, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing, it's the perfect addition to potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or a simple weeknight meal. This straightforward recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavor explosion that everyone will love.

If you're searching for the best pea salad with that irresistible bacon crunch, you've come to the right place! This recipe balances sweetness, creaminess, and savory goodness in every bite.

Why You'll Love This Bacon Pea Salad:

• Easy to Make: Minimal prep time, ready in minutes!
• Delicious Flavor Combination: Sweet peas, salty bacon, and tangy dressing are a match made in heaven.
• Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleasing side dish for any gathering.
• Satisfying Textures: Creamy dressing, tender peas, crunchy bacon, and crisp onion.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to your liking.

Variations to Consider:

• Add Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chopped hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and creaminess.
• Include Celery or Water Chestnuts: For added crunch, try adding diced celery or drained and chopped water chestnuts.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley can add a bright, herbaceous note.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
• Make it Lighter: You can slightly reduce the amount of mayonnaise or use plain Greek yogurt in place of some of the sour cream for a lighter version.

Tips for the Best Bacon Pea Salad:

• Thaw Peas Properly: Ensure your frozen peas are fully thawed. Running them under cool water can speed up the process. Drain them well to avoid a watery salad.
• Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Crispy bacon adds the best texture and flavor. Make sure it's fully cooked and then crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Dice Red Onion Finely: Finely diced red onion provides a subtle sharpness without being overpowering.
• Use Good Quality Cheddar: The flavor of the cheddar cheese will shine through, so choose a good quality cheese that you enjoy. You can use sharp, mild, or even a smoked cheddar for a different twist.
• Don't Overmix: Be gentle when tossing the salad to avoid crushing the peas.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar) to your preference.

Ingredients Needed To Make Pea Salad Recipe

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
• ½ red onion, diced
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped

How to Make Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon

Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Season the Dressing: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed.

Add the Remaining Ingredients: Gently add the thawed peas, diced red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped cooked bacon to the bowl with the dressing.

Combine Gently: Toss all the ingredients together gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Serve or Chill: You can serve the pea salad immediately. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

This creamy bacon pea salad is a simple yet satisfying side dish that's always a hit. The combination of sweet peas, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy dressing makes it irresistible. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just want a delicious and easy salad, this easy pea salad recipe with bacon is sure to become a new favorite!

What are your favorite additions to pea salad? Let us know in the comments below!