Classic Pea Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of cold salad with peas.

No ratings yet

This classic pea salad is creamy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. Made with sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy mayo-sour cream dressing, it’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, cookouts, and holidays.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salads, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pea and cheese salad, pea salad

Servings: servings

Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

For the Salad

32 ounces frozen peas about 6 cups (thawed but not cooked)
1 cup cooked crumbled bacon (about 8 to 9 slices)
½ red onion finely diced
3 stalks celery finely diced (optional)
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese or diced into small cubes

Instructions

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Finish The Pea and Cheese Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced red onion, celery, cheese, and bacon.
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Overnight is even better. Before serving, stir again gently. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and a light sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Notes

Use frozen peas, not canned: Canned peas are too soft and mushy for this salad. Frozen peas hold their shape and texture better.

Thawing tip: To thaw peas quickly, place them in a colander and run cool water over them for a few minutes. Drain well because excess moisture will water down the dressing.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.

Serving size: This recipe makes a generous bowl—perfect for 8 to 10 servings as a side dish.

Add-ins: Chopped hard-boiled eggs are a great addition and give it that classic, old-school vibe. Water chestnuts bring a nice crunch and another retro touch.

Nutrition