pea salad

Need a side dish that works for both picky eaters and hungry adults? This pea salad checks so many boxes without feeling fussy. It’s cozy but still light, creamy but balanced with crunch, and easy enough to mix up in one bowl. You don’t need special tools or long prep time, which makes it perfect for weeknight cooking.

pea salad

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Need a bake that feels special but doesn’t take all afternoon? This recipe is simple to mix in one bowl, easy on the budget, and flexible enough for what you already have in your pantry. The texture stays tender for days, which makes it freezer-friendly and great for planning ahead.
Looking for something the whole family will actually eat? This chocolate zucchini bread is rich without being too sweet, and the zucchini keeps it soft without extra effort. It’s cozy, weeknight-friendly, and perfect for slicing and sharing. Leftovers taste even better the next day, and you can double the batch for gatherings without changing the method at all.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed (for 2 people use 1½ cups; for more than 4, add ¾ cup per extra person)
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup diced cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked beef bacon, chopped (for 2 people use 2 slices; double for 8 people)
pea salad

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Unsure how soft the peas should be? Let the frozen peas thaw completely, then pat them dry with a clean towel so the salad stays creamy, not watery. Dice the red onion small, cube the cheese, and chop the cooked beef bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Not sure about the dressing balance? In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust slightly if needed. If cooking for 2, mix everything in a smaller bowl to keep proportions even.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Wondering when to add everything together? Place the peas, onion, cheese, and chopped beef bacon in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold until every pea is lightly coated and the mix looks creamy and evenly combined.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Thinking about serving it right away? Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors settle and blend. For larger batches, give it an extra 10–15 minutes in the fridge and stir once before serving for even coating.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Need something you can make ahead without stress? This salad comes together fast and actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge. You can prep it in the morning and serve it later. It packs well for lunches and holds up for a day or two, making it a smart choice for anyone planning meals in advance.

Tips & Tricks

  • Worried about watery salad? Make sure the peas are fully thawed and dried before mixing. Extra moisture will thin the dressing. If making a smaller batch for 2, drying them well matters even more since less dressing is used to absorb liquid.
  • Not sure how strong raw onion will taste? Soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well. This keeps the flavor mild. If doubling the recipe for a party, taste before adding all the onion so it doesn’t overpower the bowl.
  • Thinking about texture? Cut cheese into small, even cubes so every bite feels balanced. Large chunks can make scooping uneven. When scaling up for more than 4 people, keep cube size the same instead of making bigger pieces.
  • Unsure about salt levels? Taste after chilling, not before. Flavors deepen in the fridge. For 2 servings, start with slightly less salt and adjust at the end. For bigger batches, add salt gradually so you don’t overdo it.

Variations

Meaty Version
Want something heartier? Add ½ cup diced cooked ham to the mix for 4 servings. It adds savory depth and makes the salad feel more filling. If cooking for 2, use about ¼ cup. For larger groups, increase the ham gradually and taste as you go.

Vegetarian Option
Looking to skip the meat? Simply leave out the beef bacon and add ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds for crunch. The seeds give texture without changing the creamy base. For 2 servings, use 2 tablespoons. For 8 servings, double the amount.

Ingredient Swap
Out of cheddar? Try small cubes of mozzarella or Colby instead. Keep the quantity the same for 4 people so the balance stays right. If making a half batch, measure carefully so the cheese doesn’t take over the salad.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Want a fresh twist? Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley before chilling. It brightens the whole bowl. For smaller portions, use about 1½ teaspoons. For bigger gatherings, add herbs slowly and taste before adding more.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Grilled Chicken
    Need a simple dinner idea? Serve this alongside grilled chicken and warm bread. The cool, creamy texture pairs nicely with warm protein. For just 2 people, halve both dishes. For a crowd, double the salad and grill extra pieces.
  • Picnic Plate
    Planning an outdoor meal? Add this salad to a plate with sliced fruit, crackers, and simple sandwiches. It travels well in a sealed container. If feeding a larger group, prepare 1½ or double batches to ensure everyone gets a scoop.
  • Holiday Side Bowl
    Looking for a cool contrast on a big table? This works beautifully next to roasted dishes. Its creamy texture balances heavier foods. For large family dinners, you can easily double the recipe and chill it in a large serving bowl.
  • Light Lunch Option
    Want something easy for midday? Spoon a generous serving over crisp lettuce or tuck it into a wrap. For smaller households, prepare half the recipe to avoid leftovers, or keep the full batch for quick lunches all week.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Wondering how long it lasts? Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again. If you made a large batch, divide it into smaller containers so it cools evenly and stays fresh.
  • Reheating
    Thinking about warming it up? This salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. If it feels too firm after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving, especially for bigger portions.
  • Freezing
    Can you freeze it? Freezing is not ideal because the creamy dressing may separate and change texture. If you need to prep ahead for a large group, freeze only the peas and mix everything fresh on the serving day.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Want to prep in advance? You can mix the dressing and chop ingredients a day before. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine a few hours before serving. For 2 servings, keep portions small so flavors stay balanced.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time:15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Rest Time: 30minutes
  • Total Time: A55 minutes

Nutrition Information

Concerned about calories? Each serving has about 280–320 calories, depending on the exact mayonnaise and cheese used. Protein ranges from 8–12 grams per serving. It also provides fiber from peas and calcium from cheese. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Just stir before serving.

The peas were likely not dried well. Pat them dry fully before mixing.

You can, but drain and rinse them well. The texture will be softer.

Add a small pinch of salt or a splash more vinegar after chilling.

Conclusion

Looking for a simple side you’ll actually make again? This pea salad is one of those easy, dependable recipes that fits into real life. You can keep it classic or change it up depending on what you have in the fridge. It works for small dinners, busy weeks, and larger family tables without extra effort. Once you make it once, you’ll see how easy it is to adjust and repeat. Keep it chilled, scoop generously, and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite.

pea salad
Print

pea salad

Recipe by admin
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A creamy, crunchy side dish made with sweet peas, cheese, and a simple dressing. Easy to make, great for busy days, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed (use 1½ cups for 2 people; add ¾ cup per extra person)

  • ½ cup diced red onion

  • ½ cup diced cheddar cheese

  • 4 slices cooked beef bacon, chopped (use 2 slices for 2 people; double for 8 people)

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Let the peas thaw fully and pat them dry. Dice the onion, cube the cheese, and chop the cooked beef bacon.
  • In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, combine peas, onion, cheese, and beef bacon. Pour dressing over and gently mix until coated.
  • Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir once before serving.

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