Ingredients
This classic pea salad recipe requires simple ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. You’ll find most items in your pantry and refrigerator already.
For the Salad Base
- 2 pounds frozen peas (thawed and drained)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked crispy and chopped)
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (cubed into ¼-inch pieces)
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs (peeled and chopped)
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup celery (finely chopped for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup fresh chives (chopped for color and mild onion flavor)
- ½ cup sunflower seeds (toasted for additional texture)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (for a touch of sweetness)
Equipment Needed
You need minimal kitchen equipment to prepare this classic pea salad. A large mixing bowl serves as your primary workspace for combining all ingredients and tossing the salad together. Choose a bowl with enough capacity to accommodate the 2 pounds of peas and additional ingredients without overflowing.
Sharp knives become essential for precise ingredient preparation. Use a chef’s knife to cube the cheddar cheese into uniform pieces and dice the red onion finely. A paring knife works well for more detailed tasks like removing any remaining eggshell fragments from your hard-boiled eggs.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate proportions for your creamy dressing. You need measuring cups for the mayonnaise and smaller measuring spoons for the sugar, vinegar, and seasonings. Standard liquid measuring cups work perfectly for the mayonnaise portion.
A medium saucepan helps you hard-boil the eggs if you choose to prepare them fresh. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch for proper cooking.
Colander or strainer becomes necessary for draining the thawed frozen peas thoroughly. Excess moisture can dilute your dressing and create a watery salad texture.
Paper towels assist in draining the cooked bacon and patting the peas completely dry after thawing. Removing excess grease and moisture prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
Cutting board provides a stable surface for all your chopping tasks. Use separate boards for raw ingredients like onions and cooked items like bacon to maintain food safety standards.
Instructions
Creating this classic pea salad requires simple preparation steps that deliver maximum flavor. Follow these straightforward instructions to transform your ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Prep the Vegetables
Start by thawing your frozen peas completely in a colander under cool running water. Drain the peas thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the hard-boiled eggs on your cutting board and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Dice the red onion finely using a sharp knife to ensure even distribution throughout the salad. Set the bacon on paper towels after cooking and chop into crispy pieces. Cube the sharp cheddar cheese into uniform pieces roughly the size of the peas for balanced bites.
Make the Dressing
Combine the mayonnaise and granulated sugar in a small mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the apple cider vinegar and continue whisking until smooth. Season the dressing with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all seasonings are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning balance as needed for your preference.
Assemble the Salad
Transfer the dried peas to your large mixing bowl as the base layer. Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon pieces to the bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over all ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a large spoon until every ingredient is coated with dressing. Take care not to mash the peas or eggs during mixing. Add any optional ingredients like celery, chives, or sunflower seeds at this stage.
Chill and Serve
Cover the assembled pea salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the salad chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best texture and taste. Stir gently before serving if the dressing has settled. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare this pea salad up to 2 days before serving for maximum convenience. Assemble all ingredients except the bacon and follow the complete recipe through the mixing stage. Store the salad covered in the refrigerator while keeping the cooked bacon separately wrapped in paper towels.
Add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture and prevent it from becoming soggy. This timing ensures your pea salad retains the perfect contrast between creamy elements and crunchy bacon pieces.
The flavors actually improve during the chilling period as the dressing penetrates the peas and other ingredients. Your salad will taste even better after 24 hours of refrigeration compared to freshly made.
For longer storage prepare the individual components separately. Cook and chop your hard-boiled eggs up to 3 days ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Dice the red onion and cube the cheddar cheese up to 2 days in advance keeping them in separate airtight containers.
Mix your dressing ingredients and store the mixture in a sealed jar for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Whisk or shake vigorously before using since the ingredients may separate during storage.
Thaw and drain your frozen peas the night before assembly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels and store them covered in the refrigerator. This extra drying time removes excess moisture that could dilute your dressing.
When ready to serve simply combine all components and fold together gently. The assembled salad maintains its quality for up to 3 days in the refrigerator making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining large groups.
Storage Tips
Your pea salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The mayonnaise-based dressing maintains its creamy texture while the flavors continue to develop over time.
Store leftover salad in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain the crisp texture of your vegetables. You should place the container on a middle shelf where temperatures remain most consistent.
Before serving stored pea salad, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing that may have settled. The bacon will soften slightly during storage but still provides delicious flavor throughout the dish.
Avoid freezing your pea salad since the mayonnaise dressing will separate and the texture of the eggs and cheese will become unpleasant. Fresh storage in the refrigerator ensures optimal taste and food safety.
Check your stored salad before serving to ensure freshness. Discard the salad if you notice any off odors, changes in color, or if it has been stored longer than 3 days.
Your pea salad actually tastes better on the second day as all the flavors have more time to meld together. Plan to make this dish a day ahead for maximum flavor development when serving at parties or gatherings.
Store any leftover bacon separately if you want to maintain its crispiness for future servings. You can crisp it up quickly in a skillet before adding it back to individual portions of the chilled salad.
Recipe Variations
Transform your basic pea salad into exciting new versions with these delicious variations. Each option offers unique flavors while maintaining the classic appeal that makes pea salad a favorite side dish.
Classic Creamy Pea Salad
You can create the traditional version by focusing on simplicity and rich flavors. Use 2 pounds of thawed frozen peas as your base and combine them with 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs for protein. Add ½ cup of finely diced red onion for a sharp bite that balances the sweetness of the peas. Create your dressing with ¾ cup of full-fat mayonnaise mixed with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. This version delivers the nostalgic flavors that remind you of family gatherings and potluck dinners.
Bacon and Cheese Pea Salad
Elevate your pea salad by incorporating crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese for an indulgent twist. Cook 8 slices of bacon until perfectly crispy then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cube 1½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese to add richness and tang. Combine these with your prepared peas and hard-boiled eggs for a hearty salad that satisfies as a main dish. The smoky bacon flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing while the cheese adds depth and substance. Add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Healthy Greek Yogurt Version
Replace traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative that maintains creamy texture. Use ¾ cup of plain Greek yogurt combined with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey instead of granulated sugar. Add fresh herbs like chopped dill or chives to brighten the flavors and complement the tangy yogurt base. Include diced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness that pairs well with the Greek yogurt dressing. This version reduces calories while increasing protein content and delivers a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic recipe. Season with garlic powder and fresh lemon juice to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Your pea salad shines as a versatile side dish that complements many main courses throughout the year. Grilled chicken and barbecue ribs pair beautifully with the creamy texture and fresh flavors of this classic salad. The bacon and cheese variation works exceptionally well alongside hamburgers and hot dogs at summer cookouts.
Potluck dinners become more memorable when you bring this crowd-pleasing dish in a large serving bowl. Church gatherings and family reunions benefit from the salad’s ability to feed large groups while maintaining its appealing presentation. Your guests will appreciate how the vibrant green peas create an attractive contrast against the colorful mix of ingredients.
Holiday spreads welcome this refreshing addition to traditional heavy dishes. Easter brunches particularly showcase the salad’s spring-like appearance alongside ham and roasted vegetables. Thanksgiving tables gain balance when you serve this lighter option next to rich casseroles and gravies.
Outdoor entertaining becomes effortless with this portable dish that travels well in coolers. Picnic baskets accommodate the salad easily since it requires no heating or special serving equipment. Beach parties and camping trips benefit from having a substantial side that satisfies hungry appetites.
Your dinner table presentation improves when you serve the pea salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients. Garnish options include extra bacon crumbles on top or a sprinkle of fresh chives for added visual appeal. Small individual portions work well for formal dinner parties when plated alongside the main course.
Lunch menus expand when you offer this salad as a light meal option with crusty bread or crackers. Office potlucks welcome the make-ahead convenience since flavors improve during refrigeration. Brunch buffets benefit from this protein-rich option that pairs well with quiches and breakfast casseroles.
Tips for the Best Pea Salad
Start with frozen peas rather than fresh ones for the best texture and convenience. Frozen peas maintain their bright green color and sweet flavor while providing the perfect firmness that won’t become mushy in your salad. Thaw them completely and drain thoroughly using a colander to remove excess water that could dilute your dressing.
Pat your thawed peas completely dry with paper towels before adding them to the mixing bowl. Excess moisture creates a watery salad that lacks the creamy consistency you want. This extra drying step ensures your dressing adheres properly to each pea and maintains its rich texture throughout storage.
Cook your bacon until it reaches maximum crispiness for the best contrast in textures. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and let it cool completely before chopping. Adding warm bacon to your salad will wilt other ingredients and create unwanted moisture that compromises the overall quality.
Dice your red onion finely to distribute its sharp flavor evenly without overwhelming any single bite. Soaking diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad mellows its intensity while maintaining the fresh crunch that makes this dish so appealing.
Choose sharp cheddar cheese over mild varieties to create bold flavor that stands up to the other ingredients. Cut the cheese into small uniform cubes rather than shredding it. Cubed cheese maintains its shape better and provides satisfying bursts of flavor in each spoonful.
Allow your hard boiled eggs to cool completely before peeling and chopping them. Warm eggs crumble unevenly and can make your salad look messy. Properly cooled eggs cut cleanly and distribute their creamy texture throughout the dish without breaking apart.
Mix your dressing ingredients in a separate bowl before adding them to the salad. Whisking the mayonnaise sugar and vinegar together first creates a smooth emulsion that coats every ingredient evenly. This technique prevents clumps of undissolved sugar from creating an unbalanced sweetness.
Fold your ingredients together gently using a large spoon rather than stirring vigorously. Gentle folding preserves the integrity of delicate ingredients like eggs and cheese while ensuring even distribution of the dressing. Aggressive mixing can break down components and create an unappetizing mushy texture.
Chill your completed salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld properly. The resting time transforms individual tastes into a cohesive flavor profile that tastes significantly better than freshly mixed salad. Overnight chilling produces even better results for maximum flavor development.
Add bacon just before serving when preparing the salad in advance. Bacon loses its crispiness when stored in the creamy dressing for extended periods. Keeping it separate until the final moment preserves the textural contrast that makes this salad irresistible.
Conclusion
This pea salad recipe will quickly become your go-to side dish for any occasion. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something special that brings people together around the table.
The beauty of this dish lies in its reliability – you can count on it to deliver consistent results every time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or contributing to a potluck dinner you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together.
Your guests will be asking for the recipe and you’ll feel confident sharing this tried-and-true favorite. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures this pea salad proves that the best dishes often come from the simplest ingredients.
About The Author
