Name: Southern Pea Salad with Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen peas (thawed); 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled); ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped); ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper (optional); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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Southern Pea Salad with Bacon combines creamy, tangy dressing with tender peas and smoky bacon for an irresistible side dish. This salad’s perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a favorite on BBQ tables and potluck spreads across the South. The freshness of peas and crispiness of bacon come together in harmony with sharp cheddar and a punchy dressing that sings with apple cider vinegar.

This salad not only brings color and crunch to your meal but also offers a satisfying mix of savory and creamy elements. Whether you’re serving it at a family picnic or alongside grilled meats, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone comes back for.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a creamy yet light salad with a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and smoky flavors.
Fast and simple to prepare with easy-to-find ingredients like frozen peas and bacon.
Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with BBQ, sandwiches, or as a make-ahead potluck favorite.

Ingredients

Frozen peas (4 cups): Thawed peas provide a tender, sweet, and fresh vegetable base that holds the dressing well.
Bacon (6 slices): Crisp, cooked bacon crumbled for a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts amazingly with the creaminess.
Cheddar cheese (½ cup shredded): Sharp cheddar adds a rich, tangy depth and pleasant bite to the salad.
Red onion (¼ cup finely chopped): Adds a sharp, pungent flavor and crunchy texture that balances the richness.
Red bell pepper (¼ cup chopped, optional): Offers a sweet, crisp contrast and a pop of vibrant color.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Acts as a creamy, smooth base for the dressing, binding ingredients together.
Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds tanginess and a silky texture, lightening the mayonnaise.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Introduces bright acidity to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Balances acidity and complements the natural sweetness of peas.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, elevating all the salad’s flavors.

Instructions

Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. This step adds a smoky, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy salad.
Prepare the Vegetables: Thaw the frozen peas completely and finely chop the red onion and red bell pepper (if using). Proper chopping ensures even distribution of flavors and pleasant texture in every bite.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy dressing melds tangy, sweet, and savory notes that perfectly coat the salad ingredients.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, red onion, and red bell pepper. Ensuring all ingredients are well mixed gives a harmonious flavor and texture blend with every forkful.
Add Dressing and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Coat thoroughly but carefully to maintain the salad’s appealing texture and consistency.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the ingredients for maximum deliciousness.

You Must Know

To keep bacon extra crispy, add it fresh just before serving, especially if making ahead.
The red bell pepper is optional but recommended for added crunch and color vibrancy.
If you prefer less tang, omit the sugar or adjust vinegar to taste.

Storage Tips

Store Southern Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add bacon just before serving if storing overnight to maintain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork at BBQs. It can also be served alongside sandwiches or as a refreshing lunch side for casual meals.

Professional Tips

Use fresh peas in season for extra sweetness and texture when available.
For a smoky depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or Monterey Jack to customize flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?: Yes, fresh peas work beautifully when in season and provide a sweeter, crisper texture compared to frozen.
How far ahead can I prepare this salad?: You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead but add the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
Can I make this salad vegan?: To make it vegan, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh, use vegan mayo and sour cream alternatives, and omit cheese or use plant-based cheese.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?: Absolutely! Diced celery, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes add crunch and freshness for additional layers of flavor.
Can I reduce the mayonnaise?: Yes, you can reduce mayonnaise and increase sour cream for a tangier and lighter dressing, but this will alter creaminess slightly.
What type of vinegar is best?: Apple cider vinegar is recommended for its mild fruity tang, but white vinegar or lemon juice can be alternatives.
How do I re-crisp bacon for leftovers?: Re-crisp bacon in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes before adding to the salad to restore crunchiness.