Classic Pea Salad Recipe (2024)

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5 from 84 Ratings

Published: March 22, 2020Updated: July 9, 2020Author: Amy

This easy green Pea Salad is an old fashioned classic recipe served cold and enjoyed all year round. Made with bacon, cheddar cheese, red onions, and a sweet dressing, all in one bowl and in only 15 minutes!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (1)

Oh my sweet baby pea lovin’ heart, this classic pea salad speaks to me on so many levels.

I’m all about the old fashioned recipes lately, and this green pea salad is no exception.

Another staple at potlucks, baby showers, and luncheons all across the Midwest and Southern states, you’d be hard pressed not to find it served at any type of gathering. And for good reason – it’s crazy easy and super delicious!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (2)

Pea…salad? I know. Sounds weird, right? But it’s incredibly fantastic.

What ingredients are needed for this Pea Salad Recipe?

One of the reasons this pea salad recipe is so popular (other than its wonderful texture and taste) is how easy it is! You only need a handful of ingredients and it comes together in minutes.

  • Peas – the star of this salad are peas, of course. I always use frozen petite peas, which are sweet, colorful, and have a slight crunch. You can use canned peas if you want, but just keep in mind that they don’t look as nice and because of their softer texture, they don’t hold up as well.
  • Bacon – the end. Lol. Just kidding. Salty bacon adds another level of awesome flavor and also balances out the sweetness of the peas and dressing. I cook mine in the oven and then dice or crumble it. You can totally use real bacon bits, though, to make this even easier!
  • Cheese – my preference for this salad is sharp cheddar cheese, for the best flavor. I also buy a block and cube it about the same size as the peas, but many pea salads use shredded cheese, which is totally fine, too!
  • Onion – I always use red onion for this pea salad. I love the taste and color.
  • Dressing – this is really the other star of the show. It’s a simple mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Like so many classic salads, it has a sweet and tangy flavor that cannot be denied! Don’t freak out over the sugar – it’s a necessary ingredient to balance out the vinegar and it’s only a small amount.

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (3)

Do you serve this Pea Salad cold?

Yep! This sweet pea salad is a recipe kept in the refrigerator and served cold.

How To Store Leftovers

Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad, however. The dressing will not hold up very well, and the peas and bacon will get too mushy once thawed.

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (4)

I’ve served this pea salad so many times over the years to friends, whose first reaction is “ew” – and then they ask for the recipe after one bite!

Try this side salad at your next gathering and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Other Recipes with Sweet Peas we absolutely love!

Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas (this is a 20 minute skillet dish, served hot for dinner!)
Meatball Rice and Pea Skillet
Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skilet

Other Tried and True Salad Recipes!

Deviled Ham Salad
Delicatessen Fruit Salad
Creamy Waldorf Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Easy Egg Salad
The Best Chicken Salad

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (5)

Classic Pea Salad

5 from 84 Ratings

This easy green Pea Salad is an old fashioned classic recipe served cold and enjoyed all year round. Made with bacon, cheddar cheese, red onions, and a sweet dressing, all in one bowl and in only 15 minutes!

Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 (1/3 cup)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups frozen peas , thawed
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 3/4 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (approximately the same size as the peas)
  • 8 slices bacon , cooked crispy and crumbled

Instructions

  • Put sour cream, mayo, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; whisk to combine.

  • Add peas, onion, cheese, and bacon to the bowl; gently stir to coat completely.

  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with some crispy bacon.

Notes

Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad, however. The dressing will not hold up very well, and the peas and bacon will get too mushy once thawed.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 638IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pea salad, pea salad recipe

Did you make this recipe?Snap a picture and mention @bellyfullblog!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to defrost peas for salad? ›

Thaw in the Refrigerator

As with most foods, frozen vegetables can be thawed in the refrigerator. To avoid condensation dripping onto other foods, Jen Bruning, MS RDM LDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says to place the packaged vegetables in a container when thawing.

What is the nutritional value of green pea salad? ›

Nutritional Information

Per ½ cup serving: 144 calories; 6.8g total fat (3.1g saturated, 0.1g polyunsaturated, 0.0g monounsaturated); 277mg sodium; 11.9mg cholesterol; 11.6g carbohydrate; 4.0g fiber; 4.1g sugars; 10g protein; 237.4mg potassium.

Are frozen peas cooked? ›

Frozen peas are flash-steamed before they're frozen, so they're already ready to eat—you just want to warm them very quickly so they maintain their slight bounce and bright color.

Are salad bar peas cooked? ›

So, when you see salad bars that have the fresh green peas that were frozen, now they must be cooked and cooled before putting directly on the salad bar. They cannot be put on the salad bar without cooking. This is going to mess up the timing of my aunt's recipe for peas and peanuts.

Why do peas become soft after thawing? ›

When you freeze fruits and vegetables you actually are freezing the water in the plant cells. When the water freezes, it expands and the ice crystals cause the cell walls to rupture. So the texture of thawed produce is much softer than when it was raw.

Can you cook frozen peas without defrosting? ›

Frozen peas – Cook from FROZEN, not thawed! Well, it's fine if they are thawed but there is no need to. Baby vs regular – The recipe works for either. Baby peas (called petite peas in some countries) are slightly sweeter with a slightly softer skin.

Is it OK to eat green peas everyday? ›

Consuming green peas in excessive amounts may lead to the problem of stomach bloating. According to a study at the Harvard School of Public Health, uncooked green peas include several antinutrients like lectin and phytic that may result in bloating, gas, and flatulence.

What does green pea do to the body? ›

Peas are loaded with fiber and protein, which help to regulate the way you digest starches. The protein and fiber in peas slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and help to control your blood sugar. Studies show that eating a high-protein diet decreases blood sugar after meals in people with type 2 diabetes.

Is green pea good for kidney? ›

It would depend on the kidney problems you are having. If you need to avoid foods high in phosphorus, then wax beans, peas and green beans would be the safest to eat. If you are having problems with kidney stones, then all legumes would be beneficial.

Why do frozen peas taste so good? ›

Frozen peas are usually preserved at an early stage, so that they taste good for a longer period of time, whereas fresh peas become mushy and turn starchy within a few days.

Why are my frozen peas hard after cooking? ›

Don't overcook otherwise peas will shrivel and become tough. Season after cooking – once cooked, immediately add lemon juice (highly recommended) and seasoning(s) of choice. Many recommend adding 1-2 teaspoons of sugar per pound of frozen peas to bring out the sweetness but I haven't found this to be necessary.

Can dogs eat peas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat peas. Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.

Can you eat cooked peas cold? ›

Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, and leaving cooked vegetables out for too long can increase the risk of foodborne illness. If the vegetables have been properly stored in the refrigerator, they can be consumed cold without any risk to your health.

How do you eat peas etiquette? ›

The trick, he says, is not to scoop them up but to spear them with your fork. This method minimises the chance of the peas falling dramatically across your plate, the table, or your ball gown.

Can you eat raw peas? ›

Green peas, yellow peas, snap peas, and snow peas are all varieties of the same plant. A good rule of thumb to remember when it comes to peas is that all peas that you can eat raw, you can also dehydrate and use as a dried good, but not all dried peas can be eaten fresh.

How to quickly thaw frozen peas and carrots? ›

Frozen peas: To quickly thaw frozen peas, rinse them under cool water in a strainer or colander until softened. Or, toss the peas in still-frozen (add an extra minute or 2 to the cooking time). Yield: This recipe makes about 2 cups of buttery Peas and Carrots, enough for 4 servings, ½ cup each.

How do you defrost frozen mushy peas? ›

Simply thaw them from frozen in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until they aren't frozen anymore. The green colour of the peas disappears as soon as they become overcooked. From there we can add all the yummy flavour! Use a hand blender, or a fork, to mush your mushy peas to your preference.

Can you defrost peas in hot water? ›

Some things benefit from a slow thaw, like meat and poultry, but not peas. Thanks, I'm thinking it might be more convenient for planning purposes. I pour the amount of frozen peas I want into a pot of warm water, give them 5 minutes to thaw, then strain (filter) and use.

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