why make this recipe
This Classic Southern Pea Salad is quick, creamy, and full of flavor. It uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or family dinners for an easy side that most people will enjoy.
introduction
This salad mixes sweet peas, eggs, bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing for a cool, tasty side. If you like easy desserts after a meal, try an easy peach crisp with fresh peaches to finish the meal.
how to make Classic Southern Pea Salad
Make the salad in a few simple steps: mix the peas and other solids, season, add the mayo-sour cream dressing, chill, and serve. The salad gets better after it sits in the fridge for a while.
Ingredients :
- 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (canned peas work too)
- 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions (substitute with regular onions if preferred)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)
- A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Directions :
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Dress It Up: In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
- Enjoy: Serve this Classic Southern Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering.
how to serve Classic Southern Pea Salad
Serve cold or chilled. Scoop it onto a plate as a side with grilled meats, sandwiches, or fried chicken. It also works well on a picnic or potluck table.
how to store Classic Southern Pea Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. Do not freeze, because the mayo and sour cream will separate when frozen and thawed.
tips to make Classic Southern Pea Salad
- Thaw peas in the fridge or under cold running water, then drain well to avoid a watery salad.
- Cook eggs and bacon ahead of time to save prep time.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper after mixing the dressing.
- Use full-fat mayo and sour cream for best texture and flavor.
- If you like a crunch, add chopped celery right before serving.
variation (if any)
- Make it meatless by leaving out bacon or ham.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or a mild Colby.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or some of the mayo.
- Add chopped pickles or a little pickle juice for a tangy twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Drain them well before mixing so the salad does not get soggy.
Q: How long should I chill the salad before serving?
A: Chill at least 1 hour. Two to four hours gives even better flavor.
Q: Can I make this salad a day ahead?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and keep it chilled in the fridge. Stir gently before serving.
Q: Is this salad safe to leave out at a picnic?
A: Keep it in a cooler or on ice. Do not leave it out at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Q: Can I reduce the mayo for a lighter salad?
A: Yes. You can use less mayo and more sour cream, or replace part of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
Classic Southern Pea Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick, creamy, and flavorful salad featuring sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)
- A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Instructions
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Dress It Up: In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 60 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
- Enjoy: Serve this Classic Southern Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering.
Notes
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Do not freeze, as it may cause separation of the dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
