Classic Pea Salad

 

Classic Pea Salad: A Creamy, Comforting Side Dish

When it comes to timeless side dishes, few recipes can rival the Classic Pea Salad. It’s the kind of dish that evokes fond memories of backyard picnics, holiday spreads, and potluck tables laden with comforting, familiar favorites. With its simple yet flavorful combination of sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, sharp cheese, and smoky bacon all tossed in a creamy dressing, pea salad is both hearty and refreshing.

This salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations. While variations exist, the classic version remains a cornerstone of American comfort food. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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What Is Classic Pea Salad?

Classic pea salad is a cold salad made with tender green peas, chopped red onion, shredded or cubed cheese (often cheddar), crisp bacon, and sometimes celery or hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s a salad that balances sweetness, smokiness, and tang, making it versatile enough to complement a wide variety of main dishes.

Its roots lie in mid-20th century American cooking, when convenience foods like frozen peas and mayonnaise became kitchen staples. As with many retro recipes, pea salad found its way onto church potluck tables, picnic baskets, and holiday feasts, becoming a cherished classic.

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Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry and fridge staples.

• Versatile – Great for any season, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a holiday buffet.

• Customizable – Can be adapted with different cheeses, veggies, or proteins.

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Ingredients for Classic Pea Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional pea salad that serves about 8 people:

• 4 cups frozen peas (thawed but not cooked)

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (or shredded)

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup celery, diced (optional for extra crunch)

• 6 strips of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional but traditional in many versions)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (can use light mayo)

• ¼ cup sour cream (adds tang and creaminess)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances flavors)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishes (optional):

• Fresh dill or parsley

• Extra bacon crumbles

• A sprinkle of paprika

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

• Place the frozen peas in a colander and rinse under cold water until thawed.

• Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

• In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.

• Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

• Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

• Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine peas, cheese, red onion, celery, eggs (if using), and bacon.

• Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

• Garnish with fresh herbs, extra bacon, or paprika before serving.

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Flavor and Texture Profile

• Sweet and tender peas.

• Sharp and savory cheddar cheese.

• Smoky and salty bacon.

• Crunchy and fresh red onion and celery.

• Creamy and tangy dressing that ties everything together.

The balance of textures—crisp, creamy, chewy, and crunchy—makes each bite satisfying and irresistible.

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Variations on Classic Pea Salad

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, you can tweak it to suit your preferences:

1. Southern-Style Pea Salad

• Add chopped dill pickles for a tangy kick.

• Use sweet Vidalia onion instead of red onion.

2. Healthier Pea Salad

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

• Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.

• Add sunflower seeds for crunch.

3. Cheesy Pea Salad

• Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.

• Add shredded Parmesan for depth.

4. Loaded Pea Salad

• Mix in diced ham or leftover rotisserie chicken for a protein boost.

• Stir in cooked pasta for a heartier dish.

5. Holiday Pea Salad

• Add dried cranberries and walnuts for festive flair.

• Garnish with pomegranate seeds for color.

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What to Serve with Classic Pea Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes, especially grilled or roasted meats. Here are some ideas:

• Grilled chicken or BBQ ribs.

• Burgers and hot dogs at summer cookouts.

• Roast turkey or ham at holiday gatherings.

• Sandwich platters for picnics and potlucks.

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Tips for Success

1. Don’t cook the peas – They should be thawed but still firm for the best texture.

2. Chill before serving – At least 1 hour in the fridge helps the flavors meld.

3. Use sharp cheddar – The stronger flavor stands out against the creamy dressing.

4. Add bacon right before serving – This keeps it crisp.

5. Balance flavors – Taste the dressing and adjust sugar, vinegar, salt, or pepper to your liking.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

• Make-ahead: You can assemble the salad (without bacon) up to 1 day in advance. Stir in bacon just before serving.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing and peas don’t thaw well.

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Nutritional Profile (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~280

• Protein: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fat: 21g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 5g

This makes it a moderately indulgent dish, but you can lighten it with Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cheese.

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The Charm of Retro Recipes

Classic pea salad is a perfect example of how retro recipes remain relevant. Like deviled eggs, Jell-O molds, and macaroni salad, pea salad emerged from a time when convenience foods were celebrated, but it has endured because it’s truly delicious. It’s a dish that bridges generations—something your grandmother might have served that still holds its own on today’s modern table.

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Serving Ideas

• Serve in a large glass trifle bowl to showcase the colorful layers.

• Use small mason jars for individual portions at picnics.

• Pair with grilled corn and baked beans at summer cookouts.

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Why Classic Pea Salad Stands the Test of Time

At its heart, pea salad is about balance and comfort. It’s a dish that feels familiar yet special, nostalgic yet fresh. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, but light enough to complement almost anything. Whether you make it for a holiday dinner, a summer barbecue, or a casual family meal, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that is:

• Quick to make

• Perfectly balanced in flavor

• Versatile and customizable

• Loved by kids and adults alike

…then Classic Pea Salad is your answer. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that last the longest.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family tradition—a dish that you’re asked to bring to every gathering, and one that future generations will keep making too.