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Old-Fashioned Creamy Pea Salad (Just Like Grandma Made)

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There’s something about a cold, creamy pea salad recipe that just screams summertime gatherings, backyard barbecues, and good old-fashioned comfort food. This classic dish is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and creamy with pops of flavor from cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy red onion. It’s super simple to throw together, making it a go-to side for everything from grilled burgers to holiday ham.

pea salad

Pea Salad Recipe

If you love easy side dishes like my [macaroni salad], [creamy coleslaw], or [deviled egg potato salad], this recipe is definitely for you. Pea salad is one of those dishes that always disappears fast at parties, and it only takes a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The dressing is rich and tangy with just the right touch of sweetness, making each bite absolutely addictive.

This creamy pea salad comes together in minutes and tastes even better after it’s chilled. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or serving it at a weeknight dinner, it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again. Plus, it’s easily customizable if you want to add hard-boiled eggs, diced pickles, or use shredded cheese instead of cubes.

pea salad

What You Will Love About This Recipe

Fast and easy to prep using mostly pantry and freezer staples


Perfect for make-ahead meals, parties, or potlucks


Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved


Deliciously creamy, tangy, and loaded with texture

pea salad

How to make classic Pea Salad

  • Remove the peas from the freezer, set them aside.  
  • In a large bowl, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar & sugar. Mix well.
  • Add in the peas, bacon, onion and cheese.
I got so excited by how pretty this picture looked, I forgot to include my bacon. 😎
  • Combine well until all the peas are coated. 
pea salad
  • Refrigerate before serving.  
pea salad

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the peas thaw slightly before mixing to avoid excess water in the salad
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better texture and flavor
  • Want a little kick? Add a pinch of black pepper or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the dressing
  • Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving so the flavors really come together
pea salad

FAQs

Frozen peas work best for texture and color, but if you only have canned, be sure to drain and rinse them well. Just note the salad may be softer overall.

It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Yes, and it actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. Make it the night before your event for the best flavor.

pea salad

For more salad recipes, try these!

pea salad long pin
pea salad

Pea Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This Pea Salad Recipe can be enjoyed throughout the entire year as it combines peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, onions, and a creamy dressing that is ready to devour in 15 minutes! It makes the prefect side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 oz) Bag of Frozen Peas
  • 1 (2.52 oz) Box of Ready Cooked Bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 Small Red Onion, chopped
  • 1 ½ Cups Cheddar Cheese, cubed or shredded
  • DRESSING
  • ½ Cup Sour Cream
  • 3 TBSP Mayonaise
  • 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 TBSP Sugar

Instructions

    1. Remove the peas from the freezer, set them aside.  
    2. In a large bowl, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar & sugar. Mix well.
    3. Add in the peas, bacon, onion and cheese.
    4. Combine well until all the peas are coated.  
    5. Refrigerate before serving. 

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