Old-Fashioned Creamy Pea Salad (Just Like Grandma Made)
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 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.
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
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.
- Combine well until all the peas are coated.
- Refrigerate before serving.
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
FAQs
For more salad recipes, try these!
Pea Salad Recipe
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
- 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.
- Combine well until all the peas are coated.
- Refrigerate before serving.
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
