If you’re searching for a cold side dish that’s bright, creamy, and just a little bit nostalgic, this Southern Pea Salad Recipe is about to bring a big smile to your table. Bursting with plump peas, smoky bacon, tangy cheddar, and crunchy veggies, all blanketed in a zippy dressing, it’s the kind of classic you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck or just craving a taste of old-fashioned Southern comfort, this irresistible salad delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Southern Pea Salad Recipe is in its simplicity: every ingredient matters and each one brings its own special pop of flavor, texture, or color. Trust me, with just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’re well on your way to summer salad perfection. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips on why they matter):
- Green Peas (3 cups, frozen and thawed): The sweet, tender star of the show! Using frozen ensures you get bright flavor no matter the season.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, cubed): Adds a bold, tangy punch and beautiful color contrast—cube it for that classic look and satisfying bite.
- Cooked Bacon (½ cup, crumbled): Smoky, crispy, and downright essential; bacon brings savory richness that makes this salad sing.
- Red Onion (⅓ cup, finely chopped): A little sharpness and a lovely pop of purple—you won’t want to skip this for flavor or looks!
- Celery (¼ cup, finely chopped): Refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness—it rounds out the salad beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base of your dressing, adding richness while pulling everything together.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): For tangy brightness; it perfectly balances the creaminess of the mayo.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to highlight the sweetness of the peas and offset the zing of the onion.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Because every good salad needs seasoning—taste and add more if needed after chilling.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a gentle bite and a savory edge that rounds out the whole dish.
How to Make Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Mix-Ins
Start by measuring out your peas, making sure they’re fully thawed and well-drained—excess moisture can make the salad watery. Cube your cheddar cheese, crumble the cooked bacon, and finely chop that red onion and celery. Having everything ready to go means your salad will come together in minutes, and you’ll get the best mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisking ensures your dressing is ultra-smooth, with the sugar and salt fully dissolved. This step is key for a silky texture and perfectly balanced tang—so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Add the thawed peas, cubed cheddar, bacon, red onion, and celery to a large mixing bowl. Pour that luscious dressing over the top and gently toss everything together using a big spoon or spatula. Go easy—gentleness ensures your peas and cheese stay whole and intact, making for a beautiful presentation.
Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Cover your bowl tightly and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld, turning the Southern Pea Salad Recipe from just “good” to absolutely extraordinary. Stir gently one last time before serving.
How to Serve Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra crispy bacon or a few fresh chives instantly makes your bowl a feast for the eyes (and taste buds!). You could also scatter on a few more cheddar cubes or a crack of fresh black pepper for a pro touch. Simple garnishes elevate the salad and show guests you made this dish with love.
Side Dishes
This Southern Pea Salad Recipe is a versatile companion to almost any main. It shines alongside grilled chicken, baked ham, barbecue, or even a classic fried chicken spread. Potato rolls or fluffy biscuits round out the meal, while a glass of sweet tea is the finishing Southern flourish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cute picnic or potluck option, pile the salad into mason jars for single servings, or stuff it into scooped-out cherry tomatoes or endive leaves for appetizer bites. Layering it over a bed of crisp lettuce adds color and fresh crunch. You can even use leftover salad in a wrap for a quirky lunch twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Southern Pea Salad Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this salad. The mayo-based dressing tends to separate when thawed, and the veggies lose their delightful crunch. For peak enjoyment, keep it chilled in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.
Reheating
This is meant to be a cold and refreshing salad, so skip the reheating. If you’re worried about it being too cold straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Technically yes, but I highly recommend sticking with frozen peas for this Southern Pea Salad Recipe. Canned peas tend to be too soft and mushy, while frozen keeps its lovely pop and sweetness. If you use canned, be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly (and expect a softer texture).
How do I make this salad lighter?
For a lighter twist on the Southern Pea Salad Recipe, you can swap half (or even all) of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. This reduces the fat while adding creaminess and a little tang. You could also use turkey bacon for less fat and calories.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! This salad is flexible. Try stirring in diced bell peppers, chopped pickles, or even a handful of chopped boiled eggs for a protein boost and extra flavor layers. Just keep the ratios balanced so the peas remain the star.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the basic Southern Pea Salad Recipe, as written, is naturally gluten-free. Just check your bacon packaging for hidden gluten or additives if you need to be extra careful.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can make this salad up to 24 hours ahead. In fact, letting it chill overnight enhances the blend of flavors. Just wait to add any garnishes until serving for the freshest look.
Final Thoughts
Give this Southern Pea Salad Recipe a try—it’s one of those magical dishes that checks every box: easy, crowd-pleasing, impossibly tasty, and a little bit nostalgic. I can’t wait for you (and your loved ones) to dig in and make it a new favorite at your table.
Print
Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Southern Pea Salad recipe that combines the freshness of green peas with the richness of cheddar cheese and bacon, all tossed in a creamy dressing. This cold side dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a make-ahead option for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups frozen green peas, thawed
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, and celery.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Stir gently and serve cold.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Add boiled eggs or pickles for extra flavor.
- Best served cold and can be made ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
