Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon is a fresh and easy summer side dish that comes together in minutes. It's a chilled salad made with crisp peas, smoky bacon, and cheese all tossed in a tangy sweet creamy dressing with just a touch of spice.
I first fell in love with this salad at a family reunion, back when I didn't even like peas. One bite of that creamy, crunchy mix changed my mind and it's been a favorite every since. If you enjoy salads like my Macaroni Salad with Tuna and Peas, you'll love this one too. It hits that same nostalgic summer note and pairs perfectly with anything grilled.
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Why You'll Love This Creamy Pea Salad
Quick to make: No cooking required if you use pre-cooked bacon and thawed peas.
Full of texture: Crunchy bacon, sweet peas, creamy dressing, and sharp cheese.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to salad skeptics ends up loving it!
Key Ingredients
Frozen Sweet Peas: Thawed completely for best texture. Avoid canned peas, they're too soft.
Bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch. Use freshly cooked or good-quality bacon bits.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend shredding it yourself or using small cubes for a richer bite.
Red Onion: Adds a bit of bite and color contrast to the salad.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: The creamy base of the dressing, tangy and rich.
Honey: Lightly sweetens the dressing for balance.
Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the creaminess.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for a little kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap mayonnaise dressing for bottled ranch if you prefer.
- Use Miracle Whip instead of mayo and skip the honey.
- Sub in sugar (t tablespoon) if you don't have honey on hand.
Recipe Variations
- Add 2 chopped hard boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Leave out the bacon and stir in diced red pepper for a vegetarian twist.
- Try pepper jack or Colby cheese for a flavor change.
Shelby's Pea Salad Tips
- Don't skip the chill time. This salad is best served cold and benefits from sitting in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Make the dressing separately, then fold it into the salad to ensure every bite is coated evenly.
- If making ahead, stir in the bacon just before serving to keep it crisp.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up 3 days. This salad is not freezer-friendly.
Serve With...
This Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon goes great alongside White Castle Sliders, Firemen's Chicken, or Chili Cheese Dogs. It's also hit a next to grilled steaks or pork chops
More Summer Salad Recipes You'll Love
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon
Equipment
- Large mesh strainer , for rinsing and draining thawed peas
- Kitchen Shears , for cutting cooked bacon into even pieces.
- Mixing bowl with lid , for storing and serving.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas thawed
- ½ cup shredded Colby Jack Cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 4 slices bacon
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the peas, shredded cheese, onion, and bacon and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, and vinegar. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over top of the pea mixture and toss to coat. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
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