Classic Pea Salad Recipe (2024)

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5 from 85 Ratings

Published: March 22, 2020Updated: July 9, 2020Author: Amy

This easy green Pea Salad is an old fashioned classic recipe served cold and enjoyed all year round. Made with bacon, cheddar cheese, red onions, and a sweet dressing, all in one bowl and in only 15 minutes!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (1)

Oh my sweet baby pea lovin’ heart, this classic pea salad speaks to me on so many levels.

I’m all about the old fashioned recipes lately, and this green pea salad is no exception.

Another staple at potlucks, baby showers, and luncheons all across the Midwest and Southern states, you’d be hard pressed not to find it served at any type of gathering. And for good reason – it’s crazy easy and super delicious!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (2)

Pea…salad? I know. Sounds weird, right? But it’s incredibly fantastic.

What ingredients are needed for this Pea Salad Recipe?

One of the reasons this pea salad recipe is so popular (other than its wonderful texture and taste) is how easy it is! You only need a handful of ingredients and it comes together in minutes.

  • Peas – the star of this salad are peas, of course. I always use frozen petite peas, which are sweet, colorful, and have a slight crunch. You can use canned peas if you want, but just keep in mind that they don’t look as nice and because of their softer texture, they don’t hold up as well.
  • Bacon – the end. Lol. Just kidding. Salty bacon adds another level of awesome flavor and also balances out the sweetness of the peas and dressing. I cook mine in the oven and then dice or crumble it. You can totally use real bacon bits, though, to make this even easier!
  • Cheese – my preference for this salad is sharp cheddar cheese, for the best flavor. I also buy a block and cube it about the same size as the peas, but many pea salads use shredded cheese, which is totally fine, too!
  • Onion – I always use red onion for this pea salad. I love the taste and color.
  • Dressing – this is really the other star of the show. It’s a simple mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Like so many classic salads, it has a sweet and tangy flavor that cannot be denied! Don’t freak out over the sugar – it’s a necessary ingredient to balance out the vinegar and it’s only a small amount.

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (3)

Do you serve this Pea Salad cold?

Yep! This sweet pea salad is a recipe kept in the refrigerator and served cold.

How To Store Leftovers

Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad, however. The dressing will not hold up very well, and the peas and bacon will get too mushy once thawed.

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (4)

I’ve served this pea salad so many times over the years to friends, whose first reaction is “ew” – and then they ask for the recipe after one bite!

Try this side salad at your next gathering and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Other Recipes with Sweet Peas we absolutely love!

Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas (this is a 20 minute skillet dish, served hot for dinner!)
Meatball Rice and Pea Skillet
Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skilet

Other Tried and True Salad Recipes!

Deviled Ham Salad
Delicatessen Fruit Salad
Creamy Waldorf Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Easy Egg Salad
The Best Chicken Salad

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (5)

Classic Pea Salad

5 from 85 Ratings

This easy green Pea Salad is an old fashioned classic recipe served cold and enjoyed all year round. Made with bacon, cheddar cheese, red onions, and a sweet dressing, all in one bowl and in only 15 minutes!

Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 (1/3 cup)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups frozen peas , thawed
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 3/4 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (approximately the same size as the peas)
  • 8 slices bacon , cooked crispy and crumbled

Instructions

  • Put sour cream, mayo, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; whisk to combine.

  • Add peas, onion, cheese, and bacon to the bowl; gently stir to coat completely.

  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with some crispy bacon.

Notes

Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad, however. The dressing will not hold up very well, and the peas and bacon will get too mushy once thawed.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 638IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pea salad, pea salad recipe

Did you make this recipe?Snap a picture and mention @bellyfullblog!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much is a serving of pea salad? ›

Makes 4 servings of about ½ cup each. Double or triple ingredient amounts for larger gatherings. Per ½ cup serving: 144 calories; 6.8g total fat (3.1g saturated, 0.1g polyunsaturated, 0.0g monounsaturated); 277mg sodium; 11.9mg cholesterol; 11.6g carbohydrate; 4.0g fiber; 4.1g sugars; 10g protein; 237.4mg potassium.

How to defrost peas for salad? ›

Other safe ways to thaw are: under cold, running water (no more than two (2) hours), by cooking (smaller frozen items), or in the microwave. For more information about food safety, contact Katherine Allen at UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension, an equal opportunity institution, by calling 386-362-2771.

Are frozen peas cooked? ›

Frozen peas are flash-steamed before they're frozen, so they're already ready to eat—you just want to warm them very quickly so they maintain their slight bounce and bright color.

How many cups of peas should I eat? ›

Here are a few methods you can use to help prevent adverse effects from antinutrients: Keep portion sizes reasonable: About 1/3 cup (53 grams) to 1/2 cup (80 grams) of green peas at a time is enough for most people. They are more likely to cause problems when consumed in high amounts.

Is pea shoot salad good for you? ›

Pea Shoots are a good source of Vitamins K, C, and A. Pea shoots are also a good source of plant protein and micronutrients. Adding pea shoots into your meals can help meet daily vitamin goals and give your meals a nutrient boost!

Why do peas become soft after thawing? ›

When you freeze fruits and vegetables you actually are freezing the water in the plant cells. When the water freezes, it expands and the ice crystals cause the cell walls to rupture. So the texture of thawed produce is much softer than when it was raw.

Are peas good for you? ›

Peas are a good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. Other nutrients, such as vitamins A and B and coumestrol, help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Do frozen green peas need to be soaked? ›

There is no need to thaw the peas for any of these cooking methods. Just add straight from the freezer! And since all of these methods are super easy to execute, try them all at least once to discover your favorite way to cook frozen peas.

Why are my frozen peas hard after cooking? ›

Overcooking them

One of the major mistakes everyone seems to make with peas is that they often get overcooked. This is what turns them from vibrant deep green to that putrid yellowy green. In addition, overcooked peas, depending on the cooking method, can be extremely dry, tough, and starchy, or mushy and soupy.

Can dogs eat peas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat peas. Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.

Is it better to boil or microwave frozen peas? ›

It is important to note that boiling can lead to the loss of some nutrients. Try steaming to get the maximum nutrition from the cooked little green peas.

What is a serving size of peas? ›

A standard serve is about 75g (100–350kJ) or: ½ cup cooked green or orange vegetables (for example, broccoli, spinach, carrots or pumpkin) ½ cup cooked dried or canned beans, peas or lentils (preferably with no added salt)

How much salad is a serving? ›

Salad Greens and Lettuce

One serving is 2 cups mesclun greens (about 10 calories), 2 cups raw spinach (about 14 calories) or 1 cup cooked greens (about 40 calories), per the USDA.

How much yellow split pea is a portion? ›

An 80g serving (3 heaped tablespoons of cooked yellow split peas) counts as 1 portion of your 5 a day fruit and vegetables.

How much is a serving of snap peas? ›

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of either snow or sugar snap peas provides (1). Unlike your typical shelled pea, both snow peas and sugar snap peas are much less starchy — meaning they contain fewer carbs. In fact, both provide less than 8 grams of carbs in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) (1).

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