Crunchy Pea Salad
Crunchy Pea Salad is a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s creamy, sweet, salty, and full of texture. It’s the kind of retro-inspired salad you’ll often see at potlucks, barbecues, and holiday gatherings — and for good reason. The crisp pop of sweet green peas pairs perfectly with smoky bacon, sharp red onion, and rich cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing.
This salad comes together in minutes and requires no cooking beyond preparing the bacon. It’s refreshing yet hearty, making it the perfect complement to grilled meats, sandwiches, or roasted dishes. Best of all, it tastes even better after chilling, as the flavors meld beautifully together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
Total Time: 45–60 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Peas: 4 cups frozen peas, thawed and well-drained
Bacon: 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Red Onion: ½ cup finely chopped red onion
Cheese: 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
Mayonnaise: ¾ cup mayonnaise
Sour Cream (optional): ¼ cup sour cream
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
Cook bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool.
Crumble bacon: Once cooled, crumble into small bite-sized pieces.
Prepare peas: Place thawed peas in a large mixing bowl. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
Add onion: Stir in finely chopped red onion.
Add cheese: Mix in shredded or cubed sharp cheddar cheese.
Make dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Pour dressing over pea mixture.
Fold gently: Stir until evenly coated without mashing peas.
Add bacon: Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top before serving.
Tips
Do not over-thaw peas — they should be cold and slightly firm for best texture.
Drain peas thoroughly to prevent watery dressing.
Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
Dice onion very fine to avoid overpowering bites.
Balance acidity carefully — add vinegar gradually.
Shred cheese fresh for better flavor and melt-in-mouth texture.
Chill before serving for improved taste.
Taste before chilling and adjust salt accordingly.
Add bacon just before serving if you prefer maximum crispness.
Use full-fat mayo for richest flavor.
Variations
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Stir in sunflower seeds for more crunch.
Add diced celery for texture contrast.
Mix in small cubes of ham.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lighter option.
Add fresh dill for herbal brightness.
Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or pepper jack.
Stir in a teaspoon of honey for subtle sweetness.
Add chopped pickles or relish for tang.
Make it spicy with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
Q&A
Can I use canned peas?
Frozen peas are best for texture. Canned peas are too soft.
Do I need to cook the peas?
No. Simply thaw and drain them.
How long does it last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better after chilling for a few hours.
Can I freeze pea salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to mayonnaise-based dressing.
How do I reduce calories?
Use light mayo and turkey bacon.
Is it served cold?
Yes, always serve chilled.
Can I omit bacon?
Yes, but it adds saltiness and crunch.
Why is my salad watery?
Peas may not have been drained thoroughly.
What dishes pair well with it?
Grilled chicken, burgers, BBQ ribs, or roasted meats.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 320–380
Protein: 10–14g
Carbohydrates: 18–22g
Fat: 22–28g
Fiber: 4–5g
Sodium: 450–650mg
(Nutrition varies based on dressing proportions and bacon amount.)
Conclusion
Crunchy Pea Salad is a timeless side dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly satisfying. The crisp sweetness of peas, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy tangy dressing create a balance of flavor and texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this salad is ideal for potlucks, holiday spreads, summer cookouts, or even meal prep. With its vibrant color and satisfying crunch, it’s a refreshing addition to any table — and proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable.