If you’re searching for a refreshing addition to your family meals, look no further than this Classic Pea Salad Recipe. Bursting with fresh and tangy flavors, this easy-to-make dish brings a wonderful combination of crisp peas, crunchy bacon, and creamy dressing, making it the perfect side for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners. It’s not only vibrant in color but also packed with contrasting textures that will brighten any meal and delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh veggies that are easy to find and inexpensive.
Bursting flavor: A perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory that satisfies every craving.
Quick to prepare: Takes under 20 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy families.
Versatile side dish: Complements a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to sandwiches.
Great make-ahead option: Improves in flavor the longer it chills, perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Classic Pea Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering a dish that’s crunchy, creamy, and full of vibrant flavor and colors. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before you start:

Frozen peas: These provide the bright green, crisp base that’s sweet and tender when thawed.
Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and deep savory flavor, balancing the sweetness of the peas.
Red onion: Offers a sharp bite and contrast in texture that enhances every forkful.
Cheddar cheese: Gives a creamy, tangy richness that blends beautifully with the other flavors.
Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that holds everything together with a silky texture.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds the crucial tang and brightness to cut through the richness.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity and highlight the sweetness of the peas.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors into harmony.

Variations for Classic Pea Salad Recipe

This classic pea salad recipe is wonderfully customizable, making it easy to tweak depending on your dietary needs or what’s in your fridge. Here are some fun and tasty ideas to personalize the dish:

Vegetarian swap: Omit bacon and add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for crunch.
Greek twist: Add crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a Mediterranean flair.
Spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who love heat.
Herbaceous uplift: Fresh mint or basil chopped and stirred in adds a refreshing note.
Dairy-free version: Use vegan mayonnaise and skip cheese to fit dairy-free diets.

Classic Pea Salad Recipe for Family Meals

How to Make Classic Pea Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

Start by thawing your frozen peas completely, either by leaving them in the fridge overnight or rinsing under cold water; drain well to avoid any sogginess in the salad.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon until crisp, either in a skillet or the oven. Once cool, crumble it into bite-sized pieces for that perfect smoky crunch.

Step 3: Chop Vegetables and Cheese

Finely dice the red onion and shred or cube the cheddar cheese, setting them aside ready for mixing.

Step 4: Mix Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and balanced in flavor.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold the peas, bacon, onion, and cheese into the dressing, mixing until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Classic Pea Salad Recipe

Pea prep tip: Be sure to drain the peas well to avoid watering down the salad.
Bacon crispiness: Don’t skimp on crisping your bacon; it adds vital texture contrast.
Onion milder flavor: Soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired.
Make ahead advantage: Prepare the salad a day early to deepen the flavor complexity.
Adjust sweetness: Add sugar gradually, tasting as you go, for your preferred balance.

How to Serve Classic Pea Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that enhances the dish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or sandwiches, adding a crisp, cool contrast to the richness of these mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual small glass jars for picnic ease or in a vibrant bowl that complements the green hues, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping the salad fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

Classic pea salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the texture of the peas and creamy dressing may suffer upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed—just give it a gentle stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas work wonderfully; just blanch them briefly in boiling water and then cool immediately to maintain their bright color and crunch.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the bacon for smoky tempeh or toasted nuts and substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo for a delicious plant-based version.

How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare this pea salad up to 24 hours before serving; chilling enhances the flavors and makes it even tastier.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped cucumbers are great additions that boost flavor and texture.

What can I serve with classic pea salad?

It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, sandwiches, or as part of a larger buffet spread.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Pea Salad Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a comforting hug from the inside out. Its vibrant freshness and delightful textures make every bite something special. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or packing for a picnic, this salad is sure to please and bring everyone back for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the happiness it brings at your table!

Classic Pea Salad Recipe

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Skillet and mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains dairy and pork; can be modified for vegetarian or dairy-free diets

Print Recipe

Description

This Classic Pea Salad Recipe is a refreshing and vibrant side dish combining crisp peas, crunchy bacon, and creamy tangy dressing. Quick to prepare and bursting with contrasting textures and flavors, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners. The mix of fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced dressing creates a colorful, tasty salad that complements a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

3 cups frozen peas, thawed and drained
6 slices bacon
½ cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded or cubed cheddar cheese

Dressing Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Peas: Thaw frozen peas completely by refrigerating overnight or rinsing under cold water. Drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess in the salad.
Cook the Bacon: Cook bacon until crisp using a skillet or oven. Let cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces to add smoky crunch.
Chop Vegetables and Cheese: Finely dice the red onion and shred or cube the cheddar cheese. Set aside for mixing.
Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold peas, bacon, onion, and cheese into the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld before serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for extra color and aroma.