Description
A classic, creamy pea salad featuring crisp bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing made with sour cream, mayo, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. This cold salad is easy to prepare and perfect as a refreshing side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 12 oz frozen peas
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons chopped red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crisp. Remove the cooked bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well until smooth.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the frozen peas (thawed), cubed cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and chopped bacon. Pour the dressing over these ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the salad and let it stand in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure peas are fully thawed before mixing for best texture.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar quantities to balance sweetness and tanginess according to preference.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead to deepen the flavor.
- For a crispier bacon texture, cook until very crisp before chopping.
- Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pea salad,bacon pea salad,cheddar pea salad,creamy pea salad,cold pea salad,summer side dish,salad with bacon,pea salad recipe
