Name: Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained; 1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/4 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you’re hunting for the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and downright craveable, this Southern Pea Salad Recipe is your summer sidekick. Bursting with fresh peas, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy-sweet dressing, it delivers a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether it’s for backyard barbecues, picnics in the park, or next-day lunch, this dish always brings smiles to the table, and you’ll soon see why it’s a staple here in the South!

Southern Pea Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how each ingredient truly matters—every color, crunch, and creamy bite adds to the magic. The Southern Pea Salad Recipe relies on a handful of classic ingredients that come together simply but spectacularly.

Frozen green peas: Bright, sweet, and ready with zero prep—just thaw and drain for the perfect crisp-tender foundation.
Diced cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a bold, punchy flavor that pairs beautifully with the peas—and adds fun pops of orange color!
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky, salty, and irresistibly crunchy, bacon sets this salad apart from the rest.
Finely chopped red onion: A little onion gives just the right bite and color, balancing the creamy elements.
Chopped celery: Fresh celery delivers welcome crunch and an herbal note that brightens things up.
Mayonnaise: The backbone of that classic, dreamy dressing—creamy, smooth, and rich, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
Apple cider vinegar: Its gentle tang wakes up the whole bowl and keeps the flavors lively.
Sugar: Just a hint underscores the sweetness of the peas and tames the vinegar’s sharpness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing and rounding out every bite—adjust to your own taste.

How to Make Southern Pea Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Bacon

Start by making sure your peas are thawed completely and well-drained. Dice the cheddar cheese into bite-sized cubes, chop the red onion and celery finely for even flavor, and crumble your cooked bacon so it’s ready to sprinkle in.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, cheddar cheese cubes, crumbled bacon, red onion, and celery. Gently toss them together so every ingredient is distributed and waiting for that dreamy dressing.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until everything is smooth and luscious. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and keep whisking until the dressing is glossy and cohesive.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the creamy dressing over your pea mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold the dressing through all those colorful veggies, taking care not to smash the peas but making sure every bite gets a coating of that tangy goodness.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your Southern Pea Salad Recipe with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least one hour. This essential step lets the flavors mingle and makes the salad even tastier. Once chilled, give everything another gentle stir before serving for peak creaminess and freshness.

How to Serve Southern Pea Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra bacon crumbles, a scattering of fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or even a pinch of paprika over the top. It adds color and makes your Southern Pea Salad Recipe pop in both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad plays so well with summer classics: think grilled chicken or ribs, buttery cornbread, or tangy baked beans. It’s a refreshing companion to any hearty barbecue plate, and offers a cool contrast to spicy or smoky mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Southern Pea Salad Recipe in a pretty glass bowl to show off its vibrant colors, or spoon it into individual mason jars for a picnic—super cute and perfectly portable! You can even use lettuce leaves or mini phyllo shells to make bite-sized hors d’oeuvres for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Pea Salad Recipe will keep fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as some separation may occur.

Freezing

This creamy salad really loves the fridge, but not the freezer—freezing will mess with the texture of the peas and the dressing. For best results, make just enough for what you’ll enjoy fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish—this Southern Pea Salad Recipe is at its best served thoroughly chilled, straight from the fridge. If you need to refresh the flavors, add a splash of vinegar or a dash of black pepper before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?

You can, but frozen peas are always my first choice for the freshest color and greatest “pop”—canned peas tend to be softer and may not hold up as crisply in the salad.

Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Leave out the bacon and try smoked paprika or roasted chickpeas for savoriness and crunch, or toss in some chopped toasted nuts.

Can I prep Southern Pea Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it actually improves after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just keep it well covered in the fridge, and give it a toss before serving for best texture and flavor.

What other mix-ins can I add?

Try crumbled hard-boiled eggs, diced sweet pickles, or even a handful of shredded carrots for extra color and Southern flair. The recipe is wonderfully flexible!

Is Southern Pea Salad Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written it’s naturally gluten-free—which makes it an easy crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings where dietary needs vary.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a good Southern Pea Salad Recipe that brightens any table and brings people together. I hope you’ll give it a spot at your next gathering—it’s quick, colorful, and always gone in a flash. Happy cooking, and let me know how you make this classic your own!

Southern Pea Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A Southern Pea Salad recipe that combines the freshness of green peas with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and bacon, all brought together with a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Green Pea Salad:

3 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped celery

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, and celery.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Pour dressing over pea mixture, stir gently to coat evenly.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve: Stir and serve chilled.