Classic Pea Salad
A flavorful and vibrant side dish that combines sweet peas, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, perfect for any gathering or meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed Fresh peas work too, but frozen is super convenient.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Adds a smoky, savory flavor.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded A nice creamy addition; you could also use Gouda or feta.
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped Provides a sharp contrast to the creamy dressing.
- ½ cup mayonnaise The base of the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon sugar Helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar For a tangy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes.
- While the peas are thawing, cook your bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
- Finely chop your red onion. If you're sensitive to the flavor of raw onion, soaking the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes can help mellow the taste.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the salad, ensuring everything is well coated in the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar according to your preference.
Chilling and Serving
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss and transfer it to a serving bowl. Enjoy it cold as a side dish or a snack!
- Optional: Garnish with a sprig of parsley or a few extra crumbles of bacon before serving.
Notes
Classic Pea Salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.