Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Classic Southern Pea Salad recipe is a simple & delicious side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick family dinner. It combines creamy dressing with crisp vegetables for a refreshing and satisfying bite. For another easy, crowd-pleasing option, try this Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe.

Ingredients

This Classic Southern Pea Salad combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch for a truly satisfying side dish.

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 8 oz cheddar cheese, cubed small

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This Classic Southern Pea Salad comes together about 25% faster than similar recipes that require cooking or chilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Ingredients

Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them for a minute. Drain thoroughly to prevent a watery salad. Meanwhile, finely dice the red onion, celery, and hard-boiled eggs to ensure even distribution in every bite.

Step 2 — Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 3 — Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the drained peas, diced red onion, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese. For the best texture, use a large rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together carefully, avoiding crushing the peas.

Step 4 — Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the pea and vegetable mixture. Fold gently until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the peas mushy.

Step 5 — Add the Crispy Bacon

Crumble the cooked, crispy bacon and fold most of it into the salad, reserving a small amount for garnish. The bacon adds a essential savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.

Step 6 — Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Classic Southern Pea Salad for at least one hour, or ideally up to four hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become thoroughly cold.

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir. Garnish the top with the reserved crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or paprika for a pop of color. Serve your Classic Southern Pea Salad chilled.

Nutritional Information

Calories	245
Protein	9g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	14g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Classic Southern Pea Salad is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing its signature creamy, tangy flavor.

• Protein Alternative — Swap the bacon for chopped hard-boiled eggs or pan-seared tempeh for a different savory element.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the sweet relish with finely chopped dill pickles and a pinch of a sugar substitute to cut down on sugar.
• Dairy-Free Version — Use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheddar cheese for a creamy, plant-based Classic Southern Pea Salad.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — This salad is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your mayonnaise and bacon labels to ensure no hidden ingredients.
• Low-Sodium Twist — Use low-sodium bacon or turkey bacon, and opt for no-salt-added canned peas to significantly reduce the salt content.
• Lighter Creaminess — Substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed dressing.
• Extra Veggie Boost — Add finely diced celery or radishes for a satisfying crunch and extra nutrients.
• Herbaceous Freshness — Stir in fresh chopped dill or chives to brighten up the flavors and add a garden-fresh note.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Classic Southern Pea Salad alongside grilled favorites like barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or juicy hamburgers for a perfect summer cookout.
• It makes a wonderful side dish for a holiday spread, complementing baked ham, fried chicken, or a holiday turkey beautifully.
• For a light lunch, serve a generous scoop of Classic Southern Pea Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves or in a halved avocado.
• Turn it into a main course by adding a protein like flaked tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Bring this salad to a potluck or picnic; it travels well and its flavors improve after chilling for a few hours.
• For an elegant presentation, serve the Classic Southern Pea Salad in a clear glass bowl or individual mason jars to show off its colorful ingredients.

This versatile Classic Southern Pea Salad is a crowd-pleaser that fits effortlessly into any meal plan, from casual family dinners to large festive gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen peas straight from the bag, which makes the salad watery and dull. Fix: Thaw peas completely and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure the dressing clings perfectly.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the salad, which can crush the tender peas and make the texture mushy. Fix: Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula just until combined to maintain distinct, pleasant textures.
• Mistake: Dressing the salad immediately before serving, not allowing flavors to meld. Fix: Let the dressed Classic Southern Pea Salad chill for at least an hour; this resting time deepens the overall flavor profile significantly.
• Mistake: Skipping the blanching step for fresh peas, resulting in a starchy, less vibrant final dish. Fix: Briefly blanch fresh peas in boiling water, then shock them in ice water to lock in their bright green color and sweet flavor.
• Mistake: Using a mayonnaise-based dressing that is too thick or gloppy, overwhelming the other ingredients. Fix: Thin the mayo with a splash of buttermilk, vinegar, or the pickle brine for a lighter, creamier coating.
• Mistake: Adding ingredients like red onion or raw celery that are too harsh and overpower the delicate peas. Fix: Soak diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite, or use milder green onions instead.
• Mistake: Neglecting to season adequately, as peas and mayo can mute salt and pepper. Fix: Taste and season in stages—season the peas lightly first, then again after adding the dressing—for a perfectly balanced salad.
• Mistake: Including watery vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes that will weep and dilute the dressing. Fix: Stick to low-moisture add-ins like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese cubes, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Classic Southern Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before covering and refrigerating.
• Freezer: We do not recommend freezing Classic Southern Pea Salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh vegetable ingredients will become watery and lose their texture upon thawing.
• Reheat: This Classic Southern Pea Salad is best served cold. If it has become too cold from refrigeration, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Do not microwave or apply heat.

For food safety, always keep your salad refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) and discard any leftovers that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This Classic Southern Pea Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare. For another fantastic side dish, try our Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe. We hope you love this recipe! Please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more easy, delicious ideas.

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FAQs

Can I make Classic Southern Pea Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this Classic Southern Pea Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What kind of peas are best for this salad?

We recommend using frozen sweet peas, thawed, for the best texture in this Classic Southern Pea Salad. You can also use well-drained canned peas, though frozen will provide a fresher taste and firmer bite.

How can I add more protein to this pea salad?

For a heartier Classic Southern Pea Salad, add chopped hard-boiled eggs or crispy, crumbled bacon. These additions complement the creamy dressing and peas perfectly, making it a more substantial side dish.