Pea Salad
Updated
Updated
This easy green Pea Salad is an old fashioned classic recipe served cold and enjoyed all year round. Made with bacon, cheddar cheese, red onions, and a sweet dressing, all in one bowl and in only 15 minutes!
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5 STAR REVIEWS
Pea…salad? I know. Sounds weird, right? But it’s incredibly fantastic. It’s a staple at potlucks, baby showers, and luncheons all across the Midwest and Southern states – you’d be hard pressed not to find it served at any type of gathering. And for good reason – it’s crazy easy and super delicious!
I’ve personally served this pea salad so many times over the years to friends, whose first reaction is “ew” – and then they ask for the recipe after one bite! Try this side salad at your next gathering and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Peas. The star of this salad are peas, of course. I always use frozen (thawed) petite peas, which are sweet, colorful, and have a slight crunch. You can use canned peas if you want, but just keep in mind that they don’t look as nice and because of their softer texture, they don’t hold up as well.
- Bacon. The end. Lol. Just kidding. Salty bacon adds another level of awesome flavor and also balances out the sweetness of the peas and dressing.
- Cheese. My preference for this salad is sharp cheddar cheese, for the best flavor. I also buy a block and cube it about the same size as the peas, but many pea salads use shredded cheese, which is totally fine, too!
- Onion. Technically, you can use any type of onion here, but I always include red onion for the taste and pop of color.
- Dressing. This is really the other star of the show. Like so many classic salads, it has a sweet and tangy flavor that cannot be denied! Don’t freak out over the sugar – it’s a necessary ingredient to balance out the vinegar and it’s only a small amount.
Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, , diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups frozen peas, , thawed
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 3/4 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese, (approximately the same size as the peas)
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.
- Put sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, coarse salt, and pepper in a large bowl; whisk to combine.
- To the bowl, add peas, red onion, cheddar cheese, and the cooked crispy bacon; gently stir to coat completely.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with some crispy bacon and enjoy the salad cold.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Did you make this? Leave a rating below!
How To Store Leftovers
Any pea salad leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad – the dressing will not hold up very well, and the peas and bacon will get too mushy once thawed.
More Classic Salad Recipes:
- Chicken Salad
- Easy Egg Salad
- Deviled Ham Salad
- Delicatessen Fruit Salad
- Creamy Waldorf Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
I almost follow your recipe to a “T”, except I added more cheese. I haven’t had this in decades, and it’s just as good as I remembered. Will keep this recipe for future uses. Thank you, for sharing :) :)
This is an amazing salad. Due to family dietary issues i leave out onions when they are at the meal. I mix everything except bacon, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Just prior to serving i add lightly salted cashews and the bacon. Toss it well and wait about 15 minutes and serve. A crowd favorite and will be going to my family’s Thanksgiving meal tomorrow. I cannot wait! Thank you for posting! (This cashews really bring it up and notch. Can use toasted pecans instead if desired.
Have made this many times, is my family’s favorite. It’s now a required dish at family get togethers.
This is the best pea salad I have ever eaten…cutting the cheddar cheese approximately the size of the peas makes this salad the best!!!
Don’t hate me but I didn’t have bacon and still wanted that crunch, so I swapped in chopped celery. Most of a head. Otherwise I followed the recipe, adding a sprinkle of salt at the end. And it was still almost as good! The dressing is really the key, along with the barely thawed baby peas. And now my celery is used up before it got wilted in the vegetable bin! I think next time I’ll try it with all the bacon plus celery too.
This is the best pea salad I have ever tasted!!!I recommend cutting the cheddar into pea sized little pieces..it takes a little extra time but the texture and flavor make this pea salad the very best!
Oh my goodness, by far one of the best pea salad recipes I have ever made, thank you so much for sharing it. I took a taste, it was game over I darn your tore the whole bowl up. Don’t tell her I said so but this is even better than my grandmother’s recipe…lol
Haha! I love it. It’ll be our little secret, Robert.
I just made this. Took one taste then sat down with the bowl and a fork. Lol Super quick and easy and I just eyeballed most of the ingredients. Thank you for sharing
Made it and the family devoured it! Just like the salad served in a local BBQ restaurant! Thanks for a great new addition to my menu choices.
Made this. It’s as good as I remember from a salad buffet I used to eat at. Family loves it too!
I grew up in Midwest
I love pea salad
Your recipe was perfect
Looking forward to checking out many more of your recipes!
Very good and easy and quick to make.
Wonderful recipe for a classic salad! I added sliced water chestnuts and celery to make it the way it was served when I was young. Doing that really adds a tasty crunch. I brought it to a barbecue where it went perfectly with the burgers and baked beans that were served. Everyone liked it, even those that had never had it before. This recipe is a keeper!
I haven’t made pea salad in years. I fixed your recipe and it was a hit. The salad was easy to fix and was a perfect side dish. I made the recipe – but used Lesueur peas. I’ll be making this recipe more Often. I’ve put it in my permanent Recipe book.
First time making pea salad. It was very good. Took to a church dinner. It went over very well. Just a little bit brought home. I recommend this recipe. Will make again.
Just made this salad for a 4th of July cookout tonight. WOW, it is delicious and will definitely make this again. I went EXACTLY by the recipe and I LOVE it when that happens. Thank you for sharing your awesome recipes!
Great recipe. Mu husband didn’t even like peas and he asked me to make it again.
Such a simple yet tasty salad
I make this salad at least twice a week now! So super refreshing on a hot day.
This very simple but very tasty.Recipe is spot on from my childhood and all the places that I know make it with love. I’ve made it several times but what I’ve noticed.Is that the sweet frozen peas are far superior in flavor than the fresh peas that I get at trader joe’s and boil.
Can you possibly use canned peas?
Please see the notes in the article about this.
I have made this salad many times now! I love it.
Made this today with grilled hamburgers & Brats, absolutely delicious! Made recipe as stated no changes, definitely a keeper
Could I use fresh from my garden peas instead of frozen?
Can’t see why not!
I love this recipe!
Made for Easter, loved by everyone. I will definitely make this again. It’s perfect and so refreshing.
Excellent! Need I say more?
Can I make it the night before?
Yep
OMG! Fantastic salad! Made for Easter. 5 people ate the whole salad. One guest threatened to lick the plate.
I made dish this for a funeral potluck. I of course had to taste it before I sent it off and it was delicious ?
I held back a couple tablespoons of dressing because I was afraid it would be too soupy. I didn’t use those 2 Tbsp’s but they didn’t go to waste them…I ate them…yum!
Can this salad be made a day ahead of time?
Yes
this is a little different from what I have made in the past but I’m going to make your recipe. I think I’m still going to add chopped boiled eggs (just a couple) So hungry for this
I make this recipe for my husband and sons frequently, they LOVE it! I had stopped eating it since developing allergies to lactose and eggs but have since begun making my own half batch with plant based sour cream, mayonnaise and cheese and it’s almost just as delicious as the original.
We love this recipe. If I don’t have cheese, I used some Smokey diced ham?
This recipe is a big hit at my house
I plan to make this as written only I will add about 1/4 tsp. of yellow mustard to make it taste like an appetizer served with ritz crackers at a beloved old family style restaurant called the Log Cabin now closed.
Absolutely delightful! Just as I remember from when I was a kid…. a very long time ago. Yum!
One of my favorites, and I do not like peas!
Absolutly delicious, have looked for years for a good recipe and this one is delicious
So good. I can’t keep it in my fridge. It gets devoured.
I love the dressing on this better than other recipes. Will make again! Turned out perfect.
Love this it’s one of my favorites! I also made fill
this may be a foolish question but should i cook the peas before adding them ?
Nope! They should be thawed, but not cooked. They’re meant to have a nice bright green color with a slight crunch.
I made this recipe for a church social. It was a big hit. Of course, I had to double it and that was fine. I’m making it again for tomorrow’s celebration of our 32nd year since our church was established. The celebration must include my pea salad.(your recipe).
Thanks, recipe is quick & easy
My Grandmother was from Iowa and her pea salad was a staple at every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Her recipe probably dates from the early 1920’s Her’s used American cheese, had hard boiled eggs. canned peas and chopped sweet pickles. She used the pickle juice and sugar and not vinegar. Love the addition of bacon, and using frozen instead of canned. Also love the idea of better cheese!
I just finished making this, and took a little sample bite before putting it in the fridge to set. I can tell it is going to be delicious! I made a little bigger of a batch so I had to tweak the ingredients but it came out great!
I made and it was so good…..we all liked it
Made as written and it was one of the best salads I’ve ever eaten. Took it to a work potluck and it disappeared. I even convinced TWO of my pea-hating coworkers to at least try it and they really loved it too so you were right!! LOL.
Excellent! I also substituted heavy whipping cream for some of the cream. Also added more balsamic vinegar to the ACV.
I used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and it was still delicious. I also added in chopped up hard boiled egg.
Has anyone added a boiled egg?
It’s just me so I cut this recipe way back. When the recipe calls for a cup I used 2 tablespoons and converted the rest of the sauce. Super yummy.
Best version of this recipe I’ve made!
I make this salad soooo often because it’s so goooood! You must try.
This was just perfect! My aunt always made this for summer get togethers!
This salad is a hit in my home!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes! My family thanks you!!
Simple and yummy
Yummy! And so pretty too! Next time I’m going to try it with rice vinegar, as I’ve seen suggested, just to see what that does.
This is spot on to my mom’s recipe. I was really wanting pea salad. When you buy from store deli it’s never the same as the memories of mom.
Thank you.
Fabulous!
Getting ready to make this salad – I have frozen peas – bag says to steam in package – can I just thaw & use? Thanks!
Yes, that’s what you want. Frozen, completely thawed (but not cooked) peas. Enjoy!
So good
Just like my mamaw would make when I was a kid!! Love this a lot!!!
I used fresh peas from my garden. So good. I love this recipe!
Th I s is such a delicious, refreshing salad that is perfect for summer
The best I’ve tasted. Thank you.
Sherry R.
Made for Father’s Day brunch and it was simply wonderful. Not a spoonful left!
This is my favorite recipe now. So good!!
Perfectly simple and simply perfect
Loved this recipe! Very simple and yummy! I doubled it for a family meal & substituted Greek yogurt for 1/2 the mayo.
So delicious! Thank you
I just made this Pea Salad recipe and wow, I didn’t really know how to make the best Pea Salad. I had no idea how sour cream and apple cider vinegar with alittle sugar would make this the way I should hav e been doing for 25 years.
Can you use can peas instead of frozen ones when making the pea salad?
I tried it once and it was a mushy mess. Maybe try blanched cauliflower if you don’t like frozen peas.
Love this!!
Just wonderful
I made this salad for Easter. Everybody just loved it! Downside…NO leftovers!
Us, too. Only enough left overs for a small side dish. ?
I always add diced water chestnuts!
I love this
Its better than my southern grandma’s version! Shhhh dont tell
The dressing makes this salad zing!
Yummy!
This has become a family favorite! My grandmother requests this recipe EVERY holiday. She used to make one just like it when she was able to cook. I add ham cubes in addition to the bacon. Absolutely LOVE AND HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RECIPE!
Love this recipe super easy and delicious!!
Just the best as is..but hubby asked if I could kick it up a notch for card game gang so I added a small flat can of drained on paper chopped green chillis and diced water chestnuts well drained..had so many compliments and request for recipe! Great for the guys and I even ate a helping..but I still have my memories of vhildhood hatherings at Churc suppers and picnics with my parents that I tend to want this ” best of the best” version. Thanks for sharing and taking me back to the ‘good ole ’60s!!
I adore your recipes. Thank you
I had this exact salad (hostess told me what website to go to) at a house warming. I did fall in love.
Can I make up the dressing the night before?
Yep, np.
What do you make your 7 layer salad w I th? Mine is chopper iceberg lettuce, celery, green bell pepper, red onion, frozen peas. Mix kaon & sourcream then parm, tomatoes and bacon
Recipe sounds good. I like hard boiled eggs in my pea salad.
I agree. I added some to mine
I put hard boiled eggs in mine too. I have not used this dressing before. I plan to do that today!
Its the third time I’m making this salad! Wonderful
Awesome
Yum! I didn’t have red onion so I used a lesser amount of white and it was fabulous. So nice to add an interesting, tasty cold veggie dish during hot AZ summers. Thank you!
Super tasty and easy… a big hit!
Just wonderful. FWIW my husband doesn’t like peas and went back for seconds!
I’m eager to make this with ham.
Fantastic!
The pea salad was delicious. I made it again for a church function and it was a big hit.
My family loves it! It doesn’t last 3 days.
Do you cook the frozen peas
Nope. They’re just thawed.
My husband loves this recipe. It is also so easy to make. He travels and works on Railroad and this is an easy go to for him to take with him
Can I substitute sour cream with plain yogurt.
Delicious salad. Perfect for these hot summer days in the south. I made it exactly as described. Thank you.
Excellent recipe! Other than doubling the pepper I followed the recipe. Definitely be making this again.
Very good! I added a little more pepper. I’ve had it before with chopped hardboiled egg and it’s delicious. I never have bacon but bacon bits are a great substitute and adds some good crunch. Measure with your heart lol. I also have had it with canned peas and prefer the flavor (I just love canned peas honestly) but do think it’s easier if you chill the peas before mixing them – less mushing.
I made this the first time for a ladies lunch at church and ended up bringing home an empty bowl. It went over an empty bowl s it was the first thing gone. Made it again for my husband who loved it. I will be making it often this summer.
My step-mom used to make this for us, mostly in the summer. I love any recipe with peas. This has always been one of my favorite salads, it’s a classic!
Yum! This was so delicious, thank you!
I have made this at least 10+ times. Its just like my moms recipe. This is my go to salad for family gatherings. Everyone loves it (except my son, he’s not a vegetable eater lol) I make it as is with no changes. Thank you for sharing.
This was so good!! And you’re right…even the pea haters liked it! LOL.
This is SOOO good! Easy and quick. Great potluck dish. I had to substitute cream cheese as I ran out of sour cream. It was still great… couldn’t tell the difference. Just beware you have to soften the cream cheese with milk to get the right consistency. A new family staple.
I’ve made this several times. I usually add two boiled eggs. Minus bacon if I don’t have it. Everyone loves it here. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
This w/b VERY easy to veganize !!
Great recipe. I substituted rice vinegar and it was delicious.
My family loves this dish. I too use rice vinegar.
I never had pea salad before, I didn’t have cream cheese, but added celery. I liked the tangy taste. Nice change of pace.
Sour cream… not cream cheese
Love the pea salad,great recipe,one thing I do is add parmason cheese in the dressing,I do this with 7 layer salad ,tried it with this pea salad and its good.Great recipe!
I’ve made this many times and it’s the best!!! I could eat this evert day. Followed directions and wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite part of a 7 layer salad! I just ate 1/2 the batch!
I made this at a family dinner and my grandmother said she hadn’t had pea salad like that in a long time! Great recipe
I have tried this salad recipe but instead of using mayo, I have used ghee. Ghee has worked a taste enhancer and I like the creamy mouthfeel of the dairy oil.
I had this at a baby shower years ago but never got the recipe. Searched and found this one – it was even better than I remember!
Had a group over for the long weekend and doubled this recipe – so glad I did because it was all gone! Even the pea haters liked it. LOL.
Has anyone actually done it with miracle whip instead of mayo? Was it good? I have done it with mayo but I’m out and don’t wanna go out lol
I used miracle whip light in the dressing. Tasted very good.
I’ve always just made this pea salad with mayo and it always seemed just a little bland. With this cole slaw type dressing it was just the zing it needed. Thanks
My go to now for church dinners
Was great, especially the dressing
I have looking for this one recipe. I love this classic pea salad.
I found your recipe last year while searching for a dressing recipe and my entire family just loves it! It has become a dish we have in the fridge at the very least once a month, but usually 3-4 times a month. It just never seems to make it very long LOL! Thank you for sharing your recipe.
I made this recipe and added 4 hard boiled eggs. Everyone LOVED it. Thank you for sharing such a quick and easy recipe that people really love!
So good! My husband who doesn’t like peas, asked for seconds!
Loved this recipe very much.
FANTASTIC recipe! My kids even ate some and they don’t like peas.
Love the dressing!! Definitely stepped up from my usual Mayo only. Absolutely delicious! Serving it for Easter, thank you
Made this for a church gathering and it’s delicious! Even my pea hating children like it! This recipe is a staple now. Thank you for sharing.
Can you make this a day ahead?
Yes…its better the next day. Enjoy!
Absolutely delish!!! I added boiled egg and diced ham
Do you think vinegar would be okay to use rather than apple cider vinegar?
white wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar would both be fine subs.
First time trying it was a Nashville thank you for this recipe I’ve been looking for it. I just made it and I love it. I’ll be adding to this recipe. Thanks a million….
Awesome recipe! I added boiled eggs
My family loves this recipe. My brother especially likes it when I add bowtie pasta.
The perfect pea salad recipe. I use shredded cheese though.
Yummy!
Wow. Perfect! Exactly what we were looking for!! Just made this and it is awesome. I was short a cup of peas so I added a cup of fresh diced tomatoes. I would definitely pass this one along and highly recommend it.
I loved this recipe. My mom used to make it when I was young. I made it using frozen peas and carrots. Next time I will add celery and green pepper.
I loved this recipe. My mom used to make it when I was young. I used combo of frozen peas and carrots and will add a little celery and green pepper next time I make it.
It’s is the best recipe. Second time I’m making it in 3 weeks. This is a triple batch!!!
Recipe is amazing and was a huge hit!
I have made this so many times thanks to this easy recipe! Thank you for recipes that regular folks can follow! Nothing is worse than failing at a recipe because I didn’t attend cooking school! Thanks again.
Such a classic & the recipe is perfect! I like the vibe of your website too!
I just made this recipe and I had added 4 boiled eggs to it. And I must say this is just awesome.
This is a great recipe! I’m not a big fan of red onions so I used green onions instead. I think next time I’m going to add some hard boiled eggs to it.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of apple cider?
I personally think red wine vinegar is too strong for this recipe. White wine or champagne vinegar would be better substitutes. But if red wine vinegar is all you have, you could try it.
Perfect! A huge hit with my friends and family. I think the vinegar/sugar mix is the secret ingredient.
I’ve been making this same recipe for 30+ years, except I always add raw cauliflower and chopped cashews. Always a hit whenever I bring it somewhere! Yummy!!
Delicious recipe – refreshing and tasty!
It’s delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
The best Pea Salad receipe. The perfect combination of flavors. Even my hubby loves it!
My late Gramma Bettie made this every 4th of July, I’m keeping the tradition alive, only thing I do different is add 3 or 4 hard boiled eggs!
didn’t think about water chestnuts, didn’t have any chestnuts, I did have celery, diced it into little squares and use it for the crunch like the water chestnuts~
Really good! The combination of ingredients is a much tastier alternative to plain mayo.
Can you make this salad a day ahead and keep in refrigerator over night?
I prefer to serve it the same day it’s made, but yes you can chill overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
So good and easy to make
Made this and it’s yummy! Nice summer salad.
I do love this recipe so much, but I also add to mine and always have is water chestnuts. It just gives it a crunch that last forever. To make it quicker, I use cooked bacon bits from the store ( not the fake stuff but the real bacon bits). I’m not lazy but just always in a hurry and it works just as well.
I forgot to tell you about how much water chestnuts you should use. I buy an 8oz can (sliced), Then I cut them up to about pea size. If you are using your recipe exactly, then you would actually want to use about 6oz. Sorry, I didn’t know how to delete the original message and place a new one in there. I usually Make a little more and use the whole can. It all depends on the person making the recipe, I try and have equal parts in my salads that way you taste everything equally.. thank you hope you can help me to correct this.
I am in my 70s and remember taking this to church dinners and on picnics. I lost my recipe years ago and finally decided to see if I could find it online. It was the first one to appear! Love it, love it, love it. Thank you for making it so easy to find.
Fantastic salad! I make it once every few weeks. I totally crave it. I make it exactly to your recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Turned out great, everyone loved it. I’ve made cold salads my whole life, but never pea salad – I’ve had it, but not made it…
Whole family loved this – great recipe, thank you!
Do you cook the frozen peas for this salad first
Nope! Just make sure they’re completely thawed.
So simple and delicious and a perfect salad for any meal!
This was delicious! A hit for our entire family including the toddler!
What is your go-to brand bacon for this salad?
Hi Candy – I like to buy a thicker cut and just look for strips that have less fat, but you can use any brand.
I just want to say that I feel cheated. My mom made us pea salad my whole childhood and not once did she ever put cheese in it. I’ve been robbed!
Yummy, easy and so good!
Love this recipe!
Delicious and so easy!
Great recipe! Love it!
It is delicious. It tastes like seven layer salad, but much easier!
Delicious!
This is wonderful! I thinned the dressing with a little milk and mixed in some cooked macaroni rings – it was delicious.
Hi Amy. Your recipe looks delicious. Any suggestions for a mayo substitute would be appreciated, as I am highly allergic to eggs (and gluten too.)
Hi Peggy! Sorry to hear that! Maybe plain Greek yogurt. It will give it more of a tangy flavor, which isn’t ideal for this recipe, but you’ll get that creaminess needed for the dressing. Try it! And let me know how it goes.
I’m a couple of years late on answering this question (I hope you see this), but have you tried avocado Mayo? It’s egg free and gluten free. I hope you found a way to enjoy this recipe…it’s absolutely delicious!
mayonnaise or miracle whip?
Mayonnaise is listed in the ingredients.
Don’t have sour cream. Any ideas on what I could substitute?
Thank you!
Ps. Love your recipes!
Hi Tanya! Plain Greek yogurt would be a great substitute.
I’m not a fan of Greek yogurt. Lol. Is there a different type of sauce I could maybe substitute?
Thank you so much for your input! I have all the ingredients except for the sauce
There really isn’t another equivalent sub. You could try just using all mayo. It won’t give you the optimal results, but should still be delicious. Maybe Miracle Whip, although I’m not a personal fan.
I don’t care for Greek yogurt either. When I see it called for in a recipe I sub in plain (not Greek) yogurt. Maybe this will work for you.
What is half and half? Is it a yogurt? Thanks
Half n Half is equal parts heavy cream and whole milk…but there’s no half n half in this recipe.
Can canned sweet peas be used instead of frozen ones?
Hi Edna! As I mentioned in the article, you can, but just keep in mind that they don’t look as nice and because of their softer texture, they don’t hold up as well.
I think using canned sweet peas would be misleading and ”GROSS” tasting. I rather have fresh crisp garden peas than overcooked canned peas.
Haven’t ever made a cold pea salad before, but this looks good enough to try.
What if I don’t apple cider. What can I use.
I actually left out the vinegar by mistake and it still tasted wonderful!