If you are on the hunt for a wonderfully refreshing and utterly satisfying side dish, this Southern Pea Salad Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Packed with tender sweet peas, crisp celery, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and the perfect creamy dressing, this salad brings together textures and flavors that sing with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the South, perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to whip up yet feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Southern Pea Salad Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a balance of creaminess, crunch, and tanginess. These simple staples work harmoniously to make the dish both flavorful and colorful.
- Sweet peas (2 cans, 15 oz each, drained): The star of the salad, providing a tender, subtly sweet base that’s packed with fiber and color.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, creamy texture and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Offers a slight tang that brightens the dressing and softens the richness.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a light acidity that balances the creaminess and enhances overall flavor.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to round out the vinegar’s acidity for a perfect dressing harmony.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice to contrast the sweetness and creaminess.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, diced): Provides a sharp, crisp bite with a lovely pop of color.
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle bitterness.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melts slightly into the mix, delivering a savory depth and creamy texture.
- Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled): Smoky and salty, bacon is the flavor kicker that brings southern warmth to this salad.
- Hard-boiled eggs (2, chopped): Soft and rich, eggs add an additional creamy texture and protein to keep the salad hearty.
How to Make Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This blend of creamy and tangy sets the tone for the salad’s complex flavor profile.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Cheese
Gently fold in the drained sweet peas, diced red onion, celery, and shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful while mixing to avoid breaking the peas, ensuring the salad maintains its beautiful texture and bright appearance.
Step 3: Incorporate Bacon and Eggs
Next, sprinkle in the crispy bacon bits and chopped hard-boiled eggs. These add a smoky, savory punch and a smooth, creamy contrast that make the salad irresistible.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Fusion
After combining all ingredients, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a luscious, well-balanced Southern Pea Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For visual appeal and a fresh bite, sprinkle extra crisp bacon or thinly sliced green onions on top just before serving. A light dusting of paprika can also add a lovely color contrast and subtle smoky note.
Side Dishes
This Southern Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or baked fish. It also shines as a picnic staple or a potluck favorite, complementing any hearty main with its creamy freshness and satisfying texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or tomato cups for an eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, layer it in a clear trifle dish to showcase its vibrant ingredients or serve it with crispy crostini for added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Pea Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and flavors tend to deepen even more with time, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
Due to the creamy dressing and delicate texture of peas and bacon, freezing this salad is not recommended as it can compromise the quality and texture upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’d like to take the chill off, simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving. Reheating is not ideal since it contains ingredients that are meant to stay fresh and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Freshly thawed frozen peas actually offer a firmer texture and brighter flavor, making them a great option if you prefer to avoid canned ingredients.
Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise and sour cream?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess with a tangy twist. Some people also blend light mayo with yogurt for a balanced flavor.
How important is chilling the salad before serving?
Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to mingle and develop depth. Serving it right away might taste fresh but won’t offer the same harmonious flavor experience you get after refrigeration.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Yes! While this Southern Pea Salad Recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with additions like diced bell peppers, chopped pickles, or fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for added complexity.
What can I serve this salad with for a complete meal?
This salad pairs beautifully with southern classics like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a light fish entrée. It’s also fantastic alongside sandwiches or burgers for a casual meal.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pea Salad Recipe is truly a treasure of southern cuisine, combining ease, flavor, and texture in one delightful bowl. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering, a picnic, or simply craving something fresh and comforting at home, give this recipe a try and share the love. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Print
Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Southern pea salad combining sweet peas, creamy dressing, and savory additions like bacon and cheddar cheese. This refreshing chilled side dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or summer gatherings with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 cans (15 oz each) sweet peas, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the Peas and Veggies: Gently fold in the drained sweet peas, diced red onion, and diced celery into the dressing, being careful not to mash the peas.
- Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon to the bowl, folding them in evenly to distribute throughout the salad.
- Mix in Hard-Boiled Eggs: Carefully fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, maintaining the salad’s texture while combining all ingredients.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: After chilling, gently stir the salad and serve cold as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter, tangier salad.
- Use thawed frozen peas instead of canned for a firmer texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a little chopped fresh dill.
- This salad can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavor melding.
