Pea Salad Recipe

There's something about a cold, creamy pea salad that feels like summer in a bowl. The sweetness of peas, the crunch of red onion, and the savory touch of cheddar and bacon come together in every refreshing bite.

I first discovered this gem at a backyard barbecue where it stole the spotlight from even the grilled meats. Since then, it’s become a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and weekday lunches. It’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser.

Let me show you exactly why this pea salad deserves a spot on your regular recipe rotation.

Why You'll Love This Pea Salad

Get ready to add this simple but flavorful side dish to your favorite meal lineup. This pea salad is more than just easy—it's an essential warm-weather companion for everything from cookouts to quick dinners.

One of the biggest perks? It’s incredibly quick to make. You can throw everything together in just 15 minutes (plus chill time if you want it super cold), making it perfect for those last-minute invites or hectic weeknights.

It’s also extremely budget-friendly. A bag of frozen peas, a few pantry staples, and a couple fresh ingredients are all you need. You can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

This salad is naturally gluten-free and flexible enough to fit into many diets. Whether you're vegetarian (just skip the bacon) or low-carb, it can be adapted to suit your needs.

Finally, it’s make-ahead friendly. In fact, the flavors get even better as they sit and mingle in the fridge. Prepare it in the morning and let it chill until dinner—no stress, all flavor.

So if you’re looking for something that’s easy, affordable, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this pea salad is the answer.

Ingredients Notes

This dish is all about fresh, simple flavors balanced with a rich, creamy base. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table.

Frozen peas are the star of the show. You don’t even need to cook them—just thaw and toss. They provide a pop of color and a sweet, slightly crisp bite that holds up perfectly in a creamy salad like this.

Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing. It’s rich and velvety, binding all the ingredients together with that classic picnic-salad flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can mix it with a little sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Red onion adds sharpness and crunch. It cuts through the richness of the mayo and cheese, giving the salad a bright kick. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing.

Shredded cheddar cheese offers a savory, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the peas. Sharp cheddar works best here—it doesn’t get lost in the mix and adds a bold, tangy flavor.

Bacon brings smoky depth and crunch. Cook it until it's super crispy, then crumble it into the salad for little pops of flavor in every bite. You can use turkey bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version.

As for equipment, all you really need is a large mixing bowl, a spatula, and a sharp knife. It’s the kind of low-effort prep that makes this recipe such a go-to favorite.

How To Make This Pea Salad

Putting together this salad couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to get it just right every time.

Start by thawing your peas. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or speed things up by placing them in a colander and rinsing under cool water. Let them drain well—excess moisture will dilute the dressing.

While the peas are thawing, cook your bacon until it’s golden and crisp. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off extra grease. Once it’s cool, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, a dash of vinegar or lemon juice for tang, and a pinch of sugar if you like a slightly sweet contrast. Stir until smooth—this is your creamy dressing base.

Add the peas, chopped red onion, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Gently stir everything together until the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. Be careful not to mash the peas—you want them to stay whole and vibrant.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together and gives the salad that satisfying chilled texture.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 15 minutes to prep. Let it chill a bit longer if you have time—the flavor only improves.

Storage Options

Pea salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead side. Store it in an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of the peas and dressing will change once thawed. This is definitely a fridge-only dish.

If you’re prepping it ahead for an event, you can mix everything but the bacon and stir that in just before serving to keep it crisp.

To re-serve, simply scoop out your desired portion and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if it's too cold straight from the fridge. No reheating needed!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it a hundred different ways based on what you have or what you're craving.

For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. It still has that creamy texture but with a tangier twist and fewer calories.

Want more texture? Add chopped celery, diced bell pepper, or even sunflower seeds for crunch. These additions also boost nutrition and visual appeal.

Not a fan of cheddar? Try swapping it out for feta or goat cheese for a more tangy, elevated flavor. You can even mix cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon entirely or replacing it with crispy chickpeas or smoky tempeh. You’ll still get that savory element without the meat.

And for a touch of heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne. It’s a subtle way to add a little kick to this cool and creamy classic.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this salad is forgiving and endlessly customizable. Once you find your perfect version, it’s sure to become a regular on your menu.

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