🥓🫛 Bacon Pea Salad
This is a cold, creamy, sweet-and-savory salad with crispy bacon, tender peas, and a tangy dressing. It’s a classic potluck-style dish that comes together fast and tastes even better after chilling.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed (do not cook)
- 8–10 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavors)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped celery for crunch
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook bacon
Fry bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
2. Prep peas
Thaw frozen peas by letting them sit at room temperature or rinsing quickly with cold water. Drain well.
3. Make dressing
In a bowl, mix:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Sugar (if using)
- Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth.
4. Combine salad
In a large bowl, gently mix:
- Peas
- Bacon
- Red onion
- Cheddar cheese
- Optional add-ins
Pour dressing over and fold gently until evenly coated.
5. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving for best flavor.
🍽️ Serving ideas:
- Serve as a BBQ side dish
- Pair with grilled chicken or burgers
- Great for picnics and potlucks
- Works as a light lunch on its own
🔥 Flavor profile:
- 🥓 Smoky, crispy bacon
- 🫛 Sweet, tender peas
- 🧀 Creamy, tangy dressing
- 🧅 Mild onion bite for balance
🔄 Variations:
- 🥬 Add chopped lettuce for a lighter salad
- 🧄 Add garlic powder for extra depth
- 🥗 Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- 🧀 Use pepper jack for a spicy kick
- 🍋 Add lemon zest for freshness
💡 Tips:
- Make sure peas are fully drained so salad isn’t watery
- Add bacon just before serving if you want extra crunch
- Chill time improves flavor a lot
If you want, I can also give you a low-carb version, a pasta-style bacon pea salad, or a warm skillet version.