Ingredients
For the Salad
- 5 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed and well drained
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
You can customize this salad with:
- Diced celery
- Chopped dill pickles
- Sliced green onions
- Diced ham
- Sunflower seeds
- Chopped pecans
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sweet corn
- Bell peppers
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon in a cold skillet.
Cook over medium heat until crispy, turning occasionally.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and allow it to cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Peas
If using frozen peas, thaw them completely.
Place them in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water.
Drain very well.
Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Keeping the peas dry helps the dressing stay thick and creamy.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until completely smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl combine:
- Peas
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Red onion
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Parsley
- Chives
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Avoid overmixing to keep the peas whole.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though 2–4 hours is even better.
This allows the dressing to absorb into the ingredients and develop a deeper, richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled burgers
- BBQ chicken
- Smoked brisket
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Fried chicken
- Roast beef
- Meatloaf
- Baked potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Garlic bread
- Fresh fruit
- Pasta dishes
It also makes an excellent addition to picnics, cookouts, holiday buffets, and meal prep lunches.
Tips for the Best Salad
- Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Thick-cut bacon provides the best crispy texture.
- Dry the peas thoroughly so the dressing doesn’t become watery.
- Freshly cracked black pepper tastes better than pre-ground.
- Chill before serving for the best flavor.
- Reserve a little bacon and cheese to sprinkle on top just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Delicious Variations
Ranch Version
Replace half of the mayonnaise with ranch dressing for an extra-herby flavor.
Spicy Version
Add:
- 1 diced jalapeño
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
for a subtle kick.
Ham and Pea Salad
Replace half of the bacon with diced smoked ham for an even heartier dish.
Lighter Version
Substitute:
- Plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream
- Light mayonnaise for regular mayonnaise
This keeps the salad creamy while reducing calories.
Extra Crunch
Mix in:
- Chopped celery
- Water chestnuts
- Toasted sunflower seeds
- Sliced almonds
for added texture.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because the dressing contains mayonnaise, do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in very hot weather).
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and peas will lose their texture after thawing.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Bacon, Pea & Cheddar Salad is the ultimate comfort-food side dish. It combines the natural sweetness of green peas with smoky, crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, tender hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy homemade dressing that ties everything together. Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh flavors.
Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this classic salad is ideal for everything from backyard barbecues and holiday feasts to weekday lunches and meal prep. Make it ahead of time, let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, and enjoy a delicious dish that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.