Fresh Southern Pea Salad Recipe: A Homestyle Summer Delight

Southern summers sparkle with this creamy pea salad that brings comfort to every picnic table.

Crisp green peas dance with sharp cheddar cubes in a tangy mayonnaise dressing.

Crunchy bacon bits add a smoky twist to this classic southern pea salad recipe that southern grandmothers have perfected.

Sweet onions and pickles mingle through each delightful bite.

The combination creates a nostalgic side dish that sings of backyard gatherings and lazy afternoon potlucks.

Every forkful carries memories of cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

This simple yet irresistible salad promises to become your new summer favorite.

Tips For Pea Salad Perfection

• Add a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing for a tangy kick that brightens the entire salad.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or use plant-based bacon bits for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
• Pat thawed peas completely dry with paper towels to maintain a crisp, fresh consistency in the salad.
• Experiment with sharp white cheddar or smoked gouda to add more depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance, but add crispy bacon or crunchy elements just before serving to maintain their texture.

Pea Salad Swaps & Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon or ham with roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu cubes for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the salad's texture and flavor profile.
• Greek-Inspired Variation: Swap cheddar cheese with crumbled feta, add diced cucumber, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a Mediterranean-style pea salad.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute sweet peas with cauliflower florets or chopped broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy dressing and classic mix-ins.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, replace green onions with cilantro, and mix in some diced red bell peppers for a zesty, colorful southwestern-inspired pea salad.

Serving Pea Salad Southern-Style

• Southern Summer Picnic Star: Serve this colorful pea salad as the perfect side dish at outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and potluck events where cool, creamy salads are always welcome.
• Protein Power Plate Companion: Pair the salad alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, smoked brisket, or classic hamburgers to create a balanced and delicious meal with complementary flavors.
• Festive Holiday Helper: Bring this crowd-pleasing salad to family reunions, Fourth of July celebrations, Memorial Day cookouts, or church potlucks where everyone appreciates a nostalgic Southern-style side dish.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store the salad in sealed containers for easy lunch preparation, making it a convenient make-ahead option that stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator and tastes even better after the flavors meld together.

Storing Pea Salad For Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Do not freeze this salad as mayonnaise and sour cream will separate and become watery, ruining the creamy texture and taste.
• Gently stir the cold salad before serving to redistribute the dressing. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off.
• Before serving leftover salad, consider adding a small amount of fresh mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh the creamy consistency and brighten the flavors.

FAQs

• What makes this pea salad a Southern classic?

Southern pea salad combines simple, hearty ingredients like peas, eggs, and bacon that reflect traditional Southern cooking styles, emphasizing fresh, comforting flavors and easy preparation.

• Can I use frozen or canned peas for this recipe?

Frozen peas work best and should be thawed completely before mixing. Canned peas are not recommended as they’re too soft and can become mushy, losing the desired texture.

• Is this salad considered a healthy option?

While delicious, this salad is relatively high in calories due to mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a side dish, not a primary nutritional source.

Classic Southern Pea Salad: Southern Charm On A Plate

• A Southern classic that brings families together with its rich, creamy texture and nostalgic flavors.
• Minimal cooking required – just chop, mix, and chill. Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Ideal for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. Adaptable recipe that works with different proteins like bacon or ham, making it a flexible option for various dietary preferences.
• Packed with protein from eggs and cheese, plus the sweet pop of peas. A balanced side dish that adds both taste and nutritional value to any meal.

All The Essentials For Pea Salad

• Sweet Peas: A classic Southern vegetable that provides a sweet and tender base for the salad.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-rich eggs that add a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that brings a tangy and creamy element to the salad.

• Bacon, Ham: Savory meat options that add a smoky and salty dimension to the salad.

• Green Onions, Celery Seeds or Chopped Celery: Provide a fresh and crisp flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the salad.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder, Cayenne: Spices that add depth and warmth to the salad's flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that binds the ingredients together and adds a rich, tangy taste to the salad.

Salad Tools For Chopping & Mixing

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all the ingredients together without making a mess.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the mayonnaise and sour cream into a smooth, creamy dressing.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping eggs, green onions, and ham or bacon.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise chopping of ingredients with ease.
• Measuring Spoons: Help you add the right amount of seasonings for balanced flavor.

Mixing Up Creamy Pea Salad

Step 1: Mix Veggie Goodness

Toss the thawed sweet peas into a spacious mixing bowl.

• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Crumbled bacon or chopped ham
• Finely sliced green onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Gently fold all ingredients together until they’re beautifully combined.

Step 2: Sprinkle Flavor Magic

• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Celery seeds
• Cayenne pepper

Stir thoroughly to ensure every morsel gets perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise and sour cream until they transform into a silky smooth sauce.

Pour this dreamy dressing over the pea mixture and softly stir to coat every ingredient completely.

Step 4: Chill And Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let the salad rest and mingle for at least an hour.

This magical waiting time allows all the flavors to dance and blend together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve And Celebrate

Pull out your chilled salad and serve it proudly at your next gathering.

This Southern classic will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the recipe.

Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious pea salad that screams comfort and love.

Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern pea salad delights with its creamy blend of tender legumes and crisp vegetables. Midwestern comfort meets fresh flavors in this quick, easy side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces/453 grams) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham)
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds
• A sprinkle of cayenne pepper

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and combine thawed green peas with finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled protein (bacon or ham), sliced green onions, and grated cheddar cheese.
2. Enhance the mixture with black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds, and a hint of cayenne, ensuring thorough and even distribution of seasonings.
3. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fold the dressing into the pea mixture, coating each ingredient with the rich, tangy sauce.
5. Seal the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
7. Present this vibrant, chilled Southern-style side dish at outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or family meals, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Keep peas slightly firm by avoiding overcooking, ensuring they maintain a fresh, crisp texture that adds delightful bite to the salad.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that reduces calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Enhance vegetarian options by replacing bacon with smoked almonds or roasted sunflower seeds, which provide similar crunchy texture and smoky flavor.
• Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or cucumber for extra crunch and vibrant color, making the salad more visually appealing and nutritionally diverse.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg