Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Pea Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to side dish for busy days. It’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. The salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite add-ins, and it’s perfect for making ahead. The combination of fresh peas, mayonnaise, and crunchy vegetables creates a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and light.

Ingredients

4 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced cheddar cheese, red onion, celery, and crumbled bacon.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 1 hour

Variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with crumbled feta for a different flavor.
For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Try adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
Make it creamy with sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a tangy variation.

Storage/Reheating

This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh. The salad is best enjoyed cold, and it doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen peas for this salad?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly for this salad! Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the dish.

2. How do I make this salad more flavorful?

You can experiment with adding ingredients like fresh herbs, diced pickles, or different types of cheese to enhance the flavor of the salad.

3. Can I prepare this salad the day before?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better when it sits in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free cheese option and replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free dressing to make it dairy-free.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and crunch.

6. How do I keep the peas from being mushy?

Be sure to thaw the peas gently at room temperature, and don’t overmix them once they’re combined with the other ingredients to maintain their texture.

7. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

8. Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, you can try other dressings like ranch or Italian dressing if you prefer a different flavor profile.

9. How long can this salad be stored?

The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first 24-48 hours for the freshest taste.

10. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Frozen peas are generally recommended for this salad, as they maintain their texture better. However, fresh peas can be used if you prefer, just make sure they are blanched before use.

Conclusion

Classic Pea Salad is a delicious and versatile side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any gathering. With its fresh peas, creamy dressing, and crunchy vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re preparing for a barbecue or a weeknight meal, this salad offers a tasty and refreshing addition to any menu.

Classic Pea Salad

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This Classic Pea Salad recipe is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Made with thawed frozen peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a delicious dressing, it’s a simple yet flavorful salad that will complement any meal. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or holiday dinners, this salad is quick to make and can be customized to suit your taste.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 1hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8servings
Category: Main Course
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

4 cups frozen peas, thawed

1 cup diced cheddar cheese

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup chopped celery

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine thawed peas, diced cheddar cheese, red onion, celery.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

To make this salad dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives.
For extra flavor, add lemon juice, fresh herbs, or diced pickles.
The salad can be made a day ahead and tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.