Name: Creamy Southern Pea Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 18 oz frozen petite peas; 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced; 7 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced; 1/2 cup celery, chopped; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 dash cayenne; 1 pinch smoked paprika; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream

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why make this recipe

Creamy Southern Pea Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly blends flavors and textures. It’s not only easy to make but also offers a refreshing taste that works great as a side dish for family gatherings, picnics, or potlucks. The combination of sweet peas, crunchy bacon, and creamy dressing makes it a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

how to make Creamy Southern Pea Salad

Ingredients:

18 oz peas (I use Birds Eye frozen petite peas)
2 eggs (hard-boiled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
7 slices bacon (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
1/2 cup onion
1 cup cheddar (sharp variety provides a bolder flavor)
1/2 cup celery
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 dash cayenne
1 pinch smoked paprika
1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s for a creamier texture)
1/2 cup sour cream (use Daisy for a thick and smooth consistency)

Directions:

Start by hard-boiling the eggs if you haven’t already. Place them in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes before cooling and dicing into 1/2-inch pieces.
While the eggs cook, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
Thaw the frozen peas by running them under cold water in a colander for 2-3 minutes, then drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch) and chop the celery into similar-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Combining these dry seasonings first helps them distribute evenly later.
In a large bowl, combine the drained peas, diced eggs, crumbled bacon, diced onion, diced celery, and sharp cheddar cheese. Add the seasoning blend and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula until everything is well coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

how to serve Creamy Southern Pea Salad

Serve this salad chilled as a side dish to your favorite main courses. It pairs well with grilled meats, barbecues, or even sandwiches. You can garnish it with additional crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an appealing presentation.

how to store Creamy Southern Pea Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last up to 3-4 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal flavor and freshness.

tips to make Creamy Southern Pea Salad

For added crunch, consider using fresh ingredients like bell peppers or radishes.
If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or sour cream.
Prepare the salad a day in advance to enhance the flavors as they meld together over time.

variation

Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, jalapeños for a kick, or even nuts like pecans for extra texture. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more spices or herbs as desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas; just make sure they are cooked and cooled before adding them to the salad.

2. How long can I store Creamy Southern Pea Salad?
The salad typically lasts 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.

3. Can I make this salad without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative.