Name: Creamy Southern Pea Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 18 oz peas (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 (diced); 1 cup cheddar cheese (sharp variety); 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 combines fresh flavors and comfort in every bite. This salad is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a side for your favorite barbecue. With its mix of sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.

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 (diced)
1 cup cheddar (sharp variety for bolder flavor)
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 (I prefer Hellmann’s for creaminess)
1/2 cup sour cream (use Daisy for thickness)

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. Let them sit covered for 10 minutes. Once done, cool and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.
While the eggs cook, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and crumble.
Thaw the frozen peas by running them under cold water in a colander for 2-3 minutes. Drain them thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
Dice the onion into small pieces (about 1/4-inch) and chop the celery into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Mixing the dry seasonings first helps them distribute evenly.
In a large bowl, combine the drained peas, diced eggs, crumbled bacon, diced onion and celery, and sharp cheddar cheese. Add the seasoning mix and toss gently to ensure even coating.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or storage container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld. You can also make it up to 24 hours in advance.

how to serve Creamy Southern Pea Salad

Serve Creamy Southern Pea Salad chilled. It makes a fantastic side dish alongside fried chicken or grilled meats. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or picnic dish. Just scoop it into bowls or on plates, and watch it disappear!

how to store Creamy Southern Pea Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last for about 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to bring the flavors back together.

tips to make Creamy Southern Pea Salad

Ensure the peas are well-drained to avoid a soggy salad.
Experiment with adding other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added crunch and color.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer it spicier, add more cayenne.
For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

variation (if any)

You can easily adapt this recipe by adding different ingredients. Consider adding diced bell peppers, chopped herbs like dill or parsley, or swapping the cheddar cheese for a different variety. You can also try it with different dressings if you’re in the mood for something new.

FAQs

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

Is it okay to make this salad a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead can enhance the flavors as they have time to blend together.

Can I make this salad without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian alternative to make the salad suitable for vegetarians.