Creamy, crunchy, salty, and slightly sweet—this classic pea salad is packed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or an easy make-ahead side dish.
🧾 Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy & crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt & black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- apple cider vinegar
- sugar
- salt and pepper
2. Add the mix-ins
Stir in:
- thawed peas
- bacon
- cheddar cheese
- red onion
Mix until evenly coated.
3. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
🔥 Optional Add-Ins
- Diced hard-boiled eggs
- Sunflower seeds
- Chopped celery for extra crunch
- Cubed cheddar instead of shredded
- Fresh dill or parsley
🍽️ Perfect With
- BBQ chicken
- Burgers
- Pulled pork
- Fried chicken
- Picnic sandwiches
💡 Tips
- Pat peas dry after thawing so the dressing stays creamy
- Save a little bacon for topping right before serving to keep it crispy
- Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor balance