Pea Salad Recipe

This classic pea salad with crispy bacon is a wonderfully simple side dish that pairs beautifully with so many meals. It’s made with sweet, tender peas, crunchy bacon bits, melty cheese, sharp red onion, and a creamy dressing that’s both sweet and salty — truly irresistible every time.

I still think back to the very first time I tasted pea salad at my Grandma’s church potluck. I’ll admit I was a little unsure at first, but that first bite quickly won me over. The combination of peas, smoky bacon, cheese, and that creamy dressing creates a cold salad that’s hard to beat in flavor and texture.

Today, this easy recipe is a year-round favorite at my house. It’s a must-have on our Easter table and always makes an appearance at summer BBQs. It’s that comforting, nostalgic dish that makes me think of family and good times.

This classic pea salad with bacon is a refreshing mix of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful. It’s a beloved side dish at our family gatherings all year long.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Chill time: 30 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

This timeless pea salad with bacon is an easy, no-fuss side full of everything I love: creamy dressing, sweet peas, salty bacon, sharp cheese, and a little crunch from red onion. It’s such a versatile salad I whip up all year — perfect for Easter brunch, summer cookouts, or a simple weeknight meal side.

Below you’ll find a full list of ingredients plus a printable recipe card. I break down easy steps and offer some helpful tips for getting that salad perfectly creamy without being soggy. Plus, I share my favorite mix-ins and swaps to keep things fresh. The salad comes together in about 10 minutes, then you just pop it in the fridge to chill for a bit. This recipe makes about 6 servings, ideal for families or sharing.

• Prep time: About 10 minutes, plus a 30-minute chill.
• Main flavors: sweet peas, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, red onion, and a creamy sweet-and-salty dressing.
• Extras included: tips on make-ahead, storing leftovers, FAQs, and variations like ham or hard-boiled eggs.

Classic pea salad with bacon is cold, creamy, and crunchy. Full of flavor, this side dish is a favorite all year round.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Chill time: 30 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

What Makes It Special

Simple – This recipe comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. I love how fast it is — you’ll have it ready in 10 minutes.

Flavorful – It hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. This salad makes a delicious side for BBQs, potlucks, holidays, or even just dinner at home.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ⅛ seasoned salt
• ⅛ ground black pepper
• 1 16 oz bag of frozen peas thawed
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 6 pieces bacon cooked and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese

How to Make the Salad

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Rinse frozen peas under cold water to thaw and cool, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
3. Add the thawed, dried peas, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and diced red onion to the dressing.

4. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

   

5. Cover the bowl tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

   

Tips for Creamy, Crisp Results

• Dry the peas well. After thawing the peas, pat them dry with a towel. This helps keep the dressing from getting watery and keeps the salad nice and creamy. For extra crunch right before serving, top each bowl with a handful of Easy Homemade Croutons.
• Give it time to chill. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes lets all the flavors blend beautifully, so don’t skip this step!

Add-ins and Swaps

Protein swaps: Swap crispy bacon for diced ham if you’re looking for a change, and consider tossing in chopped hard-boiled eggs for an extra boost.

Veggie additions: Don’t be shy about adding diced bell peppers, fresh corn kernels, or diced tomatoes to brighten the salad and add texture—if you love corn in salads, try our Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad for even more sweet-corn crunch.

Dressing alternatives: Ranch dressing works great here if you want to switch things up or have it on hand already.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing leftovers: Keep your pea salad fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep too since it tastes even better after sitting a bit! For another sturdy make-ahead option, try this crunchy Broccoli Salad.

Freezing caution: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The mayo-based dressing tends to separate and get watery once thawed.

Answers to Common Questions

Can you use canned peas?

You sure can, but canned peas tend to be softer and mushier. If you go that route, rinse them well with cold water so they don’t make the salad soggy.

Can I make this recipe for pea salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day or two ahead. I suggest adding the bacon right before serving to keep it nice and crispy.

How do you thaw frozen peas for salad?

Just run the peas under cold water for a minute or two to thaw slightly. They don’t need to be fully thawed, just not frozen solid when mixed in.

Do you put eggs in pea salad?

Hard-boiled eggs are a tasty optional add-in for pea salad. It’s totally up to you!

I’d love to hear if you give this green pea salad a try. Drop a comment below and let me know what you think!

Green Pea Salad

Classic pea salad with bacon is cold, creamy, and crunchy. Full of flavor, this side dish is a favorite all year round.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Chill time: 30 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ▢ 2 tablespoons sugar
• ▢ ⅛ seasoned salt
• ▢ ⅛ ground black pepper
• ▢ 1 16 oz bag of frozen peas thawed
• ▢ 1/4 cup diced red onion
• ▢ 6 pieces bacon cooked and chopped
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions 

• Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a big bowl until smooth and creamy.
• Next, add the thawed peas, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and diced red onion. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything’s well coated with the dressing.
• Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The chill time helps all those flavors get cozy together.

Additional Info

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American