First, thank you for being here. ❤️
This dish holds a special place in my heart — it’s one of those Southern staples that always makes an appearance at barbecues, church potlucks, and family reunions. Sweet peas, smoky bacon, tangy dressing, and a touch of spice come together in a creamy, crunchy, absolutely irresistible salad.
It’s quick to make, easy to transport, and even better the next day — perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing side.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 25 minutes — perfect for last-minute prep
- Make-ahead friendly — flavors get better overnight
- Simple, everyday ingredients — nothing fancy needed
- Customizable — add your own favorite mix-ins
- Balanced flavors — creamy, smoky, sweet, and lightly spiced
What Does It Taste Like?
The sweet pop of peas pairs beautifully with the salty crunch of bacon and the creamy tang of the dressing. The cheddar cheese adds savory depth, while green onions and celery seeds give it that unmistakable Southern flavor. Just a hint of cayenne wakes everything up without making it spicy.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen sweet peas, thawed (or canned peas, well-drained)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4–6 slices bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled (or 1 cup chopped ham)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (or regular onion)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for more flavor)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp celery seeds (or ½ cup chopped celery)
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine thawed peas, chopped eggs, bacon (or ham), green onions, and cheddar cheese. Pat peas dry with paper towels if they seem too wet. - Season
Sprinkle pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds, and cayenne evenly over the mixture. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. - Combine
Pour dressing over the pea mixture and fold gently to coat everything without crushing the peas. - Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside barbecued chicken, ribs, or pulled pork
- Pair with fried chicken for a classic Southern spread
- Add to a buffet with cornbread and collard greens
- For a light lunch, serve over a bed of lettuce with crusty bread
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- For best texture, add bacon just before serving if making ahead
- This salad tastes even better the next day
Easy Variations
- Swap bacon for diced ham or turkey
- Add diced bell peppers for color and crunch
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and adding sunflower seeds
Pro Tips
- Pat peas dry before mixing to avoid a watery dressing
- Use extra-crispy bacon for the best texture contrast
- Season generously — cold salads need more seasoning for flavor to pop
- Don’t skip the chill time; it makes all the difference
FAQ
Q: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes — just drain thoroughly before mixing.
Q: Can I make this salad a day ahead?
A: Absolutely — in fact, it tastes even better the next day.
Q: Can I substitute ham for bacon?
A: Yes, diced ham works beautifully.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, just be sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Classic Southern Pea Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create a truly memorable dish. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor — a perfect side for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.
If you loved this recipe, try:
- Southern Macaroni Salad
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad
- Broccoli Bacon Salad
💌 Tried this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos — I’d love to see your creations!
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fat: 22g
