Classic Pea Salad

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary—this is the creamy base that ties the salad together.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared peas, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss the salad using a spatula or large spoon, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

For best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, giving the peas a deliciously creamy and tangy coating.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color. Serve chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as part of a picnic spread.

Tips for the Perfect Pea Salad

1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh or frozen peas that are blanched quickly retain a better texture than canned peas.
2. Customize toppings: Add diced bell peppers, sunflower seeds, or even a handful of toasted almonds for extra crunch.
3. Adjust the creaminess: For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
4. Make it ahead: Pea salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen over time.

Why You’ll Love Classic Pea Salad

The appeal of classic pea salad lies in its simplicity. Sweet, tender peas contrast perfectly with savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and the tangy creaminess of the dressing. It’s a colorful, easy-to-make dish that suits almost any occasion, whether a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.

With this step-by-step method, you can confidently make a crowd-pleasing pea salad that is creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

If you want, I can also create a quick variant of this salad that takes only 10 minutes to prepare without losing its classic taste—perfect for busy days.

Do you want me to do that?