Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Classic Creamy Pea Salad is one of those timeless side dishes that quietly steals the spotlight at potlucks, family dinners, and summer barbecues. It’s cool, crisp, slightly sweet, and perfectly savory all at once. With tender green peas, crunchy add-ins, and a silky, tangy dressing, this salad delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.

What makes this dish so beloved is its simplicity. It requires minimal cooking, comes together quickly, and can be made ahead of time. Yet when properly prepared, it tastes anything but basic. Below, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating a perfectly balanced Classic Creamy Pea Salad.

Why This Salad Works

The magic of this salad lies in contrast:

• Sweetness from green peas
• Saltiness from cheese and bacon
• Crunch from red onions and optional nuts
• Creaminess from a rich dressing
• Tang from vinegar or lemon juice

When each element is prepared thoughtfully, the result is a refreshing yet satisfying side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 4 cups frozen green peas (thawed but not cooked)
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or small cubes)
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup diced celery (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Peas Properly

The peas are the heart of this salad, so treat them carefully.

1. Place frozen peas in a colander.
2. Rinse them under cold running water until thawed.
3. Drain thoroughly.
4. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry.

Important: Do not cook the peas. Cooking will make them mushy and dull in color. The goal is tender yet firm peas with a bright green appearance.

Step 2: Cook and Crisp the Bacon

If not using pre-cooked bacon:

1. Place bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook until crisp and golden brown.
3. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease.
4. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.

Crispy bacon adds essential salty crunch to balance the creamy dressing.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

Finely dice the red onion so it distributes evenly without overpowering bites. If you prefer a milder onion flavor:

• Soak the diced onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes.
• Drain well before adding to the salad.

Dice celery if using. Small pieces ensure even texture throughout.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl:

1. Add mayonnaise and sour cream.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in vinegar (or lemon juice).
4. Add sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning.

The dressing should be slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness. It shouldn’t taste overly sweet or heavy.

Step 5: Combine the Salad

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Add the dried peas.
2. Stir in red onion, cheese, celery (if using), and most of the bacon (reserve a little for topping).
3. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
4. Gently fold everything together using a spatula.

Mix carefully to avoid crushing the peas.

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