Creamy Bacon Pea Salad

Description This Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is a rich, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing side dish packed with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Sweet green peas are combined with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy red onions, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick family meals. This no-cook recipe comes together in minutes and gets even better as it chills, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It’s a classic comfort salad that’s both simple and incredibly delicious. Ingredients Main Ingredients: 4 cups frozen green peas (thawed) 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup red onion, finely chopped Creamy Dressing: ¾ cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp sour cream 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice 1 tsp sugar Seasoning: ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper Optional Add-ins: 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley Instructions Prepare peas: Thaw frozen peas completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Cook bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. Mix dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add peas, bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped red onion. Add dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and gently stir until evenly coated. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor. Serve: Stir before serving and garnish with extra bacon or herbs if desired. Tips, Notes & Q&A Make sure peas are fully thawed and dry to avoid watery salad. For extra crunch, add chopped celery or nuts. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on taste. Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Yes, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Q: How long does it last? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Q: Can I use fresh peas? A: Yes, just blanch them briefly and cool before using. Q: Is it keto-friendly? A: It can be with reduced peas and full-fat dressing adjustments. Servings & Nutrition (Approx.) Servings: 6 Calories: ~320 kcal per serving Protein: 10 g Fat: 24 g Carbohydrates: 14 g