why make this recipe
Southern Pea Salad Classic is a delicious and easy dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. It’s perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or just a simple family dinner. This salad is not only tasty but also packed with colors and textures that appeal to everyone. With a mix of protein from bacon or ham, creamy dressing, and fresh vegetables, this salad is nutritious and satisfying. Plus, it’s straightforward to make, allowing you to whip it up in no time!
how to make Southern Pea Salad Classic
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (or canned peas)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup cooked and chopped ham, optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (or regular onions, if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (or 1/2 cup chopped celery)
- A sprinkle of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
how to serve Southern Pea Salad Classic
Serve the Southern Pea Salad Classic cold, straight from the refrigerator. You can place it in a beautiful serving bowl and garnish it with additional green onions or a few extra crumbles of bacon on top for that extra touch. This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own.
how to store Southern Pea Salad Classic
To store any leftovers of this pea salad, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for about 3 to 5 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients might settle.
tips to make Southern Pea Salad Classic
- Ensure that the peas are fully thawed or heated through if using canned peas for the best texture.
- For added flavor, you can try different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice or feta for a tangy twist.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon, ham, or veggies according to your preference.
variation
You can customize the Southern Pea Salad Classic by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers for crunch, or swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing. Experimenting with different types of cheese or adding nuts can also provide unique flavors and textures.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is great to make a day in advance. The flavors will meld together nicely as it chills in the fridge.
2. What can I substitute for bacon?
If you want a healthier option or are avoiding pork, you can use diced cooked chicken or skip it altogether.
3. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon or ham and using vegetarian-friendly dressing.
Southern Pea Salad Classic
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 16-ounce package frozen sweet peas, thawed (or canned peas) Use thawed for best texture.
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4 to 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup cooked and chopped ham, optional) Bacon is optional; can substitute with ham.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (or regular onions, if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese) Different cheeses can be used for variation.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (or 1/2 cup chopped celery) Celery seeds are optional; celery can be used instead.
- A sprinkle cayenne pepper Adjust amount according to spice preference.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
Serving
- Serve the Southern Pea Salad Classic cold, straight from the refrigerator. Garnish with additional green onions or crumbles of bacon on top.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Remember to stir before serving again.