Description: This Classic Southern Pea Salad is a delightful, creamy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple family meal. Combining sweet peas, crunchy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (canned peas work too)
- 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions (substitute with regular onions if preferred)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)
- A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat (optional)
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Begin by thawing the frozen sweet peas, if using. You can do this by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them until they are no longer frozen. If using canned peas, drain them well and give them a quick rinse. Hard-boil the eggs. Place them in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Cool the eggs under cold water, peel, and chop them into small pieces. Cook the bacon until it is crispy. The method doesn’t matter (oven, skillet, or microwave), just get it cooked to golden perfection. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces. Chop the green onions and shred the cheddar cheese, if necessary. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the assembly process much smoother.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon (or chopped ham, if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. It’s important to handle the ingredients with care to avoid mashing or breaking them, especially the hard-boiled eggs.
Step 3: Season the Mixture Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the salad. The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, but if you are spice-averse, you can certainly omit it.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth and creamy mixture. This dressing provides the perfect balance of tanginess and richness. It’s the key to bringing all the flavors of the salad together. Make sure to whisk it well to avoid any lumps and to achieve a consistent texture.
Step 5: Dress and Chill Pour the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing over the pea mixture. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the texture of the peas and other ingredients. Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Classic Southern Pea Salad is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time and simple instructions, even novice cooks can whip up this salad with confidence. Second, it’s versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet peas, savory bacon, creamy dressing, and cheddar cheese is irresistible. Finally, it’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, making it perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. The contrasting textures and flavors, along with the easy preparation, make this salad a true standout. The blend of sweet, savory, and tangy elements provides a balanced and complete taste experience.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
- Pair with grilled chicken, hamburgers, or hot dogs.
- Serve alongside sandwiches or wraps for a light lunch.
- Offer as part of a holiday spread for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
- Enjoy as a refreshing snack on a hot day.
- Elevate the presentation by serving in a chilled bowl or individual ramekins.
- Garnish with extra crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, use light mayonnaise and sour cream.
- To add more crunch, include chopped celery, water chestnuts, or pecans.
- Make the salad a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld even further.
- If you don’t have celery seeds, you can use a pinch of celery salt instead.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Don’t add the dressing until just before serving if you want to keep the salad at its crispiest.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes (for bacon and eggs) Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
This Classic Southern Pea Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients combined in a way that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a casual barbecue or a formal holiday dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. Its ease of preparation, customizable nature, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern charm in every bite.
Questions and Answers about the Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead is highly recommended. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the overall taste of the salad. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Of course! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sharp provolone for a bolder flavor.
Q3: I don’t have celery seeds. Can I substitute something else? A: Yes, if you don’t have celery seeds, you can use a pinch of celery salt for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, finely chopped celery adds a nice crunch and subtle celery flavor.
Q4: Can I make this salad without bacon? A: Yes, you can definitely make it without bacon. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon altogether. You can also substitute it with chopped ham for a different savory element.
Q5: How long will this salad last in the refrigerator? A: This salad will generally last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly over time as the dressing gets absorbed by the other ingredients.
