There’s something about a Classic Pea Salad that just feels like home. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at family gatherings, summer picnics, and cozy weekend meals — and for good reason! It’s easy to make, refreshing, creamy, and packed with texture and flavor. This salad takes simple ingredients like sweet green peas, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and creamy dressing and turns them into a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything — from roasted meats to sandwiches or even grilled fish. You can prepare it ahead of time, which makes it a lifesaver for busy days or when you’re hosting guests. Whether you’ve grown up with this salad or are trying it for the first time, it’s one of those humble recipes that never goes out of style.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen green peas (thawed and drained)

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits (or freshly cooked bacon, crumbled)

• 1/2 cup diced celery (optional, for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Peas: Begin by thawing your frozen peas. You can place them in a colander under cool running water for a few minutes or let them sit at room temperature until softened. Drain well to remove excess water.

2. Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the peas, finely chopped red onion, diced celery (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss lightly to mix.

3. Cook the Bacon: If you’re using fresh bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and let it cool before crumbling into small pieces. Add the bacon bits to the salad.

4. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice (or vinegar), salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.

5. Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the dressing to thicken slightly.

7. Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir and sprinkle some fresh parsley or extra bacon bits on top for presentation. Serve chilled as a side dish.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 260 kcal per serving

• Protein: 9 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugars: 5 g

• Calcium: 10% DV

• Iron: 6% DV

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this Classic Pea Salad for its simplicity and versatility. It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes like comfort food — creamy, crunchy, salty, and slightly sweet all at once. It takes minimal effort to make yet delivers maximum flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any event. Plus, it’s easy to adapt based on what you have in your fridge. Whether you’re serving it alongside a grilled main course or bringing it to a potluck, this salad adds color and freshness to the table. It’s also budget-friendly and uses pantry staples, which means you can whip it up anytime without a special grocery trip.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The Classic Pea Salad is a nostalgic American favorite that has roots in mid-20th-century home cooking. It became popular in the 1950s and 60s when convenience foods like frozen vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressings became common in households. It’s often found at church potlucks, barbecues, and family reunions across the Midwest and Southern United States. Over the years, it has remained a staple because it combines simple, affordable ingredients with satisfying textures and flavors that appeal to all generations.

Ingredient Spotlight

The ingredients in a Classic Pea Salad may look simple, but together, they create a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so memorable. Peas are, of course, the shining star here — naturally sweet, crisp, and bursting with freshness. They bring a bright green color that immediately makes the salad pop. What’s even better is that frozen peas work just as well as fresh ones since they’re flash-frozen right after harvest, locking in all their nutrients and flavor. They’re rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus a good source of fiber and plant-based protein, which makes them not only tasty but also nourishing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Then comes the bacon, the secret weapon of this dish. Its smoky, salty crunch adds incredible depth and contrast to the sweet peas and creamy dressing. The aroma alone makes the salad irresistible. You can use freshly cooked bacon for that satisfying crispness, or if you’re short on time, quality bacon bits will do the trick. Bacon’s savory flavor brings everything together, adding that touch of indulgence every comfort dish needs.

One of the best things about Classic Pea Salad is how well it stores, making it an excellent make-ahead dish. After preparing the salad, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though many people find that it actually tastes even better after a day because the flavors have had time to meld together. The peas absorb the dressing slightly, creating a creamier, more flavorful texture.

When storing, it’s best to give the salad a gentle stir before serving again, as the dressing can sometimes separate a bit after refrigeration. This quick toss will revive the creaminess and bring everything back together. If the salad feels a little thick after chilling, you can mix in a tablespoon of sour cream or mayonnaise to refresh the texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Classic Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled or roasted meats like barbecue chicken, ham, steak, or pork chops. It also complements seafood — think baked salmon or crispy fish fillets. For a lighter meal, pair it with sandwiches, wraps, or even a simple baked potato. And if you’re serving it at a picnic, it fits perfectly next to coleslaw, deviled eggs, and cornbread.

Health Benefits

Peas are surprisingly nutritious! They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like C, K, and several B vitamins. This helps support digestion, boost immunity, and maintain energy levels. The salad’s mix of vegetables adds antioxidants and minerals, while the protein from cheese and bacon provides lasting satisfaction. To make it healthier, you can easily reduce the mayonnaise or use light versions without sacrificing flavor. It’s a balanced dish that brings both taste and nutrition to your plate.

Conclusion

The Classic Pea Salad is proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most delightful. It’s nostalgic, wholesome, and endlessly customizable — a dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a festive barbecue, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and sweet peas makes it both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a perfect reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated — just made with love and a few good ingredients.