Simple and Tasty Pea Salad Recipe for Any Occasion

By:

Grace Mueller

Published:

June 17, 2025

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Benefits and Advantages of Pea Salad

Pea salad stands out as a particularly effective recipe due to its ease of preparation, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The dish combines sweet peas with complementary ingredients that boost its nutritional profile, providing a healthy option rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein. This salad’s light and refreshing taste, along with its vibrant color, makes it appealing for any meal or gathering. Its versatility allows for customization to fit various dietary preferences, ensuring it caters to vegans, gluten-free, and low-calorie diet followers. Using synonyms such as “green pea salad” or “garden pea mix” enhances readability and SEO naturally, while emphasizing the recipe’s health benefits and simplicity.

Pea salad is a timeless dish that balances creamy, savory, and sweet elements with minimal prep.

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Essential Ingredients for Pea Salad

4 cups frozen peas, fully thawed but not cooked
8 slices bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into pea-sized cubes
1/3 cup diced red onion (soak in cold water to mellow sharpness if desired)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

This blend of ingredients delivers a balance of flavors and textures, with sweet peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings it all together beautifully.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pea Salad

To accommodate different dietary needs or preferences, pea salad can be easily customized:

Vegan Options: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or roasted chickpeas. Use plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives.
Gluten-Free: The traditional recipe is naturally gluten-free, but verify that bacon, cheese, and other additives are certified gluten-free.
Lower-Calorie: Use light sour cream and mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt. Omit bacon or cheese for reduced fat content.
Dairy-Free: Swap sharp cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise.
Onion Flavor: Soaking diced red onions in cold water reduces sharpness for sensitive palates.

These substitutions ensure the pea salad is flexible, friendly to dietary restrictions, and maintains its signature deliciousness.

How to Prepare the Perfect Pea Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Bacon: Cook 8 slices of diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Prepare the Peas: Use 4 cups frozen peas, thawed thoroughly but not cooked. Drain any excess water.
Chop Cheese and Onion: Cube 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese into pea-sized pieces; dice 1/3 cup red onion. Soak onion in cold water if you want a milder bite.
Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add peas, bacon, cheese, and red onion to the dressing. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors. For richer taste, chill for up to 4 hours. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with extra bacon or fresh parsley if desired.

This straightforward process ensures a perfectly balanced pea salad every time, suitable for potlucks, picnics, or everyday meals.

For cooking bacon perfectly, refer to How to Cook Bacon Perfectly.

Mastering Pea Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations

To create an even more memorable pea salad, consider adding fresh herbs such as mint or dill, which introduce a pleasant brightness and aroma that complement the salad’s creamy texture. Toasted nuts like pecans or almonds can be incorporated to add crunch and a nutty flavor, making the salad more complex and satisfying. For a touch of sweetness, diced apples or dried cranberries can be mixed in, providing contrast to the savory ingredients.

Replacing traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt is a great option for those seeking tanginess and additional protein. Experiment with different cheeses such as feta or goat cheese to explore new flavor profiles. Vegans can enjoy a delicious version by substituting tofu cubes marinated in lemon juice and herbs for bacon and using plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives. Balancing the salad’s texture creaminess from the dressing with the crunch of peas and bacon is crucial, and these variations can help personalize the dish while retaining its beloved character.

How to Store Pea Salad: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to keep your pea salad fresh and flavorful. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which helps prevent drying out and absorption of other odors. For optimum taste and safety, consume the salad within 2 to 3 days. Avoid freezing pea salad since the texture of the peas and the creamy dressing will break down during thawing, resulting in a watery, unappetizing consistency.

If preparing the salad in advance, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness. Before serving leftover salad, gently toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Allowing the salad to come to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before serving can enhance its flavor and soften the dressing, improving the eating experience.

Nutritional Value of Pea Salad

Nutrient	Amount per 1/3 cup serving
Calories	265 kcal
Carbohydrates	11 g
Protein	9 g
Fat	21 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
Cholesterol	36 mg
Sodium	343 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Vitamin A	638 IU
Vitamin C	23 mg
Calcium	108 mg
Iron	1 mg

This classic pea salad recipe provides a balanced mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins. It’s a good source of protein and fiber from peas, contributing to digestive health and sustained energy. The fat content from sour cream, mayonnaise, and bacon is moderately high, adding richness and satiety. Additionally, the salad delivers vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health. Consider these nutritional aspects if you are adapting the dish for special dietary needs. For further details on nutrients, refer to Nutritional Benefits of Peas.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Salad

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas in pea salad?

Yes, fresh peas can be used in pea salad. To prepare them, blanch the peas briefly in boiling water, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain their bright green color and slight crunch. Drain well before adding to the salad. Use about the same quantity as frozen peas, roughly 1 pound, for best results.

How do I store pea salad and how long does it stay fresh?

Store pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the dressing and ingredients can become mushy. For best flavor, bring the salad to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving.

Should I cook frozen peas before adding them to pea salad?

No, frozen peas should be thawed, not cooked, before adding to pea salad. They are flash-steamed before freezing, so cooking again isn’t necessary. Thaw the peas until mostly soft but still retaining some crunch and a bright green color for optimal texture.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in pea salad if I have an egg allergy?

If you have an egg allergy, you can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or avocado-based mayonnaise. These alternatives provide a creamy texture and complement the other ingredients well, while keeping the salad rich and flavorful without eggs.

Can I make pea salad ahead of time, and are there tips for keeping it fresh?

Yes, pea salad can be made a day or two ahead. To keep it fresh and flavorful, prepare the dressing and salad in advance, but add crispy ingredients like bacon or fresh onion just before serving to maintain texture. Store the salad covered in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.