why make this recipe
This Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is a quick, comforting side that balances sweet peas with smoky bacon and a tangy, mayo-based dressing. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a simple make-ahead dish for gatherings. If you like rich, creamy sides, you might also enjoy this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet as a heartier pairing.
introduction
Light, bright, and ready in minutes, this salad relies on a few pantry staples and frozen peas for fast prep. The dressing of mayonnaise and sour cream keeps the texture smooth while apple cider vinegar adds brightness. It’s forgiving — you can adjust mayo or sour cream to suit your taste and swap bacon for a vegetarian bacon alternative if needed.
how to make Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
This recipe is straightforward: combine peas, bacon, and red onion, whisk together the dressing, toss, and chill. Chilling helps the flavors meld and firms the peas slightly for a better bite. Use thawed peas (briefly rinse if still icy) so the dressing clings rather than dilutes.
Ingredients :
2 cups frozen peas, 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen peas, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
how to serve Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature as a side to grilled meats, sandwiches, or picnic spreads. It pairs especially well with simpler mains so the salad’s creaminess can shine. For a playful party menu, consider pairing it with Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones.
how to store Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dressing firms up after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of vinegar or a splash of milk before serving to loosen the texture. Avoid freezing — the mayo/sour cream dressing will separate.
tips to make Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
- Thaw peas in a colander under cold running water for a minute, then drain well to avoid a watery salad.
- Cook bacon until crisp for the best texture contrast; crumble while warm for easier distribution.
- Taste before chilling; add more vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance flavors if needed.
- For lighter version, replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
variation (if any)
- Add diced celery or chopped fresh herbs (dill or parsley) for freshness.
- Swap apple cider vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter citrus note.
- Make it vegetarian by using smoked tempeh crumbles or a store-bought bacon alternative.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh peas?
A: Yes — blanch fresh peas for 1–2 minutes, then shock in ice water before combining.
Q: Is this salad good warm?
A: It’s best chilled or at cool room temperature; warm peas will wilt the onion and dilute the dressing.
Q: How can I make it ahead?
A: Make it up to a day ahead and keep chilled. If bacon loses crispness, you can crumble a little extra cooked bacon on top just before serving.
Conclusion
For more ideas and variations on this classic side, see this Creamy Pea and Bacon Salad recipe for inspiration: Creamy Pea and Bacon Salad. You can also compare techniques and flavor tweaks at this recipe page: Creamy Bacon Pea Salad – My Incredible Recipes.
Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen peas, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Creamy Bacon Pea Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen peas, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
