Pea Salad might evoke nostalgic memories of Grandma’s kitchen, but this timeless side dish remains a crowd-pleaser, especially during summer gatherings. This creamy, cool salad perfectly balances the sweetness of peas with the savory punch of bacon and red onions. The inclusion of cheddar cheese elevates it, becoming a delightful surprise in every bite. All these wonderful flavors are brought together by a subtly seasoned mayonnaise dressing, creating a slightly sweet and undeniably savory combination that’s simply irresistible. For those familiar with comforting Midwestern cuisine or inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking of figures like the Pioneer Woman, this pea salad recipe is a cherished classic that’s been loved for generations.
If you’re seeking more refreshing summer salad inspiration, explore recipes like vibrant Summer Fruit Salad, zesty Cherry Tomato Salad, and the quintessential Perfect Potato Salad.
Crafting Your Classic Pea Salad
- Prep the Peas: Begin by emptying a bag of frozen peas into a colander. Allow them to gently thaw while you prepare the dressing and other ingredients. This slight thaw ensures they retain a pleasant texture in the final salad.
- Whip Up the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper until smoothly combined. This simple dressing provides the perfect creamy base for the salad.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, mix the chopped red onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon with the prepared dressing. Gently fold in the semi-thawed peas, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is refreshingly cold.
photo collage how to make pea salad
Choosing Your Peas: Frozen vs. Canned
For the best pea salad, a 16-ounce bag of frozen peas is the ideal starting point. While canned peas can be used in a pinch, frozen peas offer several advantages. Their vibrant green color enhances the salad’s visual appeal, and they possess a slight crispness that contributes to a more satisfying texture. Frozen peas also tend to hold their shape better than canned peas when mixed into the salad. If you opt for canned peas, chilling them thoroughly for a couple of hours before preparation is recommended to prevent them from becoming overly soft when stirred.
Ingredient Spotlight
- Frozen Sweet Peas: Frozen peas are the star! While canned can substitute, expect a softer texture. Crucially, do not cook the peas for this salad; their slight thaw is perfect.
- Bacon: Bacon bits offer convenience and robust flavor. For a richer bacon experience, consider using real bacon, cooked until crispy and thoroughly drained of grease before chopping.
- Cheddar Cheese: Pre-shredded cheddar cheese is perfectly acceptable for ease. However, for a superior flavor and texture, grating cheddar cheese directly from the block is highly recommended if time allows. The difference is noticeable!
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise is the preferred choice for its rich creaminess and texture. Light mayonnaise can be used, but it may result in a slightly thinner consistency.
- Red Onion: Red onion provides a bold, zesty flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the other ingredients. If a milder onion flavor is desired, green onions can be used as a substitute.
Enjoy this classic recipe!
~Your Pioneer Technology Content Creator
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