Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad is a cool and creamy side dish that mixes peas, bacon, eggs, and cheddar for a tasty Southern classic.

introduction — Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad is easy to make and great for potlucks and barbecues. It keeps well and needs little prep.

Serve it with warm sides like 30-minute roasted broccoli, sweet potato, and chickpea salad for a full plate.

why make this recipe — Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad brings a creamy, salty, and slightly tangy flavor that everyone likes.
It uses common ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

how to make Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad comes together fast with simple steps.
You mix the peas and mix-ins, add a creamy dressing, chill, then serve.

You can add more protein or beans like in a chickpea tahini salad sandwich if you want a heartier dish.

Ingredients: Classic Southern Pea Salad

• 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
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream

Directions: Classic Southern Pea Salad

• Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, add thawed peas, chopped eggs, crumbled bacon or ham, green onions, and shredded cheddar.
• Season: Add black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir well.
• Dress It Up: In another bowl, whisk mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Pour over the pea mix and gently stir to coat.
• Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour so the flavors blend.
• Enjoy: Serve chilled as a side at your next barbecue or family meal.

how to serve Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad tastes best cold and fresh from the fridge.
Pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or a plate of potatoes.

Try it alongside a tangy potato side like classic potato salad for a picnic-style spread.

how to store Classic Southern Pea Salad

Store Classic Southern Pea Salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use within 3 to 4 days for best flavor and texture.

Do not freeze this salad because the mayo and sour cream will separate and the texture will change.

tips to make Classic Southern Pea Salad

• Use thawed frozen peas for best color and texture.
• Cook and cool eggs and bacon before adding to keep salad firm.
• Taste the dressing before adding; adjust salt and cayenne to your liking.
• Let it chill at least an hour so flavors meld.

variation — Classic Southern Pea Salad

• Make it vegetarian: skip bacon and add toasted nuts or extra cheese.
• Add crunch: use 1/2 cup chopped celery or diced bell pepper.
• Swap dairy: use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing (mix with a bit of mayo to keep creaminess).

FAQs — Classic Southern Pea Salad

Q: Can I use canned peas instead of frozen for Classic Southern Pea Salad?
A: Yes. Drain and rinse canned peas well. Gently pat dry so the salad does not get watery.

Q: How long does Classic Southern Pea Salad last in the fridge?
A: It will stay fresh 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving.

Q: What can I bring to a picnic with Classic Southern Pea Salad?
A: Bring sturdy sides and breads that do well in warm weather. Buy it here if you need a good cooler for transport.

Q: Can I make Classic Southern Pea Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and keep it chilled. The flavors improve with a few hours of resting.

Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad is a cool and creamy side dish that mixes peas, bacon, eggs, and cheddar for a tasty Southern classic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Southern

Servings 8 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 1 package (16-ounce) frozen sweet peas, thawed (canned peas work too)
• 2 eggs hard-boiled and chopped
• 4 to 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional) Ham can be used as an alternative to bacon.
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions Substitute with regular onions if preferred.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use your favorite cheese.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)
• A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

 

Combine the Salad

• In a large bowl, add thawed peas, chopped eggs, crumbled bacon or ham, green onions, and shredded cheddar.

Season

• Add black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir well.

Dress It Up

• In another bowl, whisk mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Pour over the pea mix and gently stir to coat.

Chill and Serve

• Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour so the flavors blend.

Enjoy

• Serve chilled as a side at your next barbecue or family meal.

Notes

Store Classic Southern Pea Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 3 to 4 days for best flavor and texture. Do not freeze this salad because the mayo and sour cream will separate and the texture will change. Use thawed frozen peas for best color and texture. Cook and cool eggs and bacon before adding to keep salad firm. Taste the dressing before adding; adjust salt and cayenne to your liking. Let it chill at least an hour so flavors meld.

Keyword Barbecue Side, Classic Salad, Creamy Salad, Pea Salad, Potluck Dish