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.
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.