The Best Creamy English Pea Salad Recipe: Quick & Easy Southern Comfort
Dive into the delightful world of **English Pea Salad**, a true Southern classic that promises a burst of fresh flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. This incredibly quick and easy side dish combines the natural sweetness of green peas with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, the sharp zest of red onion, and the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese. All these wonderful ingredients are lovingly coated in a rich, tangy, mayo-based dressing, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any lunch, dinner, or special gathering.
This **no-cook, Southern pea salad** is an absolute dream to make! Forget spending hours in the kitchen; with just about ten minutes of active prep time, you’ll have a beautifully vibrant and incredibly delicious side dish ready to chill. It’s truly that simple and straightforward.
At its heart, **English pea salad** is a delightful medley of thawed frozen green peas, robustly flavored crunchy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese, all generously coated in a luscious, mayo-based creamy dressing. The combination creates a harmony of textures and tastes – sweet, savory, tangy, and a touch spicy, making it an unforgettable addition to any meal.
What makes this **creamy pea salad** truly special is its adaptability. It’s not just quick and satisfying, but also incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Feel free to swap out the bacon for savory diced ham, opt for cubed cheddar cheese instead of shredded, or add nutrient-rich hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this recipe uniquely yours!
Planning for a large gathering? No problem! This **easy pea salad recipe** scales up effortlessly. If you’re preparing for a picnic, potluck, or a family reunion, simply double or triple the ingredients to ensure there’s enough of this delectable dish to feed a hungry crowd. Its make-ahead friendly nature means less stress on the day of your event, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it chills.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pea Salad Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this **classic Southern pea salad**. Here are just a few:
- Effortlessly Quick & Simple: With literally zero cook time (aside from the bacon, which can be prepped in advance!), this salad comes together in a flash. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dish for a gathering.
- Irresistible Flavor & Texture Combination: The magic lies in the contrast. You get the sweetness of the peas, the smoky saltiness of crispy bacon, the bite of red onion, and the creamy richness of cheddar, all brought together by a zesty, creamy dressing. It’s a symphony for your taste buds!
- Highly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you want to add more vegetables, change up the cheese, or experiment with different meats, it’s incredibly forgiving and delicious every time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual backyard barbecues and summer picnics to festive holiday meals and elegant potlucks, this **creamy English pea salad** fits right in. It’s a versatile side that complements a wide array of main dishes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors actually improve as this salad chills, making it an ideal dish to prepare hours or even a day in advance. This saves you precious time and effort when entertaining.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made with commonly available and affordable ingredients, this salad is as kind to your wallet as it is delicious to eat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pea Salad
Crafting the ultimate **English pea salad** starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature creamy, crunchy, and flavor-packed profile.
- Peas: A 12-ounce bag of frozen peas is your go-to. These are typically “sweet peas” or “English peas” and offer the best vibrant color, fresh flavor, and firm-yet-tender texture. **Crucially, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and well-drained** to prevent your salad from becoming watery or icy. Avoid canned peas for this recipe, as their mushy texture and often dull color won’t deliver the desired results for a truly enjoyable **creamy pea salad**.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon is non-negotiable for that salty, smoky crunch! While thick-cut bacon offers a more substantial bite, any kind of cooked bacon will work beautifully. Cook it until perfectly crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. This is a fantastic recipe to utilize leftover bacon from breakfast, or you can easily prepare it ahead of time. For a delicious variation, consider swapping the bacon with finely diced ham, especially around holidays!
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, and its sharp, tangy notes complement the other ingredients perfectly. Whether you prefer shredded or small cubes, the choice is yours! Shredded cheddar melts into the dressing slightly, while cubes provide distinct pockets of cheesy flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with different cheddar varieties, from mild to extra sharp, based on your preference.
- Red Onion: Diced red onion adds a welcome spicy crunch and a vibrant color that cuts through the richness of the dressing. Its assertive flavor provides a fantastic balance to the sweetness of the peas. If you find raw red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding, or substitute with milder green onions or finely diced shallots. If onions aren’t your thing at all, simply omit them.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of our dressing. Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess, balancing the richness of the mayo. Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle zesty lift to the dressing.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon of granulated sugar helps to balance the acidity of the dressing and enhance the natural sweetness of the peas. For a **keto-friendly English pea salad**, simply omit the sugar or use a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt is essential to season the dressing and bring all the flavors into harmony. Taste and adjust as needed.
How to Make English Pea Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious **Southern pea salad** is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect creamy and crunchy side dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt. Use a spoon or whisk to stir these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. Set this vibrant, tangy dressing aside while you prepare the main salad components.
Step 2: Assemble the Pea Salad Components
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly thawed and well-drained green peas, the shredded cheddar cheese, and the diced red onion. If you plan to chill your salad for longer than 30 minutes, it’s best to leave out the crispy bacon for now. This helps preserve its crunch. You can stir in the bacon right before serving to maintain its perfect texture.
Step 3: Combine with Dressing and Chill
Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the peas, cheese, and red onion mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir everything together with a large spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated in the luscious dressing. Make sure every pea and piece of cheese is embraced by the creamy goodness.
Once combined, cover the bowl and place the **creamy English pea salad** in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, resulting in a much more delicious and refreshing salad. Just before serving, stir in the crispy bacon to ensure it retains its delightful crunch, then serve cold and enjoy!
Top Recipe Tips for the Perfect English Pea Salad
To ensure your **easy pea salad** turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Properly Thaw & Drain Peas: This is crucial!
- Overnight in the refrigerator: For best results, place the bag of frozen peas in the fridge overnight. They’ll be perfectly thawed by morning.
- Quick Thaw: If you forget, simply place the bag of peas on the counter for less than an hour, or transfer them to a colander and rinse under cold water for a few minutes until thawed.
- Always Drain Well: No matter how you thaw them, make sure to drain the peas thoroughly. Excess water will dilute the dressing and make your salad watery. You can even gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Prep Bacon Ahead of Time: For a truly **quick English pea salad** assembly, cook and crumble your bacon a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cuts down on your active prep time significantly.
- Customize Dressing to Your Liking: If you prefer a lighter dressing on your salad, start by adding only half of the prepared dressing to the main ingredients. Stir everything together, then gradually add more until you achieve your desired creaminess and consistency.
- Unleash Your Creativity with Customizations: This recipe is incredibly versatile!
- Meat Alternatives: Not a fan of bacon? Swap it for diced smoked ham, cooked turkey bacon, or even omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Add Veggies: Boost the freshness by adding finely diced celery for extra crunch, sweet red bell peppers for color, or even a handful of fresh dill or parsley for herbaceous notes. Diced pimentos also add a lovely touch.
- Extra Protein: Hard-boiled eggs, chopped, are a classic addition to many Southern salads and pair wonderfully here.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is traditional, feel free to try Colby Jack, a mild Swiss, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Keto-Friendly: This **English pea salad recipe** can easily be adapted for a keto diet. Simply leave out the teaspoon of sugar in the dressing, or replace it with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to maintain a hint of sweetness.
- Chill for Optimal Flavor: Don’t skip the chilling step! The minimum 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious salad. Ideally, an hour or two is even better.
- Serving Suggestions: This **creamy pea salad** is a perfect companion to grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, fried fish, pulled pork sandwiches, or any casual meal where you need a refreshing, flavorful side. It’s also fantastic scooped onto a bed of fresh lettuce.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Pea Salad
Yes, “English peas” is simply another common name for the variety of green peas that are typically shelled and eaten. They are also widely known as “garden peas” or “sweet peas.” These are the peas you commonly find in the frozen section of your grocery store. While they grow in pods, like snap peas, their pods are fibrous and not meant to be eaten. The peas must be removed from the pod first, then they can be enjoyed fresh or cooked in various dishes, like this delicious **creamy pea salad**.
It is highly recommended to avoid using canned peas for this **English pea salad recipe**. Canned peas undergo a different cooking process that results in a much softer, almost mushy texture, which would not be appealing in a creamy, crunchy salad. They also tend to have a duller color and a less vibrant, sometimes metallic, flavor compared to fresh or frozen sweet peas. For the best taste and texture, stick with properly thawed and drained frozen green peas.
Absolutely! This **Southern pea salad** is actually best when made ahead of time, as chilling allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen. It’s important to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving. For optimal flavor development, aim for 2 to 4 hours of chilling time. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for the freshest taste and best texture, particularly for the bacon’s crispiness (if added with the initial mix), it is ideal to serve within 24 hours of preparation. If making it more than 30 minutes in advance, consider adding the crispy bacon just before serving to maintain its crunch.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Try
- Rocket and Parmesan Salad
- Quinoa Salad with Feta & Peaches
- Easy Pesto Egg Salad
- Spinach Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette & Pears
English Pea Salad
Carolyn
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Large Bowl
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Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 12 ounce peas, thawed & drained
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
For the dressing:
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- pinch kosher salt
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the mayo, sour cream, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt, Stir well with a spoon, then set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the peas, shredded cheese, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the peas and stir until well combined.
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Place the pea salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Stir in the bacon and serve!
Nutrition