If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish, look no further than Classic Pea Salad! This creamy and crunchy salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; my relatives couldn’t get enough of it! It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy days or casual weekend potlucks. Think of it as the cousin of classic recipes like Potato Salad, but with a delightful twist that keeps things light and fun. So, are you ready to toss together something fabulous? Let’s dive right into this delightful dish!
What is Classic Pea Salad?
So, what’s in a name? Classic Pea Salad sounds simple, but this dish is a powerhouse of flavor! Why do we call it “Classic?” Maybe it’s because it never goes out of style, or perhaps it has charmed its way into every backyard barbecue, picnic, and holiday dinner you’ve attended. You know what they say: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this salad definitely captures hearts! If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
There are many reasons to adore Classic Pea Salad! First and foremost, the main highlight is its creamy, delicious dressing that perfectly coats every little pea, creating a wonderful burst of flavor in each bite. Who knew peas could be so exciting? Making this dish at home not only saves you money, but it also allows you to customize it to your taste. Plus, it’s packed with mouth-watering ingredients like crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. If you love light yet satisfying salads, why not also explore our Broccoli Salad for more leafy goodness? Make this recipe yourself and prepare to fall in love!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Classic Pea Salad is incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for a quick side dish or a picnic treat. In less than 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delightful salad ready to chill. With its creamy texture and crunchy bits, it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it!
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Step-by-Step
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt until everything is smooth and combined. Set this aside – it’s the creamy magic that will bring your salad to life!
- Assemble the Salad: Now it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Toss the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and cubed cheddar cheese into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together to coat the peas beautifully.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and stick it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial; it allows all those flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Just before you’re ready to impress your guests, give it a gentle stir. Taste for seasoning; you might want to add a pinch more salt. Garnish with a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top for that extra wow factor!
What to Serve Classic Pea Salad With
Looking for perfect pairings? Classic Pea Salad goes exceptionally well with grilled meats, especially burgers or chicken. It also makes a delightful complement to dishes like BBQ ribs or a hearty steak. To wash it all down, consider serving it with some lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing touch!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the bacon for crispy chickpeas or add in some nuts for extra crunch!
- Timing Adjustments: If you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step, but I guarantee it tastes even better after an hour!
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Be careful not to overmix the salad, as you want to keep those peas intact for a lovely bite.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Classic Pea Salad will store well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’re thinking about freezing, I recommend enjoying it fresh instead, as the texture may change upon thawing. Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you do, just serve it slightly chilled for the best flavor!
FAQs
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
- What can I use instead of mayonnaise? You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version!
Conclusion
Classic Pea Salad is a delightful mix of flavors that will surely become a favorite in your household. Its creamy texture, paired with crispy bacon and fresh veggies, makes it a perfect side dish for any meal. So why not give this easy recipe a try? You and your family will be glad you did!
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and salt until smooth.
- Add thawed peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and cubed cheddar cheese. Gently stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, stir gently and taste for seasoning. Garnish with extra bacon if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. This salad tastes even better when made a day ahead!
