The Dreamiest Creamy Pea Salad Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a delightful creamy pea salad promises a refreshing twist on classic side dishes.

Summer picnics demand something crisp and cool to complement grilled favorites.

Bright green peas mingle with smooth, tangy dressing that instantly catches attention.

Crunchy elements provide unexpected texture against the silky backdrop.

Fresh herbs scattered throughout add aromatic complexity to every delectable bite.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dish perfect for spontaneous gatherings.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next outdoor meal.

Why Creamy Pea Salad Adds A Fresh Twist

• Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal cooking steps and simple ingredients make this pea salad a breeze to assemble, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Texture Sensation: Combines creamy dressing, crisp bacon, tender peas, and crunchy cheese cubes for a delightful multi-textured eating experience that keeps every bite interesting.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile side dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, potlucks, and summer barbecues.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold flavors from ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs, creating a memorable taste profile that stands out from traditional salads.

Everything You Need For Creamy Pea Salad

• Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetables that provide the base for this creamy salad.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a smoky and salty flavor to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that brings creamy richness and tangy notes to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy bases that create a smooth and luxurious dressing.
• Ranch Seasoning: Herb-packed mix that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Red Onion, Fresh Chives: Sharp and aromatic ingredients that add a bright, zesty finish to the salad.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.

How To Make Creamy Pea Salad Fast

Step 1: Prep Cool Green Gems

Rinse frozen peas under cool water to thaw completely. Drain peas thoroughly using a colander to remove all excess liquid.

Step 2: Sizzle Crispy Bacon Bits

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and super crunchy. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease. Crumble bacon into tiny, delightful pieces.

Step 3: Cube Cheesy Goodness

Slice cheddar cheese into small, uniform cubes that will distribute perfectly throughout the salad.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Dreamy Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Ranch seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Coat Peas With Luscious Dressing

Gently fold drained peas into the creamy mixture, ensuring each green gem gets a complete flavor bath.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Texture Bombs

• Crumbled bacon
• Cheese cubes

Mix gently to prevent crushing delicate peas.

Step 7: Chop Flavor Enhancers

• Red onion
• Fresh chives

These will add a sharp, aromatic kick to the salad.

Step 8: Chill And Marinate

Refrigerate salad for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and meld together beautifully.

Step 9: Final Flavor Flourish

Sprinkle chopped red onion and chives on top just before serving for a fresh, zesty finish.

Step 10: Serve And Delight

Present cold as a mouthwatering side dish that promises creamy, tangy, and crunchy excitement in every bite.

Creamy Pea Salad Tips That Work

• Drain Peas Completely: Pat thawed peas dry to prevent watery dressing and ensure creamy texture.
• Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon until golden and extra crunchy for maximum flavor and textural contrast.
• Cube Cheese Uniformly: Cut cheese into small, consistent pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and enhance taste.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped red onion and chives just before serving for a bright, zesty finish.

Fun Takes On Creamy Pea Salad

• Smoky Southwest Pea Salad: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Pea Salad: Use crumbled feta instead of cheddar, mix in chopped fresh dill and mint, and replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Bacon-Less Vegetarian Pea Salad: Substitute bacon with roasted sunflower seeds or crispy chickpea croutons, and add nutritional yeast for a savory umami flavor.
• Protein-Packed Pea Salad: Incorporate diced grilled chicken or cubed hard-boiled eggs, and sprinkle with toasted almonds for extra protein and crunch.

Perfect Pairings For Creamy Pea Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's bright, zesty notes beautifully complement the creamy pea salad's rich texture and cut through its tangy elements.
• Serve with Grilled Chicken: Tender, lightly seasoned grilled chicken provides a protein-rich main course that balances the salad's creamy and crunchy components.
• Match Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic sourdough's tangy flavor and crisp crust offer a delightful contrast to the smooth, cool pea salad.
• Enhance with Chilled Rosé: A light, refreshing rosé wine brings out the salad's fresh herbs and provides a delicate, fruity counterpoint to its creamy profile.

How To Store Creamy Pea Salad With Ease

• Transfer the pea salad to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Keep the salad refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture by storing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Place a paper towel on top of the salad before sealing the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the ingredients crisp.
• Always stir the salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the ingredients after refrigeration.

Quick FAQs About Creamy Pea Salad

• Why do I need to thaw peas under cool running water?

Cool water helps defrost peas evenly and prevents them from becoming mushy, ensuring they maintain their fresh texture and bright green color in the salad.

• Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh peas. Simply blanch them quickly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.

• How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Thoroughly drain thawed peas and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps maintain the creamy dressing’s consistency and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.

Creamy Pea Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy pea salad brings summer’s fresh flavors to your picnic table with crisp bacon and tangy cheese. Cool, zesty ingredients mingle perfectly for a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups frozen peas
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup bacon, crumbled

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Thaw frozen peas completely under cool running water, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
2. Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crunchy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
3. Dice cheddar cheese into uniform small cubes to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
5. Gently fold the drained peas into the creamy dressing, ensuring each pea is evenly coated.
6. Incorporate crumbled bacon and cheese cubes into the pea mixture, stirring carefully to prevent breaking the peas.
7. Finely mince red onion and fresh chives for a sharp, aromatic garnish.
8. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
9. Before serving, sprinkle chopped red onion and chives on top for a fresh, zesty finish.
10. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish that combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures.

Notes

• Properly thaw and drain peas to prevent watery consistency and ensure the salad maintains its creamy texture.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch, which adds delightful textural contrast to the soft peas and creamy dressing.
• Dice cheese and onions uniformly to distribute flavors evenly and create a visually appealing presentation.
• Chill salad for at least an hour to allow flavors to develop and meld, making the dish even more delicious and refreshing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg