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