Classic Pea Salad: A Timeless Side Dish

How to Make Classic Pea Salad

1. Prepare the Peas

• Begin by thawing the frozen peas. You can either leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or run them under cold water in a colander. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Cook the Bacon

• Fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet, let them cool on a paper towel, and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.

3. Make the Dressing

• In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, and sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill and Serve

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips for the Best Classic Pea Salad

• Fresh peas: While frozen peas are most commonly used, you can substitute with fresh peas for an even brighter flavor. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water and let them cool.
• Add extra crunch: Throw in some diced celery or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for additional texture.
• Make it lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or opt for light mayo to make this salad healthier.

Variations to Try

• Add hard-boiled eggs: Sliced or chopped eggs can make this dish even heartier.
• Switch up the cheese: Use cubed sharp cheddar, gouda, or even feta for a new flavor twist.
• Incorporate herbs: Add fresh dill or parsley for an herbal kick.