Classic Southern Pea Salad 🥓 is a refreshing and simple side dish perfect for barbecues or family gatherings. This salad combines sweet peas, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing for a delightful and satisfying flavor. Below are the detailed ingredients you'll need to create this delicious salad.
INGREDIENTS
- Frozen Sweet Peas: 1 (16-ounce) package, thawed. Canned peas can also be used.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: 2, chopped for added protein and texture.
- Bacon: 4 to 6 slices, cooked until crisp and crumbled. Alternatively, use 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham.
- Green Onions: 1/2 cup, chopped. Regular onions can be used if preferred.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, or use your favorite cheese for added flavor.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, to season the salad.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to taste.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon, for subtle garlic flavor.
- Celery Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon, or substitute with 1/2 cup of chopped celery for crunch.
- Cayenne Pepper: A sprinkle, for a touch of heat.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup, for the creamy dressing base.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup, to add creaminess and tang.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 2: Season
- Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Dress It Up
- In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture.
- Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
- Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
- Step 5: Enjoy
- Serve this Classic Southern Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Classic Southern Pea Salad chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- This salad is a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to substitute the cheddar with your favorite variety.
- For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- To add extra crunch, consider adding chopped bell peppers or radishes.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Paula Deen: "Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make your salad shine."
- Chef Bobby Flay: "Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A little extra cayenne can really elevate the dish."
- Chef Ina Garten: "Letting the salad chill for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully."