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. To prepare, combine thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Season with black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds, and a dash of cayenne. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
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."