Introduction

If you’ve ever attended a Southern potluck, you know that few dishes get the same rave reviews as a classic Southern pea salad. This creamy, flavorful side dish combines tender peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing that makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a backyard barbecue, or just a weeknight family meal, this pea salad adds a comforting touch of Southern charm to your table.

My Recipe Story

Growing up in the South, my family always had a bowl of pea salad at every holiday gathering. My grandmother would spend hours preparing it, carefully crisping the bacon and making the dressing from scratch. I remember sneaking bites straight from the mixing bowl, delighted by the contrast of creamy dressing, salty bacon, and the fresh sweetness of peas. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to make it simpler and faster without sacrificing any of the flavors I loved as a child. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes for potlucks and weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a classic Southern favorite that’s nostalgic and comforting.
Quick and easy to make with minimal prep time.
Combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Perfect for large gatherings, potlucks, or family meals.
Customizable with optional add-ins like onions, peppers, or different cheeses.
Can be made ahead, saving time on busy days.

Ingredient Breakdown

The key ingredients in Southern pea salad are simple, but each plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fresh or frozen peas are the foundation of the dish. They add a sweet, slightly crisp bite that complements the creamy dressing and the other mix-ins. Frozen peas are convenient and maintain a vibrant green color when cooked properly.

Bacon is another essential ingredient, providing a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender peas. I prefer using thick-cut bacon and cooking it until it’s extra crispy, then crumbling it into small pieces. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory depth that elevates the flavor profile, while red onion adds a touch of pungency and a little color to the salad.

The dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. This creamy, slightly tangy mixture binds all the ingredients together, giving the salad a luscious texture without being overly heavy. Optional seasonings like black pepper and smoked paprika add subtle warmth and enhance the overall flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Medium saucepan (for cooking peas if using fresh)

Skillet (for crisping bacon)
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
Serving dish or bowl

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the bacon: Place bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. This method ensures the bacon cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crunchy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble it into small pieces. Reserve a little bacon grease if you’d like to drizzle over the salad for extra flavor.

Prepare the peas: If using fresh peas, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil and add the peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes until tender but still bright green. If using frozen peas, simply blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes and then drain. Transfer peas to a large mixing bowl and let them cool slightly.
Dice the onion and cheese: Finely chop red onion into small pieces so that the flavor is evenly distributed without overpowering the salad. Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside. These ingredients will add texture, color, and savory richness to your salad.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This dressing will tie together all the flavors in your pea salad.

Assemble the salad: Add the crumbled bacon, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with peas. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that each pea is coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill before serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive salad. Give it a gentle stir before serving.
Serve and enjoy: Transfer the pea salad to a serving dish, optionally sprinkle with extra crumbled bacon or chopped fresh herbs for garnish. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.

Variations & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap cheddar cheese for feta or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Red onion can be replaced with green onions or shallots for a milder taste. If you prefer a lighter dressing, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or use smoked tempeh for a smoky flavor.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Use frozen peas if fresh peas aren’t available—they maintain color and texture well.
Cook bacon until very crispy; chewy bacon can make the salad greasy and heavy.

Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing by adding more sugar or vinegar according to your taste.
For extra flair, sprinkle smoked paprika or fresh herbs over the salad just before serving.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. While pea salad doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise and cheese, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad on the day you plan to serve it. This makes it convenient for potlucks or busy weeknights.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Southern pea salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side with fried chicken, pulled pork, or grilled steaks. It also works well at picnics or potlucks, paired with cornbread, baked beans, or coleslaw. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

FAQ

Q: Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen?
A: While canned peas can work in a pinch, they tend to be softer and less flavorful. Fresh or frozen peas are preferred for the best texture and taste.

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes! Replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit the bacon, or use a plant-based bacon substitute.

Q: How long should I chill the salad before serving?
A: Chilling for at least 1–2 hours is ideal to allow the flavors to meld together. Overnight chilling is even better for maximum flavor.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, celery, or cherry tomatoes can add extra color, crunch, and flavor.

Q: Can this salad be made ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

Classic Southern pea salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a nostalgic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipe that brings people together. With its creamy dressing, crisp bacon, and flavorful mix-ins, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a simple family dinner. Easy to make, customizable, and always delicious, this recipe is a must-have in any Southern-inspired cooking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, this pea salad is sure to become a favorite at your table.

Classic Southern Pea Salad

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy Southern pea salad with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups frozen peas, thawed
6 slices thick-cut bacon

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.

Cook peas in boiling water for 2–3 minutes if fresh, or blanch frozen peas for 1–2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Finely dice red onion and shred cheddar cheese. Add both to the peas.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and fold gently until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra bacon or fresh herbs.

Notes

Make ahead for convenience; keeps 3 days refrigerated. Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or omit bacon for a vegetarian version. Pairs well with fried chicken, pulled pork, or cornbread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish

Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American