Classic Pea Salad With Bacon Recipe

There's something so comforting about a bowl of Classic Pea Salad with Bacon—it’s cool, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The crispness of the peas, the saltiness of the bacon, and the slight tang of the dressing come together in a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

this Recipe

I remember this salad gracing the table at every summer picnic and holiday potluck growing up. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from your grandma, even though it’s served chilled. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser—a winning combination that keeps this dish on repeat.

Let’s dive into what makes this pea salad so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Pea Salad With Bacon

Get ready to fall in love with a retro side dish that’s making a serious comeback. This Classic Pea Salad with Bacon is more than just a summer staple—it’s a versatile, crave-worthy dish you'll find yourself making all year long.

First off, this salad is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With minimal chopping and no stove time (aside from crisping up that bacon), you can whip this together in under 20 minutes. It's a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.

It’s also budget-friendly and made with pantry staples. Frozen peas, mayo, cheese, and bacon—simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. No need for fancy grocery runs or complicated prep.

You’ll love how versatile this salad is, too. Want to add some diced ham? Go for it. Prefer shredded cheddar instead of cubes? Totally fine. It’s the kind of recipe you can tweak to match your taste or whatever’s in your fridge.

And perhaps best of all, it’s a hit with both kids and adults. The creamy dressing balances the sweet peas and savory bacon perfectly, making it a dish even picky eaters will happily devour.

Once you’ve tasted how delicious and simple this salad is, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your menu rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in bringing out that familiar, comforting flavor that makes this salad such a hit.

Let’s start with the frozen green peas—the star of the show. Be sure to use sweet green peas, not canned. Frozen peas retain their bright color and slight crunch after thawing, giving the salad a wonderfully fresh texture. Just give them a quick rinse under cold water to defrost, and they’re ready to go.

Next up is the bacon. You’ll want it crispy so it adds a crunchy, smoky bite in every forkful. I prefer cooking it in a skillet so you can control the texture better, but oven-baked bacon works great too. Be sure to let it cool completely before mixing it into the salad so it stays crisp.

For a pop of creaminess and tang, we use mayonnaise as the base of the dressing. Some folks add a spoonful of sour cream or even a splash of vinegar to punch up the flavor. Personally, I stick with classic mayo to keep that old-fashioned vibe intact.

The cheddar cheese adds richness and a savory note that balances the sweetness of the peas. I like using small cubes for a bit of bite, but shredded cheddar works just as well if that's what you have. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor, but mild is great for a kid-friendly version.

We finish things off with red onion, which brings just the right amount of sharpness. Dice it small so it doesn’t overpower the dish. If raw onion isn’t your thing, a quick soak in cold water will mellow out the bite.

No fancy equipment is needed—just a large mixing bowl, a cutting board, and a good knife. Simple, straightforward, and ready to serve in no time.

How To Make This Classic Pea Salad With Bacon

Putting together this Classic Pea Salad with Bacon couldn’t be easier, and it’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.

Start by thawing your peas. You can do this quickly by placing them in a colander and running them under cold water for a couple of minutes. Shake off any excess moisture and set them aside to drain while you prep the other ingredients.

Next, cook your bacon until it's nice and crispy. Whether you prefer skillet, oven, or even microwave bacon, just make sure it's golden and crunchy. Once cooked, lay it on a paper towel-lined plate to cool and remove extra grease. Then chop or crumble it into small pieces.

While the bacon cools, you can prep the red onion and cheese. Dice the onion finely and cube or shred your cheddar. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll distribute in the salad, giving you that perfect balance in every bite.

In a large bowl, combine the mayo and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir in the red onion and cheddar cheese, followed by the drained peas. Gently fold everything together until the peas are fully coated in the creamy dressing.

Lastly, add the bacon right before serving to keep it crispy. Give everything one last stir, taste for seasoning, and you’re done! The salad is ready to eat, though I like to let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

All in all, the process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, with very little cleanup. Easy, breezy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Storage Options

This salad stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for potlucks or weekly meal prep. Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.

It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though the bacon may soften slightly over time. If you want to preserve the crunch, store the bacon separately and mix it in just before serving.

If you’re prepping this dish in advance, go ahead and assemble everything except the bacon. Mix that in right before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

To reheat? Don’t! This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, just give it a quick stir and let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to bring back the creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap ingredients, add extras, or lighten it up—it’s easy to make it your own.

Looking to make it a little lighter? Swap out the full-fat mayo for light mayo or Greek yogurt. It will give you a similar creamy texture with fewer calories, though the flavor will be a bit tangier.

Not a fan of bacon or need a vegetarian option? Try using smoked almonds or sunflower seeds for that same salty crunch. Or, go with veggie bacon crumbles to keep it plant-based.

You can also toss in hard-boiled eggs, chopped ham, or even some diced pickles for extra texture and flavor. Think of this as a blank canvas for all your favorite add-ins.

If red onion is too sharp for your taste, green onions or shallots are a milder alternative. They’ll still add that savory kick without overpowering the dish.

However you mix it up, don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s part of the charm of a classic like this—it’s endlessly customizable and always delicious.

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