Easy Pea Salad with Bacon

This easy pea salad with bacon is a quick, creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with ham or roasted chicken for an effortless dinner.

this recipe!

Serve this easy pea salad with bacon alongside a classic baked ham or juicy oven roasted chicken for a simple, dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

• 6-8 strips pre-cooked bacon
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 16 ounces frozen petite peas, thawed

Substitutions

You can use fresh peas and cook them after shelling the peas for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool before using in the salad.

If you prefer to lighten up the dressing you can use greek yogurt instead of the sour cream.

Use the cheddar cheese of your preference we prefer an older sharp or even a medium cheddar over a mild cheddar in this salad.

You can also use real bacon bits or cook up your own bacon to use in place of the pre-cooked bacon.

Step by step instructions for how to make pea salad

1. Place the pre-cooked bacon in the air fryer. Cook at 350° F. for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crumbly. Remove from the air fryer and place on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cut or pull apart to make the crumbles. Set aside. Reserve a tablespoon to top the salad.
2. In a large bowl add the sour cream, mayonnaise, white granulated sugar, white wine vinegar, coarse kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined.
3. Add the crumbled bacon (reserve 1 tablespoon for the top), cheddar cheese, and red onion. Mix until combined.
4. Add the peas and gently mix with a spatula or spoon until all the ingredients are combined.
5. Top with the remainder of the bacon crumbles. 

Variations

You can make different recipes for pea salad by using cubes or chunks of ham instead of the bacon in pea salad.

Use your favorite ranch dressing to make a pea salad with creamy ranch dressing and bacon instead of our dressing.

Sandra’s top tips for making the best pea salad recipe

• Canned peas are too soft for this dish, frozen peas are the best to use
• You can also add in cubed ham or 3 or 5 chopped hard boiled eggs and 8 ounces of elbow macaroni if you wish

Storage and freezing instructions

You can store any leftovers by covering your dish with plastic wrap or using an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

We do not recommend freezing this salad.