Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a classic side dish that blends sweet green peas with creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and crunchy onions. It’s a nostalgic favorite at potlucks, cookouts, and family dinners—quick to prepare, full of texture, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite
- Incredibly easy to make with minimal prep
- Perfect for make-ahead meals and gatherings
- A retro dish that never goes out of style
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen green peas, thawed
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream (optional)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: diced celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, fresh herbs like parsley or dill
Directions
- Thaw the peas by running them under cold water or letting them sit at room temperature.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir gently until well coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: At least 1 hour
- Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced ham
- Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt or light mayo
- Extra crunch: Add diced celery or water chestnuts
- Herb boost: Stir in fresh dill or parsley for brightness
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days
- Not suitable for freezing due to the creamy dressing
- Serve cold or allow to come to room temperature before serving
FAQs
1. Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Yes, but frozen peas have a fresher taste and better texture.
2. Do I need to cook the peas?
No, just thaw them. Cooking can make them mushy.
3. Is the sugar necessary?
A little sugar balances the tang of the vinegar and complements the peas.
4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge.
5. How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Stir in bacon just before serving or keep it on the side as a topping.
6. What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is traditional, but feel free to try Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
7. Can I omit the onion?
Yes, or use a milder alternative like green onions.
8. How long can it sit out at a picnic?
No more than 2 hours; keep chilled in a cooler for safety.
9. What pairs well with this salad?
It’s great with burgers, barbecue, fried chicken, or sandwiches.
10. Is this salad keto-friendly?
Not quite, but you can make a low-carb version with sugar-free dressing and fewer peas.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and utterly comforting dish that stands the test of time. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s an easy addition to any meal or event. Serve it once, and it’ll likely become a requested favorite at your table.
PrintOld Fashioned Pea Salad
A nostalgic, creamy pea salad tossed with crisp veggies, tangy cheese, and bacon for a crowd‑pleasing side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad/Side Dish
- Method: No‑cook / Mix & Chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 300 g) frozen green peas, thawed
- 1 cup (130 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (75 g) red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup (75 g) red bell pepper, diced
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup (240 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (about ¼ tsp each)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth.
- Add thawed peas, shredded cheddar, chopped red onion, diced red pepper, and crumbled bacon.
- Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly in dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours) to allow flavors to meld and peas to chill.
- Give it a final stir before serving and add more seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled as a potluck side, picnic dish, or BBQ accompaniment.
Notes
- For extra crunch, stir in ½ cup celery or finely chopped cucumber.
- Vegetarian? Skip the bacon or use crispy tempeh bits instead.
- Make-ahead ease: assemble up to 24 hours in advance—drain any excess liquid before serving.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for brightness.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days; stir before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup (about 120 g)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg