Creamy Pea Salad With Bacon

Green Pea Salad with Bacon is one of our favorite spring and summertime side dishes. Crisp green peas are a staple around our house, whether we grow our own or raid our mom’s garden! But even on the years we don’t plant peas, we love to make this vibrant, crisp and creamy salad. The dish just adds the right amount of color and flavor to so many summer meals. It’s easy, low carb, completely gluten free, and so yummy! Make this salad for your next patio picnic, spring luncheon or neighborhood potluck supper.

Ingredients in Pea Salad

Frozen Peas – you can also use fresh or canned peas. Mayonnaise – To make this pea salad a bit more healthy, you can substitute Greek Yogurt for the mayo in the sauce. If you like the flavor of Miracle Whip instead, swap that for the mayo too. Another sauce option is to whisk in Ranch dressing or Italian dressing. It won’t be as creamy but it’s really delicious! Sour Cream White Vinegar – Add a little extra vinegar to give the sauce a bit more zing. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – one teaspoon salt and pepper, or more to taste Bacon – Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon if you wish. Cheddar Cheese – I think sharp cheddar cheese has the best flavor for this salad. If you want to use less cheese, you can shred the cheese instead of using chunks. That’ll make it go further too!

Variations to this Pea Salad Recipe

I have seen this pea salad recipe made about a dozen different ways at least. Everyone seems to have a preference with their pea salad. Some just like it creamy, some like it to have some crunch. It really just depends on your taste. Personally, I just like it how it is. “If it ain’t broke.. ” ya know? Anyway, for those of you who want to add a little something more, here are some common mix-in ideas:

boiled egg diced ham peanuts cashews smoked almonds green onion or chives chopped red onion – to make sure the onion doesn’t overtake the flavor of your pea salad, soak the diced onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes and then drain before adding. chopped mint or other fresh herbs feta cheese blue cheese pickles water chestnuts minced garlic fresh dill

Using Frozen Peas

When making this salad, I almost always reach for a bag of frozen peas. I love fresh peas, but when they’re not in season frozen is perfect! They’re easy to prepare because they’ve already been blanched before freezing. So all you have to do is just run them under some cool water, or let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Perfectly green, crisp, and flavorful every single time.

What to Serve with Pea Salad

Pea salad pairs perfectly with anything from backyard burgers to Sunday roasted chicken. It’s the perfect side dish for just about any meal. It tastes delicious alongside a honey ham dinner, steaks, fish, chicken, anything at all! Pea salad is also a delicious light supper all on its own, especially when you add diced ham, chicken or hard boiled eggs. Read Next: 35+ Best BBQ Side Dishes