INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them. Once thawed, drain them well and pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Mix the Salad Components:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas, red onion, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped dill pickles. Toss the ingredients gently to mix them evenly.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture. Gently stir until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the pea salad chilled, and enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite main courses.
Tips for Success
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute fresh peas for frozen ones, but make sure to blanch them briefly before using.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular additions include hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, or chopped bell peppers.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
