Easy Bacon Pea Salad Recipe with Cheddar and Creamy Dressing

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a good Bacon Pea Salad. It’s the kind of side dish that quietly disappears from the table because everyone keeps going back for “just one more spoonful.”

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This creamy pea salad brings together sweet green peas, crisp bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion in a tangy, lightly sweet dressing. Best of all, there’s no complicated cooking involved once the bacon is ready!

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Pea Salad

This recipe has so much going for it:

• Quick and easy: Most of the work is simply mixing everything together.
• Make-ahead friendly: It actually gets better after some time in the refrigerator.
• Perfect for gatherings: It travels well and makes a colorful addition to a buffet.
• Creamy and crunchy: Every bite has a lovely mix of textures.
• Budget-friendly: The ingredient list is simple and easy to find.
• Versatile: Serve it with burgers, grilled chicken, sandwiches, or a holiday dinner.

And that combination of sweet peas, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy dressing? Anything but boring!!

What Does Bacon Pea Salad Taste Like?

The peas bring a naturally sweet, fresh flavor, while the bacon adds a savory, smoky note. Cheddar gives the salad a little richness and bite, and red onion adds just enough sharpness to keep things interesting.

The dressing ties everything together with creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, a little vinegar, and a touch of sugar.

After chilling, the flavors blend beautifully, creating that classic cold deli-salad taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad

• 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed and well drained
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, or about 2 ounces cubed
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion or sweet white onion

For the Creamy Dressing

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Kitchen Tools

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Grab:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisk or fork
• Rubber spatula or large spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Airtight storage container

Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ins

One of my favorite things about this salad is how easy it is to make your own.

Make It A Little Lighter

Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing with a slightly lighter feel.

Change the Bacon

Regular bacon is my favorite here, but turkey bacon can also work if that's what you have available.

Switch the Cheese

Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with:

• Colby
• Monterey Jack
• Gouda
• Pepper Jack

Add More Crunch

Want a little extra texture? Try adding finely chopped:

• Celery
• Water chestnuts
• Cucumber
• Sunflower seeds

Fresh parsley or dill can also add a lovely pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Bacon Pea Salad

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