Creamy, crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor, this Bacon Pea Salad is an easy side dish for potlucks, BBQs, family dinners, and meal prep. Sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs are tossed in a rich, tangy creamy dressing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Salad
4 cups frozen green peas, thawed
8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup red onion, finely diced
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill, optional
For the Creamy Dressing
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the peas:
Place the thawed peas in a colander and drain well. Pat dry if they seem watery.
Cook the bacon:
Cook until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Make the dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Combine the salad:
Add the peas, cheddar cheese, red onion, chopped eggs, herbs, and most of the bacon to the bowl.
Toss gently:
Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve:
Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top just before serving.
Nut Information & Allergy Guide
This recipe contains no nuts or peanuts as written. It is naturally nut-free when prepared with nut-free ingredients.
However, always check labels on:
Mayonnaise
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Cheddar cheese
Bacon
Seasonings and spice blends
Some packaged products may be processed in facilities that also handle peanuts or tree nuts.
Common Allergy Notes
Eggs: Contains eggs from mayonnaise and hard-boiled eggs.
Dairy: Contains cheddar cheese and sour cream, unless dairy-free alternatives are used.
Gluten: Naturally gluten-free if all packaged ingredients, especially bacon and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
Nuts: No nuts are required.
Peanuts: No peanuts are required.
Nut-Free Variation
Do not add nuts. For extra crunch, try:
Crispy bacon
Roasted sunflower seeds, if tolerated
Pumpkin seeds
Extra diced red onion
Always check for cross-contact if serving someone with a severe nut allergy.
Tips for the Best Pea Salad
Don’t overcook the peas. Thawing is enough; they should stay bright and slightly firm.
Add bacon before serving if you want it extra crispy.
Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheesy flavor.
For a lighter version, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Make it a few hours ahead—the flavor gets even better after chilling.
Delicious Variations
Ranch Bacon Pea Salad
Add 1–2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning to the dressing.
Extra Cheesy Version
Use a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack cheese.
Mediterranean-Inspired
Add chopped cucumber, fresh dill, and a little crumbled feta.
High-Protein Version
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add extra chopped eggs or diced cooked chicken.
Low-Carb Version
Replace part of the peas with chopped broccoli or cauliflower to reduce the carbohydrate content.
What to Serve With Bacon Pea Salad
This creamy side dish goes beautifully with:
Grilled chicken
Burgers
BBQ ribs
Steak
Baked salmon
Roasted chicken
Sandwiches and wraps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bacon Pea Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. For the crispiest texture, reserve some bacon and add it just before serving.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas?
No. Simply thaw them and drain well. They will retain a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
Can I use canned peas?
Yes, but frozen peas are recommended because they have a firmer texture and fresher flavor.
How long does Bacon Pea Salad last in the refrigerator?
Store it in an airtight container and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended. The creamy dressing may separate, and the peas and eggs can become watery after thawing.
Can I make it without eggs?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the hard-boiled eggs.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free sour cream or yogurt alternative.
Is Bacon Pea Salad keto-friendly?
Traditional pea salad is not strictly keto because peas contain carbohydrates. For a lower-carb version, replace some or all of the peas with broccoli or cauliflower.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, the recipe itself contains no peanuts or tree nuts. Always check individual product labels for possible cross-contact if preparing it for someone with a serious allergy.
How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Reserve some cooked bacon and sprinkle it on top immediately before serving.
Final Touch
This Creamy Bacon Pea Salad is the perfect combination of sweet peas, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, crunchy onion, and tangy creamy dressing. It is easy to make, crowd-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering!
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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