Creamy English Pea Salad with Bacon & Cheddar: The Ultimate Easy Side Dish Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate English Pea Salad recipe that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with an incredible mix of textures. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a vibrant, refreshing, and utterly delicious classic featuring tender sweet peas, savory crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, zesty dressing. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, special gatherings, potlucks, or any time you need a show-stopping side. Serve this chilled, family-favorite pea salad year-round alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a Blue Cheese Vinaigrette for an unforgettable culinary experience!
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⭐ Why This Creamy English Pea Salad Will Be Your New Favorite
This Creamy English Pea Salad stands out as a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that consistently delights. Its allure lies in its perfect blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a rich, tangy dressing. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: Each bite delivers a harmonious medley of tastes. The natural sweetness of the peas is wonderfully complemented by the salty crunch of bacon, the sharp tang of cheddar, and the crisp bite of red onion and celery.
- Velvety & Tangy Dressing: The secret to this salad’s appeal is its luxurious dressing. Crafted from a combination of creamy Greek yogurt and smooth mayonnaise, along with a hint of sugar and apple cider vinegar, it offers a refreshing tang and a velvety consistency that perfectly coats every ingredient without being heavy.
- Delightful Texture Contrast: This salad is a textural wonderland! You’ll enjoy the tender burst of the peas, the satisfying crunch of fresh celery and red onion, and the irresistible crispiness of the bacon bits, all enveloped in the smooth dressing.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed for ease. Using frozen peas means minimal prep, and the entire dish comes together in just minutes. It’s perfect for those times when you need a quick, delicious side without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Remarkably Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard BBQ, preparing a holiday feast, or simply looking for a refreshing accompaniment to your weeknight dinner, this pea salad fits every occasion. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses, from grilled chicken to hearty casseroles.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Option: One of its biggest advantages is that it tastes even better when made in advance! Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or for busy hosts.
Serve this classic side salad with dishes like Classic Potato Salad, Chicken Curry Salad with Grapes, or Sweet Corn Pasta Salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For heartier pairings, it’s excellent alongside Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, Crusted Chicken Romano, or No Ketchup Meatloaf. No need to keep anything warm or reheat – just scoop and enjoy!
🥘 Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pea Salad
Over the years, I’ve perfected this English Pea Salad recipe, settling on a combination of ingredients that create the most balanced and delightful flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Frozen Peas: The cornerstone of this easy recipe! Opt for high-quality frozen sweet peas. They are conveniently pre-blanched and taste incredibly fresh once thawed. Simply defrost them, and they’re ready to be tossed into your salad, saving you valuable prep time.
- Cooked Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon bits are a game-changer in this salad, adding a depth of savory flavor and an irresistible crunch. The smoky notes pair exquisitely with the sweetness of the peas and the tang of the dressing. You can cook your own bacon until extra crispy and then crumble it, or use pre-cooked bacon bits for even quicker assembly.
- Grated Cheese: Extra sharp cheddar cheese is my top recommendation for its bold, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties of cheddar, such as mild or medium, or even a blend if you prefer. Freshly shredded cheese always melts better and has a superior texture compared to pre-shredded options.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion provides a mild, pungent kick and a crucial crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft peas. If you find red onion too strong, green onions offer a milder alternative.
- Celery: Don’t underestimate the power of finely chopped celery! It contributes essential crunch and a subtle earthy flavor, making the salad feel even more refreshing.
- Greek Yogurt: A key component of the creamy dressing, non-fat Greek yogurt adds a wonderful tang and a lighter, healthier base compared to using only mayonnaise. It contributes to the dressing’s smooth, almost velvety consistency.
- Mayonnaise: For that classic creamy richness, mayonnaise is essential. It perfectly balances the tanginess of the Greek yogurt and helps bind all the ingredients together in the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar brightens the entire dressing, adding a necessary acidic note that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the tang of the yogurt, bringing out the natural sweetness of the peas and creating a well-rounded dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples are vital for seasoning the salad to your liking. Start with about ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
For precise measurements and the complete list of ingredients, please refer to the recipe card below.
📖 Creative Substitutions for Your English Pea Salad
One of the best things about this English Pea Salad is its adaptability. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic substitutions and additions to make this classic recipe uniquely yours:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: For an extra boost of protein and a creamy texture, consider adding 3 or 4 finely chopped hard-boiled eggs. They’re a classic addition to many Southern-style salads.
- Ham Instead of Bacon: If bacon isn’t your preference, substitute with an equal amount of finely diced cooked ham. It offers a different savory flavor profile while still providing a lovely texture. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat entirely.
- Crunchy Alternatives: Instead of or in addition to celery, try chopped water chestnuts for a unique crispness, or add finely diced green or red bell peppers for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Onion Variations: If red onion is too strong for your palate, diced green onions (scallions) offer a milder, fresher onion flavor that works beautifully in this creamy pea salad.
- Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar is highly recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different savory note.
- Dressing Customization: For a lighter dressing, you can increase the ratio of Greek yogurt to mayonnaise. For a richer dressing, do the opposite. You can also experiment with a dash of garlic powder or a pinch of dill for extra flavor.
- Make it a Meal: Transform this side dish into a more substantial meal by adding cooked, shredded chicken or grilled shrimp for a protein-packed salad.
This recipe yields a generous bowl of English Pea Salad, perfect for sharing. However, if you’re catering to a large crowd or want leftovers (which are highly recommended!), doubling the recipe is always a good idea since this creamy salad tends to disappear quickly.
If you’re a true pea enthusiast and enjoy easy, crowd-pleasing salads, you might also want to try my Four P Salad. It’s another simple and delicious option that’s always a hit!
💭 Frequently Asked Questions About English Pea Salad
Absolutely no cooking required for the peas in this recipe! That’s one of the reasons this English Pea Salad is so incredibly easy. You just need to defrost your frozen peas. It’s perfectly fine if the peas are still a little chilly or even slightly frozen when you mix everything together; they will fully thaw and integrate as the salad chills. To defrost them ahead of time, simply remove the bag from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for an hour or two. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the sealed bag on the kitchen counter at room temperature for a shorter period, but the fridge is the best and safest option for thawing.
While you technically could use canned peas as a substitute, it’s generally not recommended for this specific recipe. Canned peas are typically much softer and sometimes a bit mushy compared to defrosted frozen peas, which retain more of their firm, tender texture and fresh flavor. Using canned peas would significantly alter the delightful crunch and overall texture that makes this creamy pea salad so appealing. For the best results, stick with frozen sweet peas.
For the very best flavor and texture, store your Old Fashioned Pea Salad covered tightly in the refrigerator and plan to enjoy it within 3-4 days. The dressing will keep the peas and other vegetables fresh, but over time, the ingredients will soften slightly. Making it a day in advance is actually ideal, as it allows the flavors to fully meld together, enhancing the deliciousness of this easy side dish.
The term “English peas” is simply another common name for what are also known as green peas, sweet peas, or garden peas. These are the classic, round peas that are shelled from their pods. The “English” distinction helps to differentiate them from other varieties like snow peas or sugar snap peas, where the entire pod is edible. In contrast, the pods of English peas are tough and fibrous, making them unsuitable for eating. So, English Pea Salad just refers to a salad made with these traditional shelled sweet peas.
Yes, absolutely! To make this English Pea Salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. The salad will still be incredibly flavorful with the combination of sweet peas, sharp cheddar, crisp celery, red onion, and the creamy, tangy dressing. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or chopped hard-boiled eggs for more substance and flavor.
For perfectly crispy bacon that crumbles beautifully into your bacon pea salad, I recommend baking it in the oven. Lay bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup). Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness, flipping halfway through. Drain on paper towels, then cool completely before crumbling. This method ensures even cooking and less mess than pan-frying.
🥗 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Delicious English Pea Salad
Preparing this incredibly flavorful and easy English Pea Salad is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful side dish ready to chill. Here’s how to make this family-favorite creamy pea salad:
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed frozen peas, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, crispy cooked bacon (crumbled), and shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese. Gently stir these ingredients together until they are well combined. This initial mix ensures an even distribution of all the wonderful textures and flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the non-fat Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is completely smooth, creamy, and all ingredients are fully incorporated. This creates the incredible, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that ties the entire salad together.
Step 3: Combine and Chill. Pour the freshly made creamy dressing over the pea mixture in the large bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing. Avoid over-mixing, but ensure everything is well-distributed.
Pro Tip for the Best Flavor: For the most delicious and well-integrated flavors, it’s crucial to refrigerate your English Pea Salad for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is wonderfully refreshing when it hits the table. Ideally, a few hours or even overnight will yield an even richer taste!
📋 More Delicious & Easy Salad Recipes to Try
If you loved this Creamy English Pea Salad, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic side salads and main-dish salads from my collection. They are all designed to be easy to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for any meal or gathering!
- Shrimp Cocktail Cups
- 20 BEST Potluck Salads & Sides for Summer
- Mixed Bean Salad
- Chicken Curry Salad with Grapes
If you tried this English Pea Salad or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback helps me create more delicious content!
Recipe Card: Creamy English Pea Salad
English Pea Salad: Creamy, Crunchy, and Delicious
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Ingredients
- 1, 28 ounce bag frozen sweet peas – thawed (do not cook)
- 1 ½ cup celery – finely chopped (about four stalks for added crunch)
- ¼ cup red onion – finely chopped (for a subtle bite)
- 1 cup bacon – cooked until crispy and crumbled (essential for savory flavor)
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese – freshly shredded (for best flavor and texture)
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt – (for creamy tanginess)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise – (for rich creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – (to brighten flavors)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – (to balance the tang)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to your liking (start with about ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine your thawed frozen peas, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, crispy cooked and crumbled bacon, and shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure an even mix.
Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the non-fat Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined, with no lumps.
Combine and Chill: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the pea mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spatula or large spoon until all the fresh ingredients are thoroughly coated in the delicious dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the English Pea Salad for at least one hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to fully develop and meld, resulting in the best possible taste and a wonderfully refreshing texture.
Notes
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 320mg
Potassium: 361mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 1000IU
Vitamin C: 41mg
Calcium: 168mg
Iron: 2mg
Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database, so they’re just a rough estimate not an exact science.
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