This creamy pea salad with bacon combines crisp green peas, crunchy bacon, cheese and tangy ranch dressing for a flavorful side dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Combining the sweetness of green peas with the savory crunch and saltiness of bacon, this pea salad with bacon is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat.
What sets our version apart is the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess from the ranch dressing, complementing the main ingredients without overpowering them. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese adds depth, while chopped red onions provide a subtle kick that keeps your taste buds coming back for more.
Best of all, this pea salad recipe with bacon comes together in under 30 minutes—it only needs 10 minutes of prep—making it an excellent choice for your next barbecue or potluck.
Ingredients for Pea Salad with Bacon
Frozen peas: The star of this dish, frozen peas provide a sweet base for the salad and a distinctive green color.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese imparts a tangy depth of flavor and richness to the pea salad recipe.
Ranch dressing: Ranch provides a rich, herb-infused flavor and creaminess to this green pea salad with bacon.
Red onion: Chopped red onion brings a mild spiciness to the recipe that balances the richness of the bacon and dressing.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky and salty crunch to the salad, complementing the sweet green peas excellently.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the peas
Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them. Drain well, pat the peas dry and transfer the peas to a large bowl.
Editor’s Tip: Use your microwave’s defrost setting for a few minutes to thaw the peas out even faster.
Step 2: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces when cool.
Editor’s Tip: For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven on an aluminum-lined baking sheet at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Add the cheddar cheese, red onion, ranch dressing, salt and pepper to the bowl with the peas. Mix everything together until it’s evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the crumbled bacon before serving.
Pea Salad with Bacon Variations
Add some herbs: Stir in chopped mint, dill or parsley for an extra burst of freshness and color to the salad.
NEXT PAGE
ADVERTISEMENT
