“`html
If you are craving a vibrant, comforting side dish that bursts with flavor and nostalgia, the Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad unites tender sweet peas with creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and the perfect hint of spice to create a salad that feels like a warm embrace from the South. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply brightening up your dinner table, this salad balances freshness and richness in every bite, making it a timeless favorite you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential, but don’t worry—this Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly staples that together create a symphony of taste and texture. Each component, from the crisp bacon to the creamy dressing, works beautifully to transform simple peas into something extraordinary.
- Frozen sweet peas (16 ounces): These tender, naturally sweet gems are the base that makes this salad so fresh and vibrant.
- Hard-boiled eggs (2): Chopped eggs add a rich, silky texture and boost the protein to keep the salad satisfying.
- Bacon or ham (4-6 slices bacon or 1 cup chopped ham): Adds that irresistible smoky crunch or savory bite—feel free to omit for a lighter version.
- Green onion (1/2 cup chopped): Offers a mild, fresh sharpness that balances creamy and smoky flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and melty, cheddar adds an indulgently creamy, cheesy note that’s essential.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to give a subtle warmth and depth to the salad.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of aromatic savoriness.
- Celery seeds or chopped celery (1/2 teaspoon seeds or 1/2 cup celery): Provides a slight crunch and a refreshing herbal note.
- Cayenne pepper (a dash): Gives a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy dressing base that smooths all ingredients together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and richness, making the salad wonderfully luscious.
How to Make Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing your thawed sweet peas into a large salad bowl, then add in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, smoky crisp bacon or ham if using, and the fresh green onions. Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese along with the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds or crunchy celery, and a small dash of cayenne pepper. Each ingredient brings something special—think texture, color, and that perfect balance of flavors that Southern cuisine is famous for.
Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Dressing
Next up is the magic moment when you fold in the mayonnaise and sour cream. This step is where the salad takes on its signature creaminess. Gently mix everything until the peas and toppings are evenly coated, making sure every bite will deliver a velvety blend of cool and savory goodness.
Step 3: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for a couple of hours. This downtime allows the flavors to mingle and deepen beautifully. Chilling also firms up the salad just enough to hold together nicely, making it a perfect prep-ahead dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Step 4: Serve Chilled and Enjoy
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir to freshen it up. Serve it cold straight from the fridge for that classic taste and texture—the hallmark of the Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that garners compliments every time!
How to Serve Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, don’t hesitate to sprinkle some extra crispy bacon bits or a dusting of freshly ground black pepper on top. Chopped fresh parsley or chives also add a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous lift that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This pea salad pairs beautifully with a variety of Southern classics. Serve it alongside barbecue ribs, fried chicken, or grilled pork chops to balance bold main dishes with a cool, creamy contrast. It’s also fantastic next to sandwiches or as part of a potluck spread where you want a fresh, crowd-pleasing salad option.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, try serving individual portions in small glass jars or colorful ramekins—this works great for picnics or buffets. You can also use the salad as a stuffing for lettuce cups, creating bite-sized snacks that are fresh and fun. The cheerful colors and delightful textures will make every presentation feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe stays tasty in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen overnight, but to maintain the best texture, avoid storing it for too long since the peas can get a bit mushy.
Freezing
Because of the delicate mayo and sour cream base, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing will separate the dressing and change the texture of the peas and cheese, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer dish, consider adding the salad on the side of a warm entrée rather than warming the salad itself to preserve its creamy, fresh qualities.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can add a wonderful snap and sweetness. Simply blanch them briefly before adding to the salad to maintain their bright green color and tender texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or ham, and boost the smoky flavor with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or use a smoky vegan bacon substitute to keep the classic taste intact.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as a tangy, healthier alternative to sour cream. It will keep the salad creamy while adding a bit more protein and reducing the fat content.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least two hours is ideal, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can help the flavors marry nicely and make the salad refreshingly cool.
Does the salad taste better the next day?
Yes, many folks find the salad tastes even better after sitting overnight as the flavors have more time to blend and develop, giving you a richer, more cohesive taste experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about making and sharing this Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like home no matter where you are, bursting with colors, flavors, and textures that come together effortlessly. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved staple on Southern tables and soon become a cherished favorite at your own gatherings too. Go ahead, make a batch, and let the good times—and great tastes—roll!
“`
Print
Classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Southern Pea Salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish combining sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and bacon or ham with a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners, this salad is easy to prepare and served chilled for a refreshing taste of Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen sweet peas, thawed and uncooked
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4–6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled, or 1 cup cooked ham, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion (or regular onion)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any kind of cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds or 1/2 cup chopped celery
- Dash of cayenne pepper
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a salad bowl, mix together the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham if using, chopped green onion, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds or chopped celery, and a dash of cayenne pepper ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Dressing: Stir in the mayonnaise and sour cream thoroughly until the salad is well coated and creamy, blending all flavors uniformly.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly, enhancing the taste and texture.
- Serve: After chilling, serve the pea salad cold as a delicious side dish. It yields 6 to 8 servings, ideal for gatherings or family meals.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or ham.
- Use freshly chopped celery for a crunchier texture instead of celery seeds.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for mild or spicier salad.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier option.
