Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Easy Classic Pea Salad is a creamy, tasty, and simple dish. It solves the problem of needing a quick, satisfying side. After making this many times, I know the secret to creamy texture. The rich flavors and crisp textures make it craveable. Try this with our Easy Thai Drunken Noodles. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil and Spice and Easy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake with Feta and Mozzarella.
Why This Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and tasty
- Quick to make
- Perfect for any meal
- Family favorite
What You'll Need for Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 12 oz frozen peas
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- Optional: 1 green onion, chopped
- Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
📝 Ingredient Notes
- peas: Use frozen peas for convenience and better texture.
- bacon: Cook bacon until crispy for best flavor and texture.
- cheddar: Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- croutons: Fresh or store-bought croutons work well.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents bacon from sticking and ensures even cooking. → See on Amazon
- Mixing bowl — Ideal for combining ingredients without splashing. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Thaw Peas: Thaw frozen peas in a colander under running water.
- Mix Dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add peas, cooked bacon, cheddar, and croutons to the dressing. Toss to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve chilled.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
- Seasoning: Adjust seasoning to taste. Add more salt or pepper as needed.
- Common mistake and fix: Overmixing can make the salad too wet. Mix just until ingredients are coated.
- Texture: Use fresh croutons for better crunch. Store-bought works too.
- Storage: Pea salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 2 days in advance. Add croutons just before serving.
Freezing Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a sharp knife to cut bacon for even cooking.
- Best substitution: Replace cheddar with gouda for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the base ingredients in advance. Add dressing and croutons just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too wet, add more croutons or drain the peas more thoroughly.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cooling rack — Helps prevent condensation and keeps the salad from getting soggy. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen peas
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup croutons
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Optional Toppings
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Thaw Peas: Thaw frozen peas in a colander under running water.
- Mix Dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add peas, cooked bacon, cheddar, and croutons to the dressing. Toss to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a sharp knife to cut bacon for even cooking.
- Best substitution: Replace cheddar with gouda for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the base ingredients in advance. Add dressing and croutons just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too wet, add more croutons or drain the peas more thoroughly.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Oven reheat: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Make ahead: Make up to 2 days in advance. Add croutons just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days in advance. Add croutons just before serving to keep them fresh.
Too much dressing can make the salad too wet. Start with less dressing and add more as needed. Drain peas well before mixing.
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Add fresh croutons before serving.
You can use turkey bacon or skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for spring. The fresh peas and crispy bacon make it light and delicious.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
