Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad is a beloved side dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering. Made with sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon (or ham), and a creamy dressing, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture.

Why Make This Recipe

This Classic Southern Pea Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! With its combination of sweet peas, savory bacon, creamy dressing, and flavorful seasonings, it’s sure to become a favorite at any meal. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

How to Make Classic Southern Pea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) package sweet peas, frozen or canned, drained well
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
• 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery seeds (or ½ cup of chopped celery for added crunch)
• A sprinkle of cayenne pepper, for a touch of heat
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peas:
   • If using frozen peas, thaw them completely and drain any excess water. For canned peas, simply drain them well and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces. Alternatively, if using ham, ensure it’s cooked and chopped into small bits.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or ham, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Season the Mixture:
   • Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds, and a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Mix gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
6. Dress the Salad:
   • Pour the dressing over the pea mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the peas.
7. Chill and Serve:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Final Touches:
   • Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to refresh the coating of the dressing and check if any additional seasoning is needed. Adjust according to taste.

How to Serve Classic Southern Pea Salad

Serve this delicious salad as a side dish or light meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread.

How to Store Classic Southern Pea Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to refresh the flavors.

Tips to Make Classic Southern Pea Salad

• For added crunch, you can use chopped celery instead of celery seeds.
• Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients such as diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
• If making ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned peas instead of frozen? Yes, canned peas can be used instead of frozen peas. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to the salad.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will add a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dressing.