Why Make This Recipe

Southern Pea Salad Classic is a delightful dish that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. This salad brings a wonderful combination of textures and tastes, making it a fantastic side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or any family gathering. Its creamy base and crunchy elements create a perfect balance that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to include veggies in your meal!

How to Make Southern Pea Salad Classic

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (or canned peas)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup cooked and chopped ham, optional)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (or regular onions, if preferred)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred 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)
A sprinkle of cayenne pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend together wonderfully.

How to Serve Southern Pea Salad Classic

Serve your Southern Pea Salad Classic cold, straight from the fridge. It makes a great side dish to grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. For an eye-catching presentation, you might want to serve it in a glass bowl, allowing all the colorful ingredients to show.

How to Store Southern Pea Salad Classic

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. Note that the flavors will continue to develop as it sits, so it may taste even better the next day!

Tips to Make Southern Pea Salad Classic

Ensure you thaw your frozen peas completely before mixing; this helps the salad maintain a nice texture.
For a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
If you want a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream according to your taste.

Variation

You can switch out the bacon for diced cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp for a different flavor. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also give the salad a fresh touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen or canned?
Yes, you can use fresh peas; just make sure they are cooked and cooled before adding them to the salad.

2. Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce the calories while still keeping it creamy.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually tastes better when made ahead of time. It’s perfect for prepping a day before your event!