CREAMY GREEN PEA SALAD WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE

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Best Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon – Easy Classic Summer Side Dish

Introduction

If there’s one side dish that always disappears first at family cookouts, potlucks, and holiday dinners, it’s this classic creamy pea salad with bacon. It’s cold, creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The sweet peas pair perfectly with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing that tastes just like the kind grandma used to make.

What makes this easy recipe so popular is how simple it is to throw together. There’s no cooking beyond a few basic ingredients, and the entire salad comes together in minutes. It’s one of those dependable make-ahead recipes that works for everything from summer BBQs to baby showers and weeknight dinners.

Whether you need a quick side dish for a crowd or an easy meal prep salad to keep in the fridge, this creamy pea salad delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy side dish ready in minutes
  • Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings
  • Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors
  • Great make-ahead recipe for meal prep
  • Budget-friendly ingredients everyone loves

Classic Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon

Ingredients

  • 3 (14.5 ounce) cans sweet peas, drained
  • 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
  • 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese cubes
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl add the peas, red onion, cheddar cheese, bacon and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and sugar.
  3. Pour the creamy mixture in the large bowl over the peas. Toss until the peas are fully coated.
  4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Is This Pea Salad Healthy?

This creamy pea salad can absolutely fit into a balanced eating plan when enjoyed in moderation. Peas are naturally rich in fiber, plant protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them more nutritious than many traditional creamy side dishes.

The addition of eggs and cheese provides extra protein and healthy fats, helping make the salad more satisfying. If you’d like a lighter version, you can reduce the mayonnaise or substitute part of it with plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and fewer calories.

Because this salad is served cold and can be made ahead, it’s also a convenient option for healthy meal prep and portion-controlled lunches.

Calories & Nutrition

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 280–360
  • Protein: 10–14g
  • Carbohydrates: 14–18g
  • Fat: 20–26g
  • Fiber: 4–6g

Peas provide:

  • Fiber for digestion
  • Plant-based protein
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Folate

Nutrition values may vary depending on dressing ingredients and portion sizes.