Creamy Pea Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Pea Salad with Ranch Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for any gathering. Combining sweet peas, cheddar, bacon, and a tangy ranch dressing, it’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
- 5 cups peas (Birds Eye sweet peas recommended for best texture)
- 5 oz cheddar cheese, cubed into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 oz mushrooms
- 1/2 cup onion
- 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped into 1/2-inch chunks
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 tbsp pimiento
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s preferred for creamier dressing)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2.5 tbsp ranch mix (Hidden Valley recommended for authentic flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine peas, cubed cheddar cheese, mushrooms, onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and pimiento. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, ranch mix, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Step 3: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- If fresh mushrooms are not preferred, try substituting with sliced green onions or omit completely.
Storage
Store the pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and should not be left at room temperature for extended periods.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for this salad?
Yes, frozen peas work well. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. Preparing it a few hours or even the day before helps enhance the flavors, but make sure to keep it refrigerated until serving.
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Creamy Pea Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Pea Salad with Ranch Dressing is a delicious, vibrant side dish perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing complement to any meal. With a mix of sweet peas, sharp cheddar cheese, mushrooms, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored dressing, it’s a satisfying and flavorful salad that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 cups peas (preferably Birds Eye sweet peas for the best texture)
- 5 oz cheddar cheese, cubed into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped into 1/2-inch chunks
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 tbsp pimiento
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2.5 tbsp ranch mix (Hidden Valley for authentic flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the six slices of bacon until crispy, either on the stovetop or in the oven. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble into small pieces.
- Hard-Boil the Eggs: Boil the eggs until hard-cooked, about 10 minutes. Cool under cold water, peel, and chop into 1/2-inch chunks.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the peas, cubed cheddar cheese, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and pimiento. Gently mix to combine all the components evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning mix, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well blended.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently until everything is fully coated in the creamy ranch dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked bacon for best flavor and texture, but crispy pre-cooked bacon can be a convenient alternative.
- If Birds Eye peas are unavailable, any good-quality sweet peas can be used, fresh or thawed from frozen.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir before serving again as dressing may settle.
- Feel free to add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or chives for extra color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pea salad, creamy salad, ranch dressing salad, bacon salad, side dish, easy salad
