Old Fashioned Pea Salad – Creamy Delights for Every Bite Recipe
Introduction
Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a creamy and satisfying dish that brings together simple ingredients for a nostalgic taste. Perfect as a side or a light lunch, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (creamy base)
- ¼ cup sour cream (adds tanginess)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for creaminess)
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup bacon bits (smoky and crispy)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Thaw the peas by letting them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or by rinsing under cool water and draining well.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and bacon bits.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold everything together until well mixed.
- Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Before serving, sprinkle the fresh dill or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or toasted walnuts.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter tang.
- Try smoked cheddar cheese for a deeper flavor.
- Make the salad a day ahead to let flavors develop even more.
Storage
Store the pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and should be kept cold to maintain freshness and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used. Blanch them briefly in boiling water, then cool in ice water before adding to the salad to maintain their bright color and texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and omit the bacon and eggs or replace them with smoked tofu and vegan egg substitutes.
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Old Fashioned Pea Salad – Creamy Delights for Every Bite Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a classic creamy side dish that combines tender peas with a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, enriched with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a nostalgic and flavorful salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup bacon bits (smoky and crispy)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (creamy base)
- ¼ cup sour cream (adds tanginess)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Thaw the peas: Let the frozen peas sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or rinse them under cool water and drain thoroughly to ensure they are thawed and not soggy.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the thawed peas with shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and smoky bacon bits.
- Add dressing to salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the combined ingredients and gently fold everything together to evenly coat the salad without mashing the peas.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped dill or parsley over the salad to add a fresh herbaceous note and visual appeal.
Notes
- Thaw peas properly to avoid excess water which can dilute the dressing.
- Use freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled eggs for best texture.
- Customize bacon bits by using cooked and crumbled bacon if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be made a day ahead; just stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pea salad, creamy pea salad, old fashioned salad, mayonnaise salad, picnic side dish, potluck salad
