Easy Cold Green Pea Salad with Bacon and Creamy Dressing
Are you looking for a refreshing summer side dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing! This dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor gatherings. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Pea salad is sometimes also known as “cold pea salad” or simply “pea and bacon salad” depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. It may also be called “English pea salad” or “green pea salad” to differentiate it from salads made with other types of peas such as black-eyed peas or chickpeas.
Is cold pea salad healthy?
Cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing can be a healthy option for several reasons:
- Peas: Peas are a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- Bacon: While bacon is not typically considered a healthy food, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Bacon contains protein and small amounts of important nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Creamy dressing: The creamy dressing in this dish can be made healthier by using a low-fat or non-fat yogurt or sour cream as the base. This will reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories in the dressing.
- Low-carb option: Cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing can be a good option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Peas are relatively low in carbohydrates, and the dish can be made without any added sugar or high-carb ingredients.
Overall, cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing can be a healthy option when prepared with fresh, whole food ingredients and enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why you’ll love this recipe
There are several reasons why I love this cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing. Here are a few:
- Refreshing and Light: Cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing is a refreshing and light dish, perfect for hot summer days. It’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a delicious meal.
- Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet peas and salty bacon creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and sweet. The creamy dressing adds a richness to the dish that ties everything together.
- Easy to Make: This dish is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Versatile: Cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or as a main course. It’s also a great option for picnics, potlucks, and other social gatherings.
- Nutritious: Peas are a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, making this dish a nutritious option for those looking to eat healthier.
Overall, the combination of flavors, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits make cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing a popular dish that your family will love.
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What do I need to make a Pea Salad?
To make this salad, you will need the following ingredients:
For the salad you will need:
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
For the dressing you will need:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the full list of ingredients, and the printable recipe, be sure to check out the recipe card below.
Here is a complete guide on how to make this easy and delicious cold pea salad:
- Preparing the Peas
If using fresh peas, shell them and rinse under cold water. If using frozen peas, thaw them and rinse under cold water.
- Cooking the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Making the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red onion, white wine vinegar, and fresh dill until well combined.
- Mixing It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the top and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Seasoning
Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serving
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
This easy cold pea salad with bacon and creamy dressing is a perfect summer side dish. It’s fresh, delicious, and easy to make. You can serve it at your next barbecue or picnic, or enjoy it as a light lunch on a hot summer day. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Make this Creamy Pea Salad, then check out my Spring Green Salad with Asparagus and Radishes, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Spring Salad with Homemade Green Goddess Dressing and more of my Spring salad recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Pea Salad Substitution Ideas
Here are some possible substitutions you can make with a creamy green pea salad with cheese and bacon:
- Vegetarian or vegan option: If you want to make a vegetarian or vegan version of the salad, you can omit the bacon and cheese, and replace the creamy dressing with a non-dairy alternative, such as a vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar or a vegan mayo-based dressing.
- Protein substitute: If you want to add some extra protein to the salad, you can substitute the bacon with chopped cooked chicken, turkey, ham, or tofu.
- Cheese substitute: If you are lactose intolerant or want to reduce your dairy intake, you can replace the cheese with a non-dairy alternative, such as shredded vegan cheese, nutritional yeast, or crumbled tofu.
- Dressing substitute: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can replace the creamy dressing with a vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Alternatively, you can use a yogurt-based dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Herb substitute: If you don’t have any fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute them with dried herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives. However, keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so you may want to use less than you would with fresh herbs.
How to store this pea salad
- Store the salad in an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the salad without squishing it.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad should be eaten within 3-4 days to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Before serving, check the consistency of the salad. If it has become too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream and stir gently to loosen it up.
- Add any toppings or garnishes, such as crumbled bacon or chopped fresh herbs, just before serving. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.
By following these steps, you should be able to store your creamy pea salad with bacon and keep it fresh for several days.
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Other recipes with peas to try
- Classic Tuna Pasta Salad – a classic dish that’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for meal prep. Made with pasta, canned tuna, celery, carrots, peas, green onion and dill, it’s a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Creamy Green Pea Salad with Bacon Recipe
This Creamy Green Pea Salad with Cheese and Bacon so simple to make - just mix together fresh green peas, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese in a tangy dressing, and you're good to go! Perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ingredients for the dressing.
- Over the dressing, add the ingredients for the salad.
- Toss the ingredients in the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Stir prior to serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 353Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 601mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 14g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.
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