Description
Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor, this Southern Pea Salad is the ultimate comfort side dish. Made with tender green peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a seasoned mayo dressing, it’s a timeless Southern classic. Whether you’re planning quick lunch ideas, an easy dinner side, or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck recipe, this one hits every mark. Perfect for BBQs, holiday spreads, or weekday meal prep, this dish delivers nostalgic charm with every bite. Keywords: quick salad, easy dinner, comfort food, Southern food ideas, healthy snack, cold side dish, easy recipe.
Ingredients
2 cups frozen green peas (thawed and dried)
3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup chopped green onions
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Thaw the frozen peas by letting them sit at room temperature in a colander. Once thawed, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble once cooled.
3. Boil the eggs for 10–12 minutes, cool them in an ice bath, peel, and chop.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
5. Add peas, eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
6. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated and creamy.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Give it a light stir before serving, and add a sprinkle of paprika or extra bacon on top, if desired.
Notes
Make sure your peas are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid a watery salad.
For best texture, add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
The salad can be made a day ahead and actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing/Boiling/Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: southern pea salad, cold pea salad, easy salad, quick side dish, Southern food, picnic salad, potluck ideas