Southern Pea Salad

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Sweet, creamy, and dotted with crisp pops of green peas, this Southern Pea Salad is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgic comfort and bold flavor, thanks to smoky bacon, tangy cheddar, and tender chunks of boiled egg. Served cold, it’s refreshing yet filling, making it ideal for potlucks, cookouts, or just a cozy lunch at home.

What makes this dish shine is its irresistible texture—crunchy, creamy, and crisp all in one bite. The best part? You can toss it together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients from your fridge and pantry. No oven needed, just good old-fashioned stirring and chilling.

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What Kind of Peas Should I Use for Southern Pea Salad?

Go for frozen peas—they’re the sweet spot (literally). Frozen green peas hold their color, texture, and flavor best for this recipe. Canned peas tend to get too soft, and fresh ones require cooking. Just thaw the frozen peas and pat them dry before mixing.

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Ingredients for the Southern Pea Salad

Frozen Green Peas – The base of the salad. Make sure they’re thawed but still firm for that signature bite.

Hard-Boiled Eggs – These add protein and a velvety texture. Chop or quarter them depending on your presentation preference.

Bacon – Cooked until crispy and crumbled over the salad. Adds a savory, smoky punch.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – For a creamy tang that balances the sweetness of the peas.

Red Onion – Thinly sliced to add a bite and a pop of color.

Mayonnaise – The creamy binder that holds it all together.

Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and smoothness without overpowering the other flavors.

Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.

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How To Make the Southern Pea Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Thaw the frozen peas under cold water and drain them well. Pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Chop the hard-boiled eggs and red onion. Shred the cheddar cheese if using a block. Crumble the crispy bacon.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine the Veggies and Protein

To the bowl with the dressing, add the thawed peas, chopped eggs, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and red onion. Gently fold everything together with a spatula so you don’t mash the peas.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give it a gentle stir. Add a few extra bacon crumbles or egg slices on top for presentation if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Southern Pea Salad

This salad is best served cold, making it a fantastic side for BBQ ribs, fried chicken, sandwiches, or grilled burgers. Serve it in a chilled bowl for extra refreshment on hot days.

To store leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again. It’s not freezer-friendly, as freezing will alter the texture of the peas and mayo-based dressing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?

You can, but the texture won’t be as crisp. If you must, rinse and drain them thoroughly and handle gently to avoid mushiness.

What kind of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon that’s cooked crispy adds the best crunch and flavor. Avoid soft or chewy bacon for this dish.

Is it okay to make this a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle. Just store it in the fridge and stir gently before serving.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a little extra protein and tang without changing the flavor too much.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon or swap it for a vegetarian alternative like smoky tempeh crumbles or coconut bacon.

What other veggies can I add?

Chopped celery, diced bell pepper, or shredded carrots are all great options if you want extra crunch and color.

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Want More Salad Ideas with a Southern Twist?

If you’re loving this Southern Pea Salad, you might also enjoy these bold and flavorful creations:

• Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad for creamy, nostalgic goodness.
• Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad with smoky chili and lime punch.
• Popcorn Salad – yes, it’s a thing, and it’s wildly addictive.
• Grilled Peach and Honey Mustard Dressing that doubles as a salad topper.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot as a pairing dish that balances this cold salad beautifully.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it fast when the next cookout or picnic rolls around.

And if you give it a try, let me know in the comments! Did you mix in celery or leave it classic? Did you top it with extra bacon like I always do?

I absolutely love seeing how y’all make these recipes your own. Feel free to ask questions—we’re all learning together.

Looking for more daily recipes? Visit my Pinterest at Life with Jam to keep your inspiration flowing!

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