Hearty Pea Salad Recipe

I absolutely adore this Hearty Pea Salad because it perfectly combines the creamy tang of the dressing with the smoky kick from the bacon, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s such a breeze to whip up, and it brings a nostalgic, comforting twist to any meal with its delicious mix of flavors and textures.

What I love about this Hearty Pea Salad is how it takes simple but flavorful ingredients and combines them into a dish that’s perfect for any meal and packed with nutrition. The sweetness of the peas and honey is beautifully balanced by the tangy apple cider vinegar, and with each bite, you’re met with a delightful crunch from diced cheddar and crumbled bacon.

I can’t get over how satisfying this salad is!

Ingredients

Frozen Peas:
High in fiber and protein, contributing natural sweetness.

Cheddar Cheese:
Creamy texture; source of protein and calcium.

Red Onion:
Delivers a crisp, zesty taste, loaded with antioxidants.

Bacon:
Imparts delicious taste, a satisfying crunch, and a protein boost.

Mayonnaise:
Base is creamy, ties ingredients together, flavor is rich.

Sour Cream:
Imparts a sharp, creamy deliciousness and deep complexity to the flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar:
Illuminates and evens out flavors, celebrated for its well-documented health advantages.

Honey:
Delivers natural sweetness, strikes a balance with tartness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, mix the peas that have thawed, the diced cheddar cheese, the finely chopped red onion, and the crumbled bacon. Stir gently to combine and distribute the ingredients evenly.

2. In a smaller separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and honey.

3. Beat the dressing components together until they are perfectly combined and smooth.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture of peas, cheese, onions, and bacon.

5. Carefully combine the components until all the parts are uniformly dressed.

6. Sample the salad and fine-tune the seasoning of salt and pepper to your liking, making sure to mix again if you add any more seasoning.

7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap to keep the salad fresh while it chills.

8. Prior to serving, provide the salad with a gentle stir to relocate any dressing that may have settled.

9. Put the salad in a serving dish or bowl to present.

10. Chill and serve your Hearty Pea Salad as a side dish or a light main dish, and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Whisk
6. Mixing spoon
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Spoon or spatula for stirring
10. Plastic wrap or lid for covering the bowl
11. Serving dish or bowl

FAQ

• Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?Certainly! Fresh peas can be used. Blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water until tender. Then cool them before adding to the salad.
• Is there a substitute for mayo?For a healthier version of the dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?Of course. You can just omit the bacon or utilize a vegetarian bacon substitute, if you wish.
• How long can I store the salad in the refrigerator?The salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days. Before serving, stir well.
• What other cheese can I use instead of cheddar?This salad would also be good with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
• Can I make the salad in advance?Indeed, preparing it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to blend, but the bacon must go in just before serving to keep it crisp.
• Is there a way to make it sweeter?Prefer a sweeter salad? Increase the amount of honey or add diced apples for a natural sweetness boost.

Substitutions and Variations

For a tangy twist, substitute feta cheese for cheddar cheese.
Replace the red onion with green onions to achieve a milder taste.
Make turkey bacon your protein of choice for a lighter alternative.
Choose Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier option.
If you want a different kind of sweet flavor, you can use maple syrup instead of honey.

Pro Tips

1. After thawing the peas, gently pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

2. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley to the salad just before serving.

3. Enhance the salad’s taste by using smoked cheddar or another type of flavorful cheese instead of regular cheddar.

4. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes into the dressing.

5. Try toasting the crumbled bacon in the oven for a few minutes before adding it to the salad to intensify its crispiness and flavor.