This classic dish has a rich flavor that will please you any time of the year. You’ll never go back to store-bought peanut butter again after you try this delicious recipe. It’s time to take a break from salads! Pea salad is an easy and colorful salad recipe that will save you time when the weather gets warmer.
Why you should make Pea Salad!
You’d never guess it by the weather outside in most of the U.S., but summer is right around the corner! It means tons of time at the beach, parks, and picnics. It also means lots of hungry friends and family.
This delicious summer salad with chicken is so creamy that it’s a perfect combination with bacon, red onions, and cheese that will have your guests begging for more. A South Carolina classic that’s always on the table in the south, this salad is a great opportunity to indulge. This simple salad is so quick to prepare that you might not believe how easy it is to make.
Salad Ingredients
Separately these ingredients are delicious but together they make a perfect side dish that will complement all your upcoming meals. This is an excellent dish to serve with fried chicken, BBQ, grilled meats, or even just have in a bowl as a main dish.
canned peas – You can use frozen peas but they won’t last as long, so fresh, organic peas are usually recommended for best taste.
The best way to cook bacon is to cook it through. Remove the bacon from the freezer and let it thaw. Then drain the excess liquid before placing in a salad.
It’s not usually a problem to use microwave bacon, but it’s better to make your own if you have the time and patience to do it right.
cheese, shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese all work best in this salad.
Some people like CHUNKS of cheddar cheese, and that’s a style choice that’s fine.
Diced onion – Onion is a fairly strong ingredient.
If you are looking to create a creamy sauce to coat your pasta, soak the basil leaves in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and then add to the sauce. salt and pepper 1/2 cup heavy cream – Optional, but I like it in a recipe like this.
How to make Pea Salad with Cheese
In a large mixing bowl combine thawed peas, bacon, onions, both kinds of shredded cheese, mayonnaise and mix well so that all your ingredients are covered.
Season your steak with a little bit of salt and pepper, mix it up again, and let it sit in the pan for a minute or two before adding the onions.
To keep the flavors of the dressing in the cold for four hours, or to overnight in the refrigerator to give it more time to chill, add a bit of extra liquid and mix well before
Mixing the green pea salad well one more time isn’t necessary. Just give it a good stir.
Transferring cold food for Potlucks
It’s easier than you think! Here’s how I carry one of my favorite salad dressings on the go. When it’s really hot, use a Thermo carrier. This will protect your food from the heat so that it stays super cold.
FAQ’s
Do you have to thaw frozen peas?
No, it’s best to leave frozen pieces of chicken in the freezer, as they’re less likely to leak. The fridge should be left alone for two hours before making salads so that any food will thaw slowly. If you need to make the salad quickly, just remove the peas from the bag and rinse them in cold water until defrosted.
How long does creamy pea salad last?
Peanut butter is one of my favorite recipes so I’d say it’s a recipe for days or weeks. This delicious salad is best when eaten as soon as possible. It’s fine to make a day ahead and serve.
How to store cold pea salad.
Peas will keep in the fridge for about a week, but the flavor will improve significantly after that. Seal in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad gets better the longer it sits, so keep a close eye on it to make sure you don’t eat the entire thing. To avoid the salad going soft, please cut the bacon into very thin slices and only put as much into the salad as will fit comfortably.
Can canned peas be used in pea salad?
No. You want to use fresh shelled peas. Canned peas are blanched, and if that’s the only vegetable in the recipe, it won’t make a delicious salad.
Canned pea is an excellent pantry addition. If your pantry is full, go ahead and add a few cans of beans to your list.
COOKING BACON IS EASY
Make this a healthful and filling snack by substituting the lettuce for baby spinach leaves or kale.
Make your own bacon. Air-fry, bake or smoke your own bacon.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking for something fun and easy to serve at your next party, this salad is a hit! Add in more bacon, cut up tomatoes, green onions, or even make your pea salad with boiled eggs.
You can make pea salad with pasta. You can even do it without bacon! Just be sure to remove the bacon.
I changed it up by adding chunks of cheddar cheese (over shredded), which gave it a more authentic taste. Or, for a more unique cheese like blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta cheese, try that.
Related Summer Salad Recipes
Looking for a fruit salad to take with you? This book will provide many delicious recipes to make you feel good about eating more fruit. Try Old Fashioned Ambrosia Salad – just like Grandma used to make!
Or if you want something savory, try this amish macaroni salad. It’s one of my favorite salads and it’s loaded with fresh veggies. There are so many greens we love, and it’s difficult to choose one to be our favorite, but nothing makes us happier than homemade creamed peas. Make sure you grab that recipe too!