If you’ve somehow made it through life without trying a Classic Pea Salad, it’s time to question your choices—and fix them immediately.
This creamy pea salad is the kind of retro, no-fuss dish that shows up at every backyard BBQ, church potluck, and suspiciously themed family reunion… and somehow it always disappears first.
I grew up watching my grandma throw together this green pea salad like it was a magic trick—dump, stir, chill, done. No culinary degree required. Just sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and that glorious creamy dressing that basically makes the whole thing socially acceptable to eat by the shovel-full.
Trust me, this is the best pea salad for when you want a side dish that’s fast, foolproof, and secretly everyone’s favorite—even if they won’t admit it.
Classic Pea Salad
Equipment
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce bag frozen green peas
- 1 ⅓ cups mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 2.8-ounce bag real bacon bit pieces or 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- Thaw the Peas: Take the peas out of the freezer, dump them into a colander, and let them thaw on the counter while you handle the rest. No need to cook them—this is a salad, not a soup.1 16-ounce bag frozen green peas
- Mix the Dressing: In a big bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. It's your creamy base—don’t overthink it.1 ⅓ cups mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add the Good Stuff: Toss in the chopped red onion, shredded cheddar, and bacon bits (or real bacon if you're feeling fancy). Stir everything together so it’s evenly coated.1 small red onion, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 2.8-ounce bag real bacon bit pieces or 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Fold in the Peas: Now gently fold in the thawed peas. Try not to mash them unless you’re into pea mush (no judgment, but maybe don't bring that version to the picnic).
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This gives all the flavors time to become best friends.
Classic Pea Salad Tips & Tricks – Because Yes, You Can Still Mess This Up 😂
🥶 Use Frozen Peas, Not Canned (Unless You Like Sad Salad)
Frozen peas are the MVP here. They stay firm, bright, and happy. Canned peas? They’re just… tired. Save yourself the mushy regret.
🧂 Season the Dressing Like You Mean It
Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, or sugar. The creamy dressing is what makes this the best pea salad ever, not a bland, sad bowl of green.
🥓 Real Bacon Beats Bacon Bits (But I Get It, We’re Busy)
If you have time, fry up some real bacon until it’s crispy and crumbles like a dream. If you’re running late (or just lazy, no judgment), good quality bacon bits will absolutely save the day.
🧀 Grate Your Own Cheese (Or Don’t, but Don’t Complain Later)
Freshly shredded cheddar melts a little into the salad and tastes way better than the pre-bagged stuff. But hey, if your biggest goal is “minimal effort, maximum glory,” pre-shredded is totally allowed.
🧅 Red Onion = Flavor Bomb 💣
Use red onion for that sharp, punchy bite. If you’re scared of feeling like you just ate a raw onion sandwich, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes first. Game changer.
⏰ Chill Out (Literally)
Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour. Trust me, it’s way better when the peas are cold, the dressing has thickened, and everything has had time to be friends.
🎯 Swap-ortunities If You’re Feeling Wild
- Green onions instead of red if you want less bite
- Pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar if you’re feeling spicy 🌶️
- Add diced ham if you want to pretend it’s a full meal (spoiler: it’s still a salad)
- A splash of apple cider vinegar if you like your dressing a little zippy
🍴 Double It or Regret It
This stuff vanishes fast. I’ve seen grown adults elbow kids at a potluck over the last scoop. Double the batch if you value peace.
