Classic Pea Salad
This is the salad your grandma swore by—and for good reason. It’s cold, creamy, salty, crunchy, and somehow green without being remotely healthy. Packed with frozen peas (don’t cook them, seriously), crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a mayo dressing that ties it all together like a potluck peace treaty, this Midwest favorite is the no-fuss hero of summer cookouts.
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.